Robert Bryarly WILLIAMS, senior member of the firm of WILLIAMS & TEDFORD, editors and proprietors of The Ringgold County Republican, is a son of John T. and Jane (BRYARLY) WILLIAMS, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. They were reared and married in the Keystone State [Pennsylvania], where they lived until 1856. In that year they came to Iowa, and located in Ringgold County. They lived on a farm in Jefferson Township until 1861, when the family removed to Mt. Ayr.

John T. WILLIAMS was for many years one of Ringgold's most prominent citizens. He held the offices successively of recorder and treasurer (before those offices were separated), treasurer, and county judge. In 1875 he was employed as a manager of the grange store, just starting at Mt. Ayr, and he was in charge of this at the time of his death, in 1881. Mrs. WILLIAMS is yet living. Of their nine children, all are living in and near Ringgold County.

The subject of this biographical notice [Robert Bryarly WILLIAMS] was born June 21, 1856, in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and was but an infant when the family came to this State and county. When of suitable age he entered the public school at Mt. Ayr, where he received a good English education. Commencing with 1875, for two years he taught school, first in the country and then in the village of Mt. Ayr. Then for one year he was deputy postmaster, after which he was appointed postmaster. he held this office for two years, resigning to take charge of the store at his father's death. He sold out in 1884, was unemployed for one year, and in 1885 started the Republican, in partnership with Frank WISDOM. The latter's interest is now owned by Rev. J. H. TEDFORD. The Republican has a good following in Ringgold County, and reflects credit upon its owners. Mr. WILLIAMS is personally a clever, popular young man, well fitted for his position.

Mr. WILLIAMS was married February 20, 1879, at Mt. Ayr, to Miss Mary J. WILLEY, daughter of Dr. A. J. WILLEY. They have a son, Harold, born January 31, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. WILLIAMS are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 333, 1887.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009

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