photos contributed by Williams family member & Jane Dearing Denns
Claudia Mae Williams was born May 17, 1889, the first child of Ida Lee Hughen and Elihu B. Williams. Her parents were married on Sep 25, 1888 in Monroe County. The birth of Claudia was followed quickly by that of three more siblings— Mary Lee “Mamie” (partly named for her mother) Dec 08, 1890; John Henry Mar 29, 1893 (partly named for Ida’s half brother, John Moore); and Albert Willis (partly named for Ida’s half brother, Willis Moore) March, 1895. During Claudia’s early childhood, her family probably moved from Holly Grove to Marianna (Elihu’s former home), but at the time of the 1900 census they were living in Phillips Co, Cypress Twp. Her father was a blacksmith and all four children were still at home.The next year, Ida began a second batch of children. Luther W. was born in 1901. He was followed by Annie Elizabeth (probably partially named for Ida’s mother, Eliza Moore Hughen) Dec. 25, 1903; Andrew C., Feb 25, 1906; and Thomas Wesley (partially named for Ida’s father, Wesley Hughen) Dec. 30, 1908. The Williams family was back in Holly Grove for good by the time of Andrew’s birth that was announced in the Argus for Mar 09, 1906. Other family news in the 1906-1909 Argus included the following items, Apr. 13, 1906 -E.B. Williams, our up to date blacksmith, visited family and friends at Marianna last weekend. (Elihu graduated to auto mechanic.) Aug. 03, 1906 -Claudia Williams, our very prettiest post office clerk, has become a favorite as such. We are glad to have her fill this very important situation. Aug. 23, 1907 -N.J. Williams of Marianna visiting brother E.B. Williams. Sept. 06, 1907 -Dora Williams guest of cousins Claudia and Mamie. Oct. 18, 1907 -Miss Claudia Williams now behind the counter of J.W. Lair’s. Jan. 08, 1909 -Miss Mamie Williams visited friends at Turner. Feb. 26, 1909 -Claudia Williams, one of Holly Grove’s prettiest, returned from a month at Marianna. Oct. 22, 1909 -Tom Williams of Clarendon spent the weekend with cousins, Claudia and Mamie. Dec. 03, 1909 -E.B. Williams spent Thanksgiving with his father in Marianna. While Claudia’s father plied his trade as blacksmith/auto mechanic, her mother also engaged in business. The Argus for Jul 23, 1936 reported in the “Long Ago” column (1909), “Mrs. Ida Williams had a nice and attractive line of millinery at Monroe.” Ida’s final two children were born not long afterwards—Bertha L. Sep 12, 1910 and Hugh Apr 04, 1913. Ida gave birth to eleven children, including an infant that died between 1896 and 1900. The entire family had an active social life. The Argus for Mar 15, 1912 stated that Elihu was reelected as mayor of Holly Grove but the following year W.A. Pace won the office in an “interesting” race, Argus Apr 12, 1913. “John, Willis, Claudie, and Mamie Williams attended the meeting at Shiloh conducted by Christian minister”, Argus Aug 29, 1913 and the younger children made good marks in school— honor roll 2nd grade, Andrew, average 95+ and 5th grade, Elizabeth, 90+, Argus Mar 13, 1914. At age 25, Claudia married William M. Jones at Marianna on Jan 28, 1914. He was age 38, a widower, and owned his own business (a sawmill or lumber yard). Claudia became stepmother to Frank, age 8, and William, age 7. Her first natural child, Maxine, was born Nov 04, 1914 in Marianna where the family lived. Claudia’s mother was stricken with cancer on her face. There was no medical remedy available but Ida carried on stoically. Her resolve to fulfill her duties despite the ordeal made a lasting impression on those familiar with the situation. She succumbed on Jan 14, 1918 at age 49. The strain was too great for Elihu and he died two months later on Mar. 23, 1918. Possibly flu was a contributing factor in both deaths. Ida and Elihu were interred side by side in Macedonia Cemetery. The eldest son, John Henry, was called for military service a month after Elihu’s death. With both parents deceased, Claudia rearing her own family, and John in service, it fell the lot of Mamie to care for the younger children and she did it well. In 1920, eight of the ten living children were still at home in Holly Grove. Claudia had a second child, Martha Lee (partially named for Ida Lee), born Feb 24, 1918 (one month after her mother’s demise and one month before her father’s). In the 1920 census, she and William Jones were living on Alabama Rd. in Marianna with his two sons and their two daughters. Their only son, Billy (named for his father), was born about 1925. Some time between then and 1930, Claudia’s husband died. In the 1930 census, she was a 40-year-old widow living at Marvell with her three children. Claudia was working as a dry goods clerk. Billy was valedictorian of his Holly Grove graduating class in 1942, Argus May 28, 1942. When Claudia died at age 94 on Feb 22, 1984, she was living at Holly Grove. Burial was in Macedonia Cemetery. Surviving descendants were Bill Jones of Chicago, IL, Martha Williamson of Holly Grove, Maxine Plant of Colorado Springs, CO, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Maxine died on Dec 18, 1999 in Colorado Springs and was buried at Macedonia Cemetery. Martha died on Mar 08, 2006 while living at Holly Grove and also was buried in Macedonia Cemetery. Bill was still alive when Martha died. [contributed by a Williams family relative]