William H. McWilliams
William H. McWilliams, a leading citizen of Berlin Township, resides on his farm of 82 acres on the Cheshire turnpike road, was born in Washington, New Jersey, and is a son of Marshall and Clarissa (Smith) McWilliams.
The father of Mr. McWilliams was born in New Jersey, and when he took possession of the land which his son now occupies, in 1840, it was covered with a dense forest. His original purchase was of fifty acres and he erected the first board house in this section. He added to his land until he owned 120 acres. Until the issues of 1861, he was a strong Democrat, but after that year he was identified with the Republican party until his death, which took place in 1876, at the age of 74 years. His father, John McWilliams, was born in Ireland and he founded the family in New Jersey. Marshall McWilliams married a daughter of Rev. Jonas Smith, who was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. McWilliams was born and reared in New Jersey. The children of Marshall McWilliams and wife were as follows: Smith, residing in Berlin Township; Henry, John, Lydia J., who married Edgar Gregory, residing m Berlin Township; William H., Ann. who married a Mr. Moore, residing in Michigan; Marshall G., residing at Urbana, Ohio; and one other that died in infancy.
William H. McWilliams remained at home giving assistance to his father until he was 22 years of age, when he enlisted in Company G, Forty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1862 he was taken prisoner and was confined on Belle Isle for 14 months, finally being paroled and subsequently exchanged. He returned to his regiment and was honorably discharged at Camp Harker, East Tennessee, near Nashville, after three years of military life. He then returned home after his marriage in 1868, and engaged in farming a shorl distance from the home place, coming to the present farm after his father died, where he has resided ever since.
In 1868, Mr. McWilliams was married to Prudence Mcintosh, of Champaign County, Ohio, who is a daughter of John Mcintosh, a pioneer wagon-maker in Champaign County. Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams have three children—John Stanley, William Edward and Emma Grace. Mr. McWilliams is a stanch Republican and has been active in public matters in his township. He has served as township treasurer. He is a member and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church.
20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908