Jesse Williams
from Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas [Note that the original page says this article is from this book but I haven't been able to find it - Gina.]Rev. Jesse Williams, minister in charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Ada, is a native of Van Buren County, where he was born March 23, 1864. He is a son of Jesse and Lutitia A. (Claiborne) Williams. Parents were natives of Tennessee, where father was born in 1813, and mother in 1824. They were married in Tennessee about 1843. There were born to that union nine children, six sons and three daughters. Six children are now living, who are named Jesse, the subject of this sketch, who was the sixth son, and John M., David R., William C., George W., and Sarah E., wife of D. F. Cargile, a farmer in Van Buren County. Father emigrated from Tennessee to Missouri, and in 1858 to Arkansas, settling in Van Buren, now Cleburne County. He died March 22, 1890. Mother now lives with son, W. C. Williams, of Cleburne County. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Jesse Williams, the subject, was educated at the common schools, and commenced studying for the ministry in 1884, and was licensed to preach the same year. He was married July 17, 1887, to Miss Zoie England, a daughter of John and Lavesta (Hamilton) England. She was born in Faulkner County, February 17, 1867. To this union has been born one child, Nina. Mrs. Williams' parents were natives of Tennessee. They were married in Missouri, and they were the parents of fifteen children, seven sons and eight daughters. Eleven of these children are now living and are named Anna, Catherine, Nancy J., Harriet R., Rachel E, Zoie, William M., Albert R, Walter, Robert D. and John M. Father died in 1870. He was a member of the Metohdist Episcopal Church, and of the Masonic fraternity. Mother is now living at Quitman. Rev. Mr. Williams, though still a young man, has won many admirers by his brilliancy and promise. All speak highly of him as a courteous gentleman.