It is a sad duty to chronicle the demise of our old friend, Mr. Hiram Williams, which occurred at Anniston, Ala., Tuesday morning, the cause being typhoid fever. His remains arrived yesterday and interred in our cemetery. Uncle Hiram has long been employed in the iron business in this section, being one of the finest furnace men in the south. He was liberal to a fault, every man was his friend and of course his death is much lamented. A good man has gone to meet his God.

The Free Press
November 15, 1883
Page 2

The Late Hiram Williams.

Death is no respecter of youth or age, the rich or the poor, the exalted or the humble. It was only last week we had to chronicle the death of Mr. John A. Erwin, formerly one of our beloved citizens. This week we are called to pay an humble tribute to the memory of another one, formerly one of our best citizens who died in Anniston, Ala., on Tuesday morning the 9th inst., Mr. Hiram Williams, whose remains were buried in our city cemetery the following day, Dr. Felton preaching the funeral as he did that of Mr. Erwin.

Mr. Williams was born in Kentucky, but was raised in Ohio, and was about 59 years old. He came to this county in 1862, having been detailed from the army as a furnace man at the Cooper iron works. Besides being one of the best furnace men, he was a good citizen, generous and kind, and beloved by all who knew him. The writer had known Mr. Williams since 1875, but learned to respect and love him at once. His integrity of character was above all suspicion. Hiram Williams’ word was his bond. His death made a deep impression upon this community. The best though brief epitaph that could be written on his tombstone, would be, “An Honest Man.”

May he rest in peace and green be forever his memory in the hearts of those who knew him in life! To his deeply bereaved family we can only offer the tear of sympathy as sincere as their great sorrow is deep. His work is finished! His mortal life is ended! He sleeps to wake no more! Let him rest!