Alton Telegraph, May 31, 1872:
At ten minutes before six o’clock p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, Dr. Hezekiah Williams breathed his last at his residence in Alton. The sad event was not unanticipated. For several months he had been in feeble health, suffering from an affection of the lungs, induced by exposure and too severe attention to the duties of his arduous profession. Some three months since, he went South, trusting that rest from labor and the genial influences of a milder climate would restore his failing strength. But the hope proved fallacious, and when he returned home a few weeks since, it was only too apparent that disease had a fatal hold upon him. Everything that medical skill and the loving care of relatives could do to ward off the attack of the destroyer was done, but all proved futile, and now the genial friend, the affectionate husband, the public-spirited citizen, rests in the long sleep that knows no waking. It is with a sad heart that we pen these lines concerning the noble man who has gone from among us, in the prime of life, in the height of his usefulness. With a heart sad for our own personal loss, sad for the loss the community has sustained, and sad for the grief-stricken relatives, who mourn the loss of one who will never more go in and out among them.
Doctor Williams was the eldest son of the late Hon. Hezekiah Williams, M. C., from the State of Maine. He was born in Castine, Maine, March 10, 1827, and was consequently something over forty-five years of age at the time of his death. He pursued his collegiate studies at Bowdoin College, Maine, and afterwards studied medicine under the late Dr. Cobb at the Cleveland Medical College, where he received his diploma. After his graduation, he came to Illinois in about the year 1850, locating first in Montgomery County, and the following year removing to Edwardsville. In 1854, he located in Alton, which he has ever since made his home, and where he married Miss Sophronia, daughter of Elijah Lewis Dimmock, Esq. At the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion [Civil War], he gave himself heart and soul to the service of his country, both by words and deeds, displaying a glowing patriotism equaled by few and excelled by none. In 1862, he entered the army as Surgeon of the 2nd Illinois Artillery, with the rank of Major, in which capacity, and that of Medical Inspector, he served for two years, and then returned to Alton, where during the remainder of the great conflict, he acted as Surgeon of the military prison. His patriotic services were emulated by his three brothers, all of whom served throughout the war with distinguished honor. Commander E. P. Williams, the brother next in age to himself, won a national reputation for gallant naval services, and the whole country mourned when he and his brave crew went down on the coast of Japan in the ill-fated Oneida. The next younger brother, Lt. Colonel M. H. Williams, served through the war in the 10th Missouri Cavalry, and as Inspector General of the Cavalry of the West, sinning a brilliant reputation. Major Charles A. Williams, the youngest of the four, had a useful career in the 11th Missouri Cavalry. It is seldom that one family furnishes four such distinguished officers to the service of the country.
Dr. Williams professional career in Alton was a continual growth – both in medical knowledge and skill, and in the increasing demands made upon his services by the public. He was an enthusiast in his profession, a hard student to the end of his life, and his skill and scientific attainments were equaled by few physicians in the country. Especially in severe surgical operations he was eminently successful. For the last few years, he has been associated in practice with Dr. A. S. Haskell, and it is safe to assert that no firm of medical practitioners in Alton has ever enjoyed a more enviable reputation. Dr. Williams was strictly conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and was possessed of a high sense of professional honor that was in itself chivalrous. His disposition was remarkably genial and pleasant. The magnetism of his cheerful presence in the sickroom was, it itself, a grateful tonic, and we doubt not, was in many cases more effectual than any prescription would have been. Naturally, he was universally beloved. If he ever had an enemy in Alton, we do not know who it was. He will be missed more keenly, perhaps, than would any other of our citizens. In the sanctity of the sickroom, and in the common walks of life alike, will his loss be mourned. His acquaintances feel that they have lost a friend and a brother – one whose pure and upright life was a constant example of worthy living. The bereaved relatives have the kindest sympathy of the community in their great sorrow, though we know how weak and vain are words of consolation in a grief so overwhelming.
