MRS. ELIZA A. WILLIAMS, who is held in the highest respect for what she has accomplished in the business world since the death of her husband, is now conducting an insurance and real-estate office in Denison. A native of West Virginia, she is a daughter of Luke E. and Marietta (Drown) Ray. Her father removed from West Virginia to Jefferson City, Missouri, when the daughter was nine years of age and there spent her girlhood days and in 1861 gave her hand in marriage to Dr. George W. Williams, who for a number of years occupied a prominent position professionally and socially in Denison. He was born in Tennessee and with his father went to Missouri in his youth. He pursued his professional education in St. Louis (Missouri) Medical College and in Hahneman Medical College, Philadelphia, being a graduate of both institutions. He entered upon the practice of his chosen calling in southwestern Missouri and in 1873 came to Denison, where he remained until his death, which occurred on the 2nd of August, 1888. He was one of the first physicians of this city and was very active at the time of the cholera epidemic, giving valuable assistance in checking the ravages of that disease and in impending its further progress. He was an earnest and conscientious practitioner, careful in the diagnosis of a case and at all times put forth his best effort to alleviate human suffering and restore health. He studied the principles and theories of medicine and was practical in his application of his knowledge to the needs of his patients. He commanded the respect of his fellowmen both as a physician and as a citizen and he represented the second ward in the city council as a Republican member.
At the time of the Civil war Dr. Williams espoused the cause of the Union, enlisting in the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry. He was detailed as hospital surgeon and was mustered out with the rank of first lieutenant and adjutant after three years of active service, during which time he rendered signal aid to the sick and wounded who came under his care.
Dr. and Mrs. Williams became the parents of two sons. Elmer E., who was born in Kansas and is now living in Portland, Oregon, was married to Elizabeth Ragland, of Denison, Texas, and they have one child, Ray. George Gordon, born in Kansas, is now living in North Carolina. He was married there in 1904 to Miss Daisy Weaver of Wilson, North Carolina, and they have a little daughter, Virginia Ray.
Following the death of her husband Mrs. Williams entered business circles of Denison, opening an insurance and real-estate office in 1892. She has met with success in its conduct and has secured a good clientage in both departments. Well informed concerning realty values, she has negotiated some important property transfers and her earnest efforts directed by sound judgment and executive ability have brought her a good financial return. Her husband was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grand Army of the Republic and Mrs. Williams now belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and the Women’s Relief Corps, the two ladies’ auxiliaries of the above named organizations. She is likewise a member of the Presbyterian church and in Denison, where she has now made her home for a third of a century, she is held in the highest esteem by reason of what she has accomplished and her admirable womanly qualities manifest in her social relations.
Source: B. B. Paddock, History and Biographical Record of North and West Texas (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1906), Vol. I, p. 621.