Jefferson County Historical Society

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Thomas A. Williams, justice of the peace, was born in Joachim Township,
Jefferson County, November 25, 1831.  His parents were Silas and Nancy
(Adams) Williams, pioneers of Jefferson County, the former of whom died
July 17, 1853 and the latter in March, 1886.  Thomas A. Williams was 
brought up on the farm, and his education was obtained in the log 
school house.  When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, and
was engaged in building bridges and houses for eight or ten years.  He
also worked several years at the stone mason's trade with his father.
During the late war he enlisted for service in Company A, Thirty-first
Missouri Volunteer Infantry, but after a few months was discharged for
disability.  He served as deputy sheriff of Jefferson Three years, and
has filled the office of justice of the peace for the past six years,
of which office he is the present incumbent.  He also served as constable 
two years.  May 27, 1852, he married Permelia Beckett, daughter of 
Ephraim Beckett.  They have had six children, viz.: Amanda (deceased) was 
married to Charles E. Turner, of St. Louis, and left two children: Joseph 
and Edward; Ephraim married Sarah Fultz, is a resident of Monroe County, 
Ill., and has one child, Thomas; Esther became the wife of William Haven, 
of St. Louis, and is the mother of two children: Walter and Bertie; Robert, 
married, resides in Montrose, Iowa, and has one child, Nellie; and Kate and 
Sallie are single. Mrs. Williams died August 11, 1873, and September 2, 1874, 
Mr. Williams married Mary A. Lee, daughter of Archiles Lee.  One child, 
deceased, was born to this union.  In addition to his farm and office work 
Mr. Williams carries the mail from Victoria to Plattin.