John Horton Williams

John Horton Williams was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 31, 1849, to Baker and Chillotta Stringer Williams. Upon reaching the age of 18, J.H. moved to Denton and then, at 19, to Comanche, Texas.

J.H. lived with Captain Jack Wright his first year in Comanche and then lived with “Uncle” Dan Pinkard. On his 28th birthday, October 31, 1877, he married Lucy Tunnell, daughter of John Tunnell. The service was performed by the Methodist preacher, M.O. Coker.

John and Lucy made their home in the Indian Creek and Shiloh communities until about 1890 when they moved to Comanche. Their house was located in the southeast section of Comanche. Their children were:

1) Noah Felix (1878-1968) married Leah E. Jones (1881-1954);

2) Minnie (1880-1953) married C.F. Williams (1870-1938);

3) Troy (1882-1964) married Vesta P. Griffis (1889-1966);

4) Charles W. (1884-1963) married Mallie M. Black (1885-1929;

5) Omie (1887-1972) married Walter Black;

6) Alfha L. (1890-1931) married William Andrew Bowman (1887-1960);

7) Horton W. (1892-1973) married Shula Carter (1892-1986);

8) Robert E. Lee “Rob” (1896-1958) married Vestell Mary Osborn (1898-1935);

9) Myrtle May (1899-1991) married Ennis C. Cozart (1894-1990).

John Horton Williams died November 21, 1931, at the age of 82. He had been ill for four years prior to his death and the last year of his life been confined to his bed. Funeral services were held November 24, 1931, at Indian Creek Cemetery with Rev. E.M. Daily conducting. Pallbearers were his grandsons: Herbert Lee Williams, Gaston Williams, Grady Williams, Aubrey Black, Dewey Williams and Peyton Williams. Honorary pallbearers were: T.M. Edwards, J.A. Montgomery, Roscoe Edwards, Jim Cunningham, Dan Pinkard, L.B. Russell, J.F. Banner, Elias Odell, J.D. Bonner and Bill Hellums. His service included flower bearers, his grandaugthers: Edith, Evelyn and Christine Bowman; Minne Mae and Imogene Black; Lucille Williams; Francis, Rudy, and Mary Alice Williams.