No man in the county had more friends

“The soldier after marching hard all day carrying rations, knapsack, gun and cartridges must lie down on the damp cold ground if he can for shivering with the cold”, W.W. Williams, Nov. 27, 1862.

On average, a soldier serving 4 years in the Civil War would march 5,000 miles. The baggage that was carried weighed 80 to 100 pounds. Such a situation was true for W.W. Williams. William Wilson Williams, known to everyone as Billy, enlisted in the 15th Iowa Infantry Co I at the beginning of the war. His leadership abilities were immediately noticed. He entered as a sergeant, taking command of a unit of several men. This unit was responsible for transporting ammunition from ship to shore. His first engagement in battle was at Pittsburg Landing also known as the Battle of Shiloh. Williams was in a total of 31 engagements, ending with Sherman’s March on Atlanta and mustered out at the rank of First Lieutenant.

After the war, Billy returned to Clarke County only to serve his community further. He assumed the role of sheriff in 1885 after the passing of Sheriff Bonar. As a prime candidate, Billy was reelected an additional three times, serving until 1892. Not a bad word was spoken about the lawman. He was regarded as “the best sheriff in southern Iowa” and was well known throughout the state as man everyone would want to know. He was an excellent horseman and was known for his riding abilities, especially when tracking a suspect many miles into Missouri. For many years, at the Iowa State Fair, Billy could always be seen at the front of the parade serving as Grand Marshall.

A humble beginning in Ohio, born May 15, 1840, Billy came to Iowa in June of 1856 with Garner Hunt. Hunt was a family friend and was entrusted with the care of Billy by his father after the death of his mother. Throughout his life he was known for his charity and philanthropic nature. When receiving his military pension each month, Billy purchased food and clothing for those in need. He was always there to make sure no citizen went without, often spending the entire payment for the benefit of others.

Billy passed December 23, 1931 at the home of his daughter. He died without a penny in his pocket. The name of W.W. Williams rang pure and true to all who knew him. He was the last of the “Shiloh boys” to pass, leaving a lasting legacy of service and generosity. He is laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery with wife Eliza and their three daughters.