The funeral services took place on Friday afternoon from the Episcopal Church, and were attended by the largest gathering we ever remember to have seen in Alton on a similar sad occasion – the church being completely filled. After singing of the “Rock of Ages,” by the choir, Rev. C. S. Abbott, late Rector of the church, preached a brief but very touching and impressive discourse. At the close of the services, an opportunity was given for all who wished to take a last look at the face of him they had loved so long and well, when the entire assembly took advantage of the invitation, and paid this last tribute of affection. There were few dry eyes in the house. All seemed to feel a sense of personal loss. It was evident that of the deceased, it could be truly said he was the “beloved physician.” The pallbearers were Messrs. C. A. Murray, A. H. Gambrill, Dr. William A. Haskell, Dr. W. C. Quigley, J. E. Hawver, and Captain George E. Hawley.
The death of Dr. Williams has left a vacancy in this community hard to be filled. During his long residence here, there is scarcely a family in Alton he has not visited in a professional capacity, and to all he was a trusted friend and counselor, as well as the skillful physician. Such an exhibition of general sorrow as was witnessed yesterday is the noblest monument that can be reared in memory of a worthy life, well spent in relieving the suffering and ministering to the needs of his fellow-men. His name will long linger in the memories of our citizens of all classes and condition, and the influence of his pure and self-sacrificing career will continue to bear a rich harvest through the coming years.
From the State Journal:
Many of our citizens will regret to hear the announcement of the death of Dr. Hezekiah Williams, an old citizen of Alton, which took place on May 22. Dr. Williams had a large number of personal friends in our city, as well as in other parts of the State. He was the son of Congressman Williams of Maine, and one of the lineal descendants of the celebrated Roger Williams. He was also the brother of E. P. Williams, the Commander of the ill-fated U. S. steamship Oneida. During the late war [Civil War], he was Surgeon of the Second Regiment of Illinois Artillery, and served his country well and faithfully in that capacity. In his profession he ranked high, and in social life he was known to be not only an educated and polished gentleman, but a good and useful citizen.
At ten minutes before six o’clock p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, Dr. Hezekiah Williams breathed his last at his residence in Alton. The sad event was not unanticipated. For several months he had been in feeble health, suffering from an affection of the lungs, induced by exposure and too severe attention to the duties of his arduous profession. Some three months since, he went South, trusting that rest from labor and the genial influences of a milder climate would restore his failing strength. But the hope proved fallacious, and when he returned home a few weeks since, it was only too apparent that disease had a fatal hold upon him. Everything that medical skill and the loving care of relatives could do to ward off the attack of the destroyer was done, but all proved futile, and now the genial friend, the affectionate husband, the public-spirited citizen, rests in the long sleep that knows no waking. It is with a sad heart that we pen these lines concerning the noble man who has gone from among us, in the prime of life, in the height of his usefulness. With a heart sad for our own personal loss, sad for the loss the community has sustained, and sad for the grief-stricken relatives, who mourn the loss of one who will never more go in and out among them.
Doctor Williams was the eldest son of the late Hon. Hezekiah Williams, M. C., from the State of Maine. He was born in Castine, Maine, March 10, 1827, and was consequently something over forty-five years of age at the time of his death. He pursued his collegiate studies at Bowdoin College, Maine, and afterwards studied medicine under the late Dr. Cobb at the Cleveland Medical College, where he received his diploma. After his graduation, he came to Illinois in about the year 1850, locating first in Montgomery County, and the following year removing to Edwardsville. In 1854, he located in Alton, which he has ever since made his home, and where he married Miss Sophronia, daughter of Elijah Lewis Dimmock, Esq. At the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion [Civil War], he gave himself heart and soul to the service of his country, both by words and deeds, displaying a glowing patriotism equaled by few and excelled by none. In 1862, he entered the army as Surgeon of the 2nd Illinois Artillery, with the rank of Major, in which capacity, and that of Medical Inspector, he served for two years, and then returned to Alton, where during the remainder of the great conflict, he acted as Surgeon of the military prison. His patriotic services were emulated by his three brothers, all of whom served throughout the war with distinguished honor. Commander E. P. Williams, the brother next in age to himself, won a national reputation for gallant naval services, and the whole country mourned when he and his brave crew went down on the coast of Japan in the ill-fated Oneida. The next younger brother, Lt. Colonel M. H. Williams, served through the war in the 10th Missouri Cavalry, and as Inspector General of the Cavalry of the West, sinning a brilliant reputation. Major Charles A. Williams, the youngest of the four, had a useful career in the 11th Missouri Cavalry. It is seldom that one family furnishes four such distinguished officers to the service of the country.
