CLASS OF 1858

Gustavus Brown Williams died of pneumonia at his home in Milford, Mass., March 9, after an illness of less than five days. The second son of George and Delilah (Morse) Williams, he was born in Uxbridge, Mass., October 28, 1834. Having studied at Uxbridge Academy, and later at Thetford Academy, Vermont, he entered the class of 1858 in the Chandler School at the beginning of its middle year (the scientific course then covering three years), pursuing also for two years the work in Latin done by the academic class of 1860. For four years after graduation he' taught at Sutton, Uxbridge, and Blackstone, Mass. He then'enlisted in Co. K, 51st Massachusetts Infantry, was made sergeant, and served with his company from September 6, 1862, to July 21, 1863, his active service being in North Carolina. On his return from the army he resumed teaching; being so employed at Bellingham, Douglas, and Upton, Mass., and also engaged in farming and other business. Meanwhile he studied law with his father-in-law, Dan Hill of Blackstone, Mass., and in 1876 opened an office in Milford, which he had since maintained. His home was in Mendon to 1891, when he removed to Milford. While in Mendon he served on the school committee for a long time, and was superintendent of schools for seven years, and was for fifteen years chairman of the board of selectmen. While living in Milford he never held public office, though he was often appointed on important committees to investigate municipal questions, his time being largely devoted to the needs of his large law practice. He had marked ability in historical research, and wrote many interesting papers for historical and literary societies, notably for the Mendon Historical Society, of which he was an officer. He had traveled extensively in Europe and America. He was active in organizing the Milford hospital corporation, and from the first was a member of the managing board and vice-president, and finally president. He was closely connected with the activities of the Congregational church, serving as deacon, member of the parish committee, and teacher of a large adult class in the Sunday school. Mr. Williams was married April 26, 1859, to Bernette, daughter of Dan and Nancy B. (Peck). Hill, who died April 10, 1880. They had eight children, of whom six survive their parents. Three have graduated from Dartmouth, Berton '88, engaged in business in Ayer, Mass.; Wendell '88, law partner of his father; and Eben '90, who died in 1900. Some words of editorial comment should be quoted from the Milford Daily Journal: "In the death of Gustavus Brown Williams, scholar, soldier, lawyer, and ideal citizen, this community suffers an irreparable loss. Mr. Williams came honestly by those qualities of mind and heart which were the source of his strength, his power, his greatness, and surely he was great. We may not always agree as to what constitutes greatness. We may sometimes find it difficult to form a definition of it. And it is true that sometimes we fail to recognize it when in our very midst. But no one familiar with his character and career through association with him, no one permitted to sound the depths of his life, to discern his motives, to note his keen insight, his comprehensive grasp, his professional knowledge, his rare judgment, his broad sympathies, his rugged integrity, could question his intrinsic greatness. That he did not enter into the larger arena of politics, that he did not assume leadership or write his name large in the pages of history was his choice, not destiny."

Secretary, Rev. Samuel C. Beane, Grafton, Mass.