Williams.--This sketch of the life labors and death of the Rev. J. T. Williams is sent you for publication in justice tot he cause he so ably and devotedly represented, at the request of those who knew him best and miss him most. He was a man of no ordinary ability and extraordinary energy, which last, no doubt, contributed to the aggravation of the disease which brought him to his untimely end. In the strictest sense of the phrase, he was a self-made man. Having received the impression at a very early age that it was his duty to "go preach," etc., he worked his way nearly through the literary course at Burrit College, after which he placed himself under care of the Sparta Presbytery, and was sent to the "Overton circuit," where his labors were so abundantly blessed, his zeal and ability so manifestly exhibited, that the presbytery soon found a pressing demand for his ordination to the authority of a bishop. Having assumed the care of a family by early marriage to Miss Matilda Wallace, and the congregation he served being unable to meet his financial demands, under such responsibility he was forced to resort to teaching to supply the deficiency. But this did not detract in the least from his zeal as a minister, but no doubt did from his success. He did not only labor for the intellectual training of his pupils, but was more concerned for their moral training. I verily believe he never had a student but whom received impressions from him which will tell upon their destiny in this and the life to come. Indeed, it was an exception for a young man or lady, boy or girl to stay in his school long or short and leave without making a profession of religion in the old fashioned Holy Ghost style. Naught but commendation scarcely ever fell from the lips of saint or sinner with reference to this admirable character, than whom none other should more deservedly dwell in the hearts and memory of those who live after him. Feeling it his duty to seek other fields of labor, he removed to Ellis county, Texas, in January, 1886, where he engaged his services to the Churches in that locality, serving them faithfully until removed by death November 25, 1886, at the age of thirty-nine years. He had the sad misfortune to lose his wife after they were the parents of three children, after which he was married to Miss Jane Shugart, of White county, Tenn., the result of which is that she is left a widow with three children, in addition to the three by his first wife, but not without friends and numerous sympathizers. He served as W. M. of Cherry Creek Lodge F. and A. M., was a member of Mount Olivet Chapter No. 87, at Sparta, Tenn.; was true to all of these obligations and trusts, leaving a legacy to his bereaved family to be prized higher than all earthly possessions. Praying that his children and all who knew him may emulate his noble example, we consign his body to the tomb and hope to meet him in heaven.           J. E. HICKMAN.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, April 14, 1887, page 8]

Williams.--The Rev. James Tate Williams was born in Tennessee, March 28, 1847, and died near Ovilla, Texas, November 25, 1886. He entered the ministry in early life, and honored the high calling till his death. Red Oak Presbytery, at the last meeting, had a very solemn memorial service, in which the brethren very kindly referred to the dear brother. One said, "Let us strew the flowers along the path of life to encourage men under its burdens, and not wait till they are dead, and then pile them on their graves." Brother Williams was a good man, full of faith and good works, and died in great peace, saying there was nothing between him and heaven.
         ONE WHO LOVED HIM.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, April 28, 1887, page 8]

Bibliography:

Williams, Joseph Vincent. James Tate Williams: His Family and Recollections. Kingsport, Tennessee: Kingsport Press, 1938.