IN MEMORIAM.
Another hand than mine was expected to pen this message which, in accordance with constitutional provision, must be communicated by the Executive to the General Assembly in order that the latter may be apprised of such matters relating to the affairs of State as will aid it to act for the true interests of the people, advised thereto by accompanying recommendations. But "man proposes, God disposes;" and by one of the events which follow in the train of Omnipotent doing, it has been willed that he who addresses you should assume a duty of the gravest responsibility and highest trust. The people rightfully expect of their Chief Magistrate that knowledge of his various duties and attention to their discharge, which would make the task at hand an agreeable Sand familiar resume of affairs connected with his administration. While this doubtless would have been eminently Sue of my predecessor, the opposite may be inferred from my brief tenure of office; and thus it seems that the lamentable misfortune which withdrew from our midst a distinguished fellow-citizen likewise deprived you of a well- tried and capable coajutor. I may, therefore,in the opening of this message, appropriately say page: 15[View Page 15] hat is due on this occasion of the life and services of our lately deceased Chief Executive, a more than usually appropriate occasion because cer only is a testimonial due him as a high offi- not of the State, but in the predecessor of the body here assembled for a longer period than ever by any other citizen, he represented a local constituency and began that career ultimately crowned by the greatest honor of our proud Commonwealth. His career as a public officer was almost exclusively identified with State affairs and the experience gained by his long services in the General Assembly strongly qualified him in that administrative capacity shown in later years.
Governor Williams's success was self-made. His instruction in youth was mainly the rugged vicissitudes of pioneer life. Lacking the present opportunities afforded young men, he possessed instead a native good sense and sterling honesty which formed a character molded by the influences of the primitive time in which he grew up to manhood. His personal habits were simple and manner unpretending. Whatever public responsibility he bore, he exhibited the part of a constant, faithful, useful servant. I might endeavor to spend words in his praise, but they could not add to the brightness of the name of an honest man which he has left behind. He carved out an honored destiny for himself, roughened as was its beginning by adversity. He died beloved and respected, his death occurring in this city Saturday noon, November 20, 1880, at near the completion of his seventy-third year. Suitable obsequies were attended by the officers of the State, the Governors and officers of adjoining States, and citizens of this County, at this city; by citizens of other Counties along the route of the funeral procession; by the citizens of Knox County and our distinguished guests, at Vincennes, and at the village of Wheatland; and finally by his relatives and immediate neighbors at his home, where he was laid to rest beside his aged wife, who preceded him but a few months to their grave, whose loss he could not endure, and over whose grave the grass of coming springtime has yet to grow.
