Williams, Prentice Jr.

Birth

Hon. Prentice Williams, jr. was born in the town of Knox on the homestead in 1794, the son of Prentice Wiliams. His siblings were:

• Lucy Wiliams
• Mary Wiliams
• Eliza Wiliams
• Eunice Wiliams
• Dennison Wiliams

Occupation

In early life Prentice Williams followed farming, but later learned the cabinetmaker's trade, which he followed in connection with undertaking for a number of years in the village of Knox. Prentice Williams, Jr. subsequently engaged in mercantile business in Albany, remained there but a short time and returned to Knox and resumed his old business of furniture and undertaking. He was prominently identified with the Democratic party and his influence was extensive; he had the honor of serving his district in the State Legislature one term, and was postmaster many years.

Marriage & Children

Prentice Williams, Jr. was twice married ; his first wife, Harriet Jane Clark, died a year after their marriage.

Prentice Williams, Jr. married his second wife Mrs. Jane (Knight) Armstrong ( - 1882), widow of Patten Armstrong, and they had one child:

• Elam Williams

Death

Prentice Williams, Jr. died in 1864

Additional Media

Williams, Elam, was born in the town of Knox, March 12, 1844.

Prentice Williams, his grandfather, was a native of Connecticut, settled in Knox when a young man cleared himself a farm in the forest, where he became prosperous. His children were Lucy, Mary, Eliza, Eunice, Prentice, jr., and Dennison. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, in which he was an active worker. He died in 1850 and his wife died some years before.

Hon. Prentice Williams, jr., the father of Elam, was born in the town of Knox on the homestead in 1794. In early life he followed farming, but later learned the cabinetmaker's trade, which he followed in connection with undertaking for a number of years in the village of Knox. He subsequently engaged in mercantile business in Albany, remained there but a short time and returned to Knox and resumed his old business of furniture and undertaking. He was prominently identified with the Democratic party and his influence was extensive; he had the honor of serving his district in the State Legislature one term, and was postmaster many years. He was twice married ; his first wife, Harriet Jane Clark, died a year after their marriage ; his second wife was Mrs. Jane (Knight) Armstrong, widow of Patten Armstrong, and they had one child, Elam. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were members of the Methodist church, in which he took a leading part He died in 1864 and his wife September, 1882.

Elam Williams received his education in the Knox Academy and when twenty years old began teaching which he followed for a number of years. Early in life he manifested a keen and active interest in the political affairs of his town and county, and while yet a young man was elected to the office of justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket. He filled the office with such credit that he was elected and re-elected for nineteen successive years ; the years of 1882-83 he was justice of sessions and in 1870 was appointed State census enumerator for his district. He has filled the office of postmaster of Knox during both of President Cleveland's administrations. In 1886 he engaged in the general mercantile business in the village of Knox and with careful and strict attention to business, he has met with merited success. In the spring of 1896 he purchased a farm of 112 acres near the village, of which he has taken personal management, being assisted in the store by his son, Stanley. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Berne Lodge, No. 684. In 1871 he married Catherine, daughter of Sylvester and Sarah (Bunzy) Allen of Knox, and they have five children, Effie, Stanley, Jennie. Marx and Emma.

Landmarks of Albany County, New York

Sources

---