Sheriff John T. Williams
Sheriff Williams served as Sheriff of Grant County from 1893 to 1894
​Sheriff Williams was born on April 22, 1844 and died on February 16, 1923
Following in the tradition of other Sheriff’s John Williams was a veteran of the civil war. He served in company I in the 138th Regiment which was mustard out on September 21, 1864.
John T. Williams, a citizen of Washington Township, was born in Warren County, Ohio, April 22, 1844. He is the only son of William and Alice (Hopkins) Williams, both natives of Wales, their respective births ccurring March 15, 1797, and June 7, 1802. They immigrated to the United States about 1827, and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they lived five years, after which they removed to Warren County, Ohio; thence to Grant County, Indiana, in 1847, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father died April 15, 1883, and the mother June 13, 1881. They were the parents of the following: John F., Mary Ann, Catherine J. and Sarah J., of whom Mary Ann and Sarah E. are now deceased. John T. was but three years of age when his parents came to this county and settled upon the farm where he now lives. His entire life has been spent upon this farm, excepting six moths spent in the Union Army. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Regiment, but was not called into active service. December 21,1868, Susana Middleton became his wife. She is a native of Grant County, born December 3, 1843, and a daughter of William and Margaret (Strickle) Middleton, both natives of Virginia. Six children are the fruits of this marriage: Wiliam M., born April 24, 1870; Gertrude, born November 20, 1872; John D., born December 20, 1876; Mary A., born November 16, 1879; Calud M., born November 3, 1882, and Burl, born May 30, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Williams is a Republican and an influential famer and a good citizen.
John T. Williams, the father, has been a farmer most of his life and has lived in Grant County, with the exception of six months spent in the Union Army, since he was three years of age. He enlisted in May, 1864, in Company I of the One Hundred and Thirty-Eighth Indiana Infantry, but was not called into active service. He married in 1868 Susanna Middleton, who was born December 3, 1843, a daughter of William and Margaret (Strickler) Middleton. John T. Williams bought the farm on which his son Claude lives in 1898, and he also owns two hundred and forty acres of the old homestead which was settled by his father, back in the the forties. In July, 1905, John T. Williams moved into Marion. For a number of years prior to moving to town he was engaged in the road contracting and building business. From 1892 to 1894 he served as Sheriff of Grant County, and for six years occupied the office of County Commissioner. Since enlisting for the preservation of the union as a boy, he has always been a loyal supporter of the Republican party. Previous to his honors as a county official he was Trustee of Washington Township. John T. Williams is known throughout Grant County as a square and honest man and good citizen. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, and he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. Their children number six, five of whom are living.
John T. Williams lived on the farm during his boyhood, and passed the ordinary existence of a farmer’s son until the outbreak of the Civil war turned his thoughts to arms. He was too young at the beginning of the war to go to the front, but in the spring of 1864 he enlisted in Company I, of the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry. His regiment did guard duty in Alabama and Tennessee until the close of the war. Returning home he remained with his father, helping him on the farm until he was married at the age of twenty-four. He then became a farmer on his own account and in 1882 he purchased the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Marion. He later added to this property, until it comprised two hundred and forty acres. After a time he bought a tract of ninety aci’es and erected a home upon it. Later adding more land until the farm comprised one hundred and twenty-two acres. He has now lived retired in Marion for many years.In 1888 Mr. Williams was elected trustee of Washington township on the Republican ticket. He was chosen sheriff of Grant county in 1892 and in 1898 was elected county commissioner. In fraternal matters lie is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows being a charter member of the Landesville Lodge. Mr. Williams was married on the 28th of December, 1868, to Susan Middleton, a daughter of William and ilargaret (Strickle) Middleton, of Center township, Mrs. Williams being a native of the latter district. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, as follows : Will, a resident of Marion, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Gertrude, who is the wife of Allen Culbertsou ; John D. ; Agnes ; Claude and Burrell.
Sheriff Williams Obituary
Marion Leader Tribune
February 18, 1923
John T. Williams, 78, Ex County Sheriff to Be Buried Tuesday
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Funeral services for John T. Williams, 78, ex-sheriff of Grant county and a pioneer resident, who died Friday night at his home, 517 North Washington street, will be held from the residence at two-thirty Tuesday afternoon with Rev. C.G. McCrocklin and Rev. H. J. Ketner in charge. Burial will be made in the I.O.O.F. cemetery. Pneumonia was the direct cause of death. He is survived by the widow, three sons, Claude Williams, city street commissioner, John D. Williams, county commissioner and Will Williams of this city and two daughters, Mrs. A. H. Culbertson and Miss Agnes Williams of this city.
Mr. Williams was at one time trustee of Washington township, a member of the board of county commissioners, and was sheriff of Grant county in 1893 and 1894. He was a life long resident of Grant county and moved to the city from the country seventeen years ago. He was a veteran of the Civil war and was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge of this city.