Dr. Williams professional career in Alton was a continual growth – both in medical knowledge and skill, and in the increasing demands made upon his services by the public. He was an enthusiast in his profession, a hard student to the end of his life, and his skill and scientific attainments were equaled by few physicians in the country. Especially in severe surgical operations he was eminently successful. For the last few years, he has been associated in practice with Dr. A. S. Haskell, and it is safe to assert that no firm of medical practitioners in Alton has ever enjoyed a more enviable reputation. Dr. Williams was strictly conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and was possessed of a high sense of professional honor that was in itself chivalrous. His disposition was remarkably genial and pleasant. The magnetism of his cheerful presence in the sickroom was, it itself, a grateful tonic, and we doubt not, was in many cases more effectual than any prescription would have been. Naturally, he was universally beloved. If he ever had an enemy in Alton, we do not know who it was. He will be missed more keenly, perhaps, than would any other of our citizens. In the sanctity of the sickroom, and in the common walks of life alike, will his loss be mourned. His acquaintances feel that they have lost a friend and a brother – one whose pure and upright life was a constant example of worthy living. The bereaved relatives have the kindest sympathy of the community in their great sorrow, though we know how weak and vain are words of consolation in a grief so overwhelming.
The funeral services took place on Friday afternoon from the Episcopal Church, and were attended by the largest gathering we ever remember to have seen in Alton on a similar sad occasion – the church being completely filled. After singing of the “Rock of Ages,” by the choir, Rev. C. S. Abbott, late Rector of the church, preached a brief but very touching and impressive discourse. At the close of the services, an opportunity was given for all who wished to take a last look at the face of him they had loved so long and well, when the entire assembly took advantage of the invitation, and paid this last tribute of affection. There were few dry eyes in the house. All seemed to feel a sense of personal loss. It was evident that of the deceased, it could be truly said he was the “beloved physician.” The pallbearers were Messrs. C. A. Murray, A. H. Gambrill, Dr. William A. Haskell, Dr. W. C. Quigley, J. E. Hawver, and Captain George E. Hawley.
The death of Dr. Williams has left a vacancy in this community hard to be filled. During his long residence here, there is scarcely a family in Alton he has not visited in a professional capacity, and to all he was a trusted friend and counselor, as well as the skillful physician. Such an exhibition of general sorrow as was witnessed yesterday is the noblest monument that can be reared in memory of a worthy life, well spent in relieving the suffering and ministering to the needs of his fellow-men. His name will long linger in the memories of our citizens of all classes and condition, and the influence of his pure and self-sacrificing career will continue to bear a rich harvest through the coming years.
From the State Journal:
Many of our citizens will regret to hear the announcement of the death of Dr. Hezekiah Williams, an old citizen of Alton, which took place on May 22. Dr. Williams had a large number of personal friends in our city, as well as in other parts of the State. He was the son of Congressman Williams of Maine, and one of the lineal descendants of the celebrated Roger Williams. He was also the brother of E. P. Williams, the Commander of the ill-fated U. S. steamship Oneida. During the late war [Civil War], he was Surgeon of the Second Regiment of Illinois Artillery, and served his country well and faithfully in that capacity. In his profession he ranked high, and in social life he was known to be not only an educated and polished gentleman, but a good and useful citizen.
