Henry Williams, one of the prosperous farmers of Clark Township, was born November 22, 1841, in Fayette County, Ind., and is a son of Joel D. and Frances (Walker) Williams; the former was born in Ohio, December 27, 1812, and was of English descent; the mother was born in Ohio, in 1810, and died in 1879. Our subject emigrated with his parents, at the age of two years, to Madison County, and remained there about six years, going thence to Johnson County, where he has resided ever since. He received a good common school education, and at the age of twenty, he began life for himself. November 6, 1861, he was united in marriage to Serena Johnson, a daughter of James and Martha (Cawthorn), Johnson, both natives of Kentucky; the father was born about 1802, and died about 1844; the mother was born in 1804, and died in 1888. To this marriage the following children were born: Emma A. (deceased), February 10, 1863; Charles G., March 4, 1865; Dora B., August 10, 1867; Elmer, March 10, 1870; Olive M., July 27, 1872; Walter, September 26, 1874; unnamed son, deceased. The mother of these children was born June 26, 1842. He and wife are both members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, he is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln. He now owns 427 acres of fine land, of which there are 350 acres under a high state of cultivation. He makes shorthorn cattle a specialty. He served his township as trustee four years.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 502.