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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of Isaac N. WILLIAMS 

Page 355, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: GANTX, SMALLEY, WELLS, WILLIAMS] 

    
ISAAC N. WILLIAMS. The visitor in Lee Township would not long be in ignorance of the name and character of the gentleman above named, who is numbered among her agriculturists, his home being on section 27. He is one of six children born to John and Nancy (Smalley) Williams, her parents having been natives of Adams County, Ohio. Thence they removed to Winnebago County, this State, residing there for a decade and then locating in Harris Township, this county. Here the father passed away in 1870, the mother surviving until 1872. All their children are living except the youngest son. 
    
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was born in Winnebago County, July 12, 1840. He pursued his studies in the district schools, supplementing the knowledge there obtained by one term at the Bushnell High School. The attempts made against the Union aroused in him a desire to battle for his country, and in 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry. His brother Andrew was one of the gallant sixty thousand who marched with Sherman to the sea and bore his part in the principal battles of that world-famed event. He remained with his comrades until the close of the war, receiving his discharge in May, 1865, and returning to his father's home with an honorable record. 
    
Mr. Williams continued to make his home with his parents until his marriage, in the fall of 1870, when he established himself on the farm he still occupies. His estate now consists of two hundred and eighty-seven acres of excellent land, all under cultivation and well improved. Its present condition is due to the efforts of our subject, who has had a two-story house of convenient arrangement and homelike appearance erected, together with a barn and other outbuildings such as he finds useful. The place is well stocked with domestic animals and machinery, and general farmwork is carried on successfully. 
    
On September 25, 1870, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Sarah, daughter of Daniel and Orilla (Wells) Gantz. Mrs. Williams was born in Brown County, this State, April 2, 1850, and is the youngest and only living child of her parents. She had two sisters and one brother. Her parents were born in Ohio and removed thence to Brown County where both died about 1869. Mrs. Williams is a lady of intelligence, domestic acquirements and excellent character, having many warm friends and being deeply loved by the members of her family. She has borne her husband two sons and two daughters--Budgie, Mary, Grace and Floyd. 
    
Mr. and Mrs. Williams and their two oldest children belong to the Good Templars Order and Mr. Williams is Lodge Deputy. The particular society with which they are identified is Check Row Lodge of Lee Township, which numbers about one hundred and fifteen members and occupies a pleasant hall, 30x40 feet, which is the only hall known to have been built in the country by and especially for a lodge. Mr. Williams was reared as a Democrat but now votes the temperance ticket on all occasions and works earnestly for the advancement of the Prohibition party. He has held the township offices of Supervisor, Collector and Assessor. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, is Steward thereof and Superintendent of the Sunday-school.