Alton Telegraph, May 31, 1872:
At ten minutes before six o’clock p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, Dr. Hezekiah Williams breathed his last at his residence in Alton. The sad event was not unanticipated. For several months he had been in feeble health, suffering from an affection of the lungs, induced by exposure and too severe attention to the duties of his arduous profession. Some three months since, he went South, trusting that rest from labor and the genial influences of a milder climate would restore his failing strength. But the hope proved fallacious, and when he returned home a few weeks since, it was only too apparent that disease had a fatal hold upon him. Everything that medical skill and the loving care of relatives could do to ward off the attack of the destroyer was done, but all proved futile, and now the genial friend, the affectionate husband, the public-spirited citizen, rests in the long sleep that knows no waking. It is with a sad heart that we pen these lines concerning the noble man who has gone from among us, in the prime of life, in the height of his usefulness. With a heart sad for our own personal loss, sad for the loss the community has sustained, and sad for the grief-stricken relatives, who mourn the loss of one who will never more go in and out among them.
Doctor Williams was the eldest son of the late Hon. Hezekiah Williams, M. C., from the State of Maine. He was born in Castine, Maine, March 10, 1827, and was consequently something over forty-five years of age at the time of his death. He pursued his collegiate studies at Bowdoin College, Maine, and afterwards studied medicine under the late Dr. Cobb at the Cleveland Medical College, where he received his diploma. After his graduation, he came to Illinois in about the year 1850, locating first in Montgomery County, and the following year removing to Edwardsville. In 1854, he located in Alton, which he has ever since made his home, and where he married Miss Sophronia, daughter of Elijah Lewis Dimmock, Esq. At the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion [Civil War], he gave himself heart and soul to the service of his country, both by words and deeds, displaying a glowing patriotism equaled by few and excelled by none. In 1862, he entered the army as Surgeon of the 2nd Illinois Artillery, with the rank of Major, in which capacity, and that of Medical Inspector, he served for two years, and then returned to Alton, where during the remainder of the great conflict, he acted as Surgeon of the military prison. His patriotic services were emulated by his three brothers, all of whom served throughout the war with distinguished honor. Commander E. P. Williams, the brother next in age to himself, won a national reputation for gallant naval services, and the whole country mourned when he and his brave crew went down on the coast of Japan in the ill-fated Oneida. The next younger brother, Lt. Colonel M. H. Williams, served through the war in the 10th Missouri Cavalry, and as Inspector General of the Cavalry of the West, sinning a brilliant reputation. Major Charles A. Williams, the youngest of the four, had a useful career in the 11th Missouri Cavalry. It is seldom that one family furnishes four such distinguished officers to the service of the country.
Dr. Williams professional career in Alton was a continual growth – both in medical knowledge and skill, and in the increasing demands made upon his services by the public. He was an enthusiast in his profession, a hard student to the end of his life, and his skill and scientific attainments were equaled by few physicians in the country. Especially in severe surgical operations he was eminently successful. For the last few years, he has been associated in practice with Dr. A. S. Haskell, and it is safe to assert that no firm of medical practitioners in Alton has ever enjoyed a more enviable reputation. Dr. Williams was strictly conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and was possessed of a high sense of professional honor that was in itself chivalrous. His disposition was remarkably genial and pleasant. The magnetism of his cheerful presence in the sickroom was, it itself, a grateful tonic, and we doubt not, was in many cases more effectual than any prescription would have been. Naturally, he was universally beloved. If he ever had an enemy in Alton, we do not know who it was. He will be missed more keenly, perhaps, than would any other of our citizens. In the sanctity of the sickroom, and in the common walks of life alike, will his loss be mourned. His acquaintances feel that they have lost a friend and a brother – one whose pure and upright life was a constant example of worthy living. The bereaved relatives have the kindest sympathy of the community in their great sorrow, though we know how weak and vain are words of consolation in a grief so overwhelming.
