Born: Shelby County, Indiana, 1818.
Died: Marion County, Illinois, 1907.
In 1834 his father brought his family to Illinois and settled near the village of Walnut Hill, in Marion County. Here he made a farm on the timber-land, and here John worked, went to school a little and grew to manhood. He became a Christian at the old Mt. Moriah Church and began to preach in his twenty-eighth year.
From 1850 his time was mainly given to the ministry of the Word. His evangelistic tours were frequently made on horseback from fifty to one hundred miles. From Shelbyville to Cairo, and from the Wabash to the Mississippi River, he proclaimed the gospel for sixty years. His chief compensation was the assurance of his Master's companionship and his approval of duty unselfishly and faithfully done.
Mr. Williams was a superb man physically, being over six feet tall and finely proportioned. His mental powers were far above the average. His knowledge of the Bible was full and clear. His sermons were logical and convincing. His manner was winning. He was known, honored and loved by thousands of people of every kind.