Coopersville Observer August 2, 1929

Another Civil war veteran has answered the final roll call. Last Wednesday evening, John A. Williams, 86 years old, and for twenty-five years a resident of Lamont, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Julia A. Cook.

Mr. Williams was born in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, in 1843, and came to Michigan when about seven years old, moving to Ravenna Township, where he lived for a number of years.

He then moved to Ottawa County and lived at various places until about twenty-five years ago, when he moved to Lamont, where he has lived ever since.

March 1, 1865, Mr. Williams, then 21 years of age, enlisted in Co. A., Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and served until the end of the war, being mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, December 15, 1865.

In 1872 he was married to Cynthia E. Belcher of Missouri, and four children were born to them: Mrs. Julia A. Cook, Mrs. Addie R. Clinton, J. William Williams, and Mrs. Etta M. Johnson. His wife preceded him to that better land eight years ago last March; as did also the son who died April 4, 1925.

Four and a half years ago he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Julia Cook, and lived there until his death. His age was 86 years, 4 months and 9 days.

He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Julia A. Cook of Lamont, Mrs. Addie R. Clinton of Cannondale, Conn., and Mrs. Etta M. Johnson, of Grand Rapids; eleven grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.