The funeral services took place on Friday afternoon from the Episcopal Church, and were attended by the largest gathering we ever remember to have seen in Alton on a similar sad occasion – the church being completely filled. After singing of the “Rock of Ages,” by the choir, Rev. C. S. Abbott, late Rector of the church, preached a brief but very touching and impressive discourse. At the close of the services, an opportunity was given for all who wished to take a last look at the face of him they had loved so long and well, when the entire assembly took advantage of the invitation, and paid this last tribute of affection. There were few dry eyes in the house. All seemed to feel a sense of personal loss. It was evident that of the deceased, it could be truly said he was the “beloved physician.” The pallbearers were Messrs. C. A. Murray, A. H. Gambrill, Dr. William A. Haskell, Dr. W. C. Quigley, J. E. Hawver, and Captain George E. Hawley.
The death of Dr. Williams has left a vacancy in this community hard to be filled. During his long residence here, there is scarcely a family in Alton he has not visited in a professional capacity, and to all he was a trusted friend and counselor, as well as the skillful physician. Such an exhibition of general sorrow as was witnessed yesterday is the noblest monument that can be reared in memory of a worthy life, well spent in relieving the suffering and ministering to the needs of his fellow-men. His name will long linger in the memories of our citizens of all classes and condition, and the influence of his pure and self-sacrificing career will continue to bear a rich harvest through the coming years.
From the State Journal:
Many of our citizens will regret to hear the announcement of the death of Dr. Hezekiah Williams, an old citizen of Alton, which took place on May 22. Dr. Williams had a large number of personal friends in our city, as well as in other parts of the State. He was the son of Congressman Williams of Maine, and one of the lineal descendants of the celebrated Roger Williams. He was also the brother of E. P. Williams, the Commander of the ill-fated U. S. steamship Oneida. During the late war [Civil War], he was Surgeon of the Second Regiment of Illinois Artillery, and served his country well and faithfully in that capacity. In his profession he ranked high, and in social life he was known to be not only an educated and polished gentleman, but a good and useful citizen.
At ten minutes before six o’clock p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, Dr. Hezekiah Williams breathed his last at his residence in Alton. The sad event was not unanticipated. For several months he had been in feeble health, suffering from an affection of the lungs, induced by exposure and too severe attention to the duties of his arduous profession. Some three months since, he went South, trusting that rest from labor and the genial influences of a milder climate would restore his failing strength. But the hope proved fallacious, and when he returned home a few weeks since, it was only too apparent that disease had a fatal hold upon him. Everything that medical skill and the loving care of relatives could do to ward off the attack of the destroyer was done, but all proved futile, and now the genial friend, the affectionate husband, the public-spirited citizen, rests in the long sleep that knows no waking. It is with a sad heart that we pen these lines concerning the noble man who has gone from among us, in the prime of life, in the height of his usefulness. With a heart sad for our own personal loss, sad for the loss the community has sustained, and sad for the grief-stricken relatives, who mourn the loss of one who will never more go in and out among them.
Doctor Williams was the eldest son of the late Hon. Hezekiah Williams, M. C., from the State of Maine. He was born in Castine, Maine, March 10, 1827, and was consequently something over forty-five years of age at the time of his death. He pursued his collegiate studies at Bowdoin College, Maine, and afterwards studied medicine under the late Dr. Cobb at the Cleveland Medical College, where he received his diploma. After his graduation, he came to Illinois in about the year 1850, locating first in Montgomery County, and the following year removing to Edwardsville. In 1854, he located in Alton, which he has ever since made his home, and where he married Miss Sophronia, daughter of Elijah Lewis Dimmock, Esq. At the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion [Civil War], he gave himself heart and soul to the service of his country, both by words and deeds, displaying a glowing patriotism equaled by few and excelled by none. In 1862, he entered the army as Surgeon of the 2nd Illinois Artillery, with the rank of Major, in which capacity, and that of Medical Inspector, he served for two years, and then returned to Alton, where during the remainder of the great conflict, he acted as Surgeon of the military prison. His patriotic services were emulated by his three brothers, all of whom served throughout the war with distinguished honor. Commander E. P. Williams, the brother next in age to himself, won a national reputation for gallant naval services, and the whole country mourned when he and his brave crew went down on the coast of Japan in the ill-fated Oneida. The next younger brother, Lt. Colonel M. H. Williams, served through the war in the 10th Missouri Cavalry, and as Inspector General of the Cavalry of the West, sinning a brilliant reputation. Major Charles A. Williams, the youngest of the four, had a useful career in the 11th Missouri Cavalry. It is seldom that one family furnishes four such distinguished officers to the service of the country.
Dr. Williams professional career in Alton was a continual growth – both in medical knowledge and skill, and in the increasing demands made upon his services by the public. He was an enthusiast in his profession, a hard student to the end of his life, and his skill and scientific attainments were equaled by few physicians in the country. Especially in severe surgical operations he was eminently successful. For the last few years, he has been associated in practice with Dr. A. S. Haskell, and it is safe to assert that no firm of medical practitioners in Alton has ever enjoyed a more enviable reputation. Dr. Williams was strictly conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and was possessed of a high sense of professional honor that was in itself chivalrous. His disposition was remarkably genial and pleasant. The magnetism of his cheerful presence in the sickroom was, it itself, a grateful tonic, and we doubt not, was in many cases more effectual than any prescription would have been. Naturally, he was universally beloved. If he ever had an enemy in Alton, we do not know who it was. He will be missed more keenly, perhaps, than would any other of our citizens. In the sanctity of the sickroom, and in the common walks of life alike, will his loss be mourned. His acquaintances feel that they have lost a friend and a brother – one whose pure and upright life was a constant example of worthy living. The bereaved relatives have the kindest sympathy of the community in their great sorrow, though we know how weak and vain are words of consolation in a grief so overwhelming.
The funeral services took place on Friday afternoon from the Episcopal Church, and were attended by the largest gathering we ever remember to have seen in Alton on a similar sad occasion – the church being completely filled. After singing of the “Rock of Ages,” by the choir, Rev. C. S. Abbott, late Rector of the church, preached a brief but very touching and impressive discourse. At the close of the services, an opportunity was given for all who wished to take a last look at the face of him they had loved so long and well, when the entire assembly took advantage of the invitation, and paid this last tribute of affection. There were few dry eyes in the house. All seemed to feel a sense of personal loss. It was evident that of the deceased, it could be truly said he was the “beloved physician.” The pallbearers were Messrs. C. A. Murray, A. H. Gambrill, Dr. William A. Haskell, Dr. W. C. Quigley, J. E. Hawver, and Captain George E. Hawley.
The death of Dr. Williams has left a vacancy in this community hard to be filled. During his long residence here, there is scarcely a family in Alton he has not visited in a professional capacity, and to all he was a trusted friend and counselor, as well as the skillful physician. Such an exhibition of general sorrow as was witnessed yesterday is the noblest monument that can be reared in memory of a worthy life, well spent in relieving the suffering and ministering to the needs of his fellow-men. His name will long linger in the memories of our citizens of all classes and condition, and the influence of his pure and self-sacrificing career will continue to bear a rich harvest through the coming years.
From the State Journal:
Many of our citizens will regret to hear the announcement of the death of Dr. Hezekiah Williams, an old citizen of Alton, which took place on May 22. Dr. Williams had a large number of personal friends in our city, as well as in other parts of the State. He was the son of Congressman Williams of Maine, and one of the lineal descendants of the celebrated Roger Williams. He was also the brother of E. P. Williams, the Commander of the ill-fated U. S. steamship Oneida. During the late war [Civil War], he was Surgeon of the Second Regiment of Illinois Artillery, and served his country well and faithfully in that capacity. In his profession he ranked high, and in social life he was known to be not only an educated and polished gentleman, but a good and useful citizen.
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