W. H. Williams

Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales

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Obituary

W. H. Williams, Long in Newspaper Work Here, at Life's End W. H. Williams, aged 54 years, died after an illness of short duration at the home of his mother-in-law, 912 Mesquite street, at 8 o'clock yesterday morning.

Mr. Williams was born in Corpus Christi on November 11, 1867, and was reared in this city, residing here almost continuously, having at short intervals been engaged in business in Mexico, it was only recently that "Billy" Williams returned from the Southern republic where he had been engaged as superintendent for the El Tigre Mining company in the state of Durango.  Failing health forced Mrs. Williams to give up his position there and return to his old home. After less than a month at his former home death came.

Mr. Williams was a newspaper man from the "ground up", one might say, having been the first route carrier for The Caller many years ago, later a printer, then doing editorial work and performing any other duty necessary for the publication of a newspaper.  He was well and favorably known by almost every citizen of the city.  He was married in May, 1899 to Miss Mabel Hawley.  He was a son of G. B. and Ann Williams.

Surviving Mr. Williams besides his widow is a brother, Ed Williams of Tampico, Mex.; two nieces, Mrs. Clark of Canada and Miss Pauline Williams of Tampico; two cousins, Miss Johnnie Curr and Mrs. M. J. Lege of Corpus Christi.

Interment will be had in the Old Bay View cemetery, where his father and mother are buried, this afternoon at 3 o'clock from the residence on Mesquite street, Rev. Thomas Gregory officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are Thomas B. Southgate, Eli Merriman, Dr. Lempke, "Doc" Berry, Alex Meuly and O. O. Wright. Active pallbearers are Ed Oliver, Eddie Shaw, Earl Bowen, George Blevins, Joe Fitzsimmons and Ed Bagnall.

Source: Corpus Christi Caller, May 30, 1921, p. 2, col. 8

 

WILLIAMS IS DEAD; ROMANCE OF LONG LIFE

W. H. Williams, 54, died yesterday morning at the home of his mother-in-law, 912  Mesquite street, after an illness of short duration.

Mr. Williams was born in Corpus Christi on November 11, 1867, and was raised in this city and resided here almost continuously, but was engaged in business in Mexico.  Less than a month ago failing health forced Mr. Williams to give up his position in the Southern Republic and return to Corpus Christi.

For more than 20 years Mr. Williams dwelt in the mining districts of Mexico. He operated properties in Coahuila, Sonora, Durango and Guanjuato.   His property in the Parral district at the time of he first revolution broke out was considered immensely valuable and he is credited with having more that $40,000 in gold in a Parral bank at that time.  Forced by conditions to flee the  country temporarily, Mrs. Williams discovered when he was able to return that his mining land had been confiscated and his money stolen.

Mr. Williams was a newspaper man of much experience. He served as the first route carrier on The Caller, later serving as a printer then doing editorial work and performing other newspaper duties.

He was married in May 1899, to Miss Mabel Hawley.  Surviving him besides his widow are a brother, Ed Williams, of Tampico, Mexico; two nieces, Mrs. Clark and Miss Pauline Williams; two cousins, Miss Johnnie Curr and Mrs. J. L. Lege, of Corpus Christi.

Funeral services were held this afternoon from the residence on Mesquite street.  Rev. Thomas Gregory officiating. Interment was in the old Bay View cemetery.  Honorary pallbearers were:  Thos. B. Southgate, Eli Merriman, Dr. Lempke,  "Doc" Berry, Alex Meuly and O. O. Wright.  Active pallbearers were Ed Oliver, Eddie Shaw, Earl Bowen, George Blevins, Joe Fitzsimmons and Ed Bagnall.

Source: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, May 30, 1921, p. 2, col. 5-7
Research by:  Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by:  Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission