Travis R. Williams

Travis R. Williams, attorney, editor, and mayor of Haleyville, Alabama, is a native of Itawamba County, Mississippi, where he was born Sept. 18, 1875. His father, Gilbert Henry Williams, was son of Buckner and Martha M. (Bourland) Williams, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Kentucky. They settled in Lauderdale County, Alabama, at an early day. Gilbert H. Williams was born on the farm in Lauderdale, County, Alabama, March 16, 1835. He acquired a good education and took up the calling of a teacher. This naturally led to his removal from one locality to another as he found employment in different schools. He was also a surveyor, and held the office of county surveyor in his native county for two terms. In May 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Mississippi Cavalry, and served under Generals Van Dorn, Forrest and Armstrong until he was transferred to General Roddy’s Command and made Orderly of Company E, in Moorland’s Regiment. Altogether he was in the Confederate army for about three years, and was honorably discharged. He married Malinda C., daughter of David and Mary (Lindsey) Franklin, and a native of Jefferson County, Alabama. David Franklin was a soldier in the Seminole war. He was born in North Carolina and his wife in Kentucky. Travis R. Williams is one of a family of eight children. Alice is now Mrs. M.C. Hodges of Burnsville, Mississippi; Benjamin F. died in childhood; Joseph E. Johnston and Robert E. Lee, named for two heroes of the Confederacy, are teachers; Malinda J. is now the wife of James Allen of Anguilla, Mississippi; Mar G. is now Mrs. W.V. Mayhall of Haleyville; Anna is a teacher of more than ordinary ability. The parents are still living, and are active members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Travis R. Williams was educated in the Oakland Normal Institute, from which he graduated in 1898 with the degree of bachelor of science. He afterward took a post-graduate course, and during the year 1899 was an adjunct professor in the same institution. He then went to Russellville, studied law with Hon. W.J. James, and was admitted to the Franklin County bar by Judge Almon. In July 1901, he came to Haleyville, and has here built up a very satisfactory clientage for a young attorney. He established the Haleyville Enterprise, the first newspaper venture in the town, and in its publication has met with success. As editor of this paper he has shown commendable energy and enterprise in furthering the interests of his adopted town, and in 1902 was elected mayor. The following year he was re-elected, his term expiring in May 1904. IN 1902 he was unanimously nominated by the Democracy of Winston County as a candidate for representative to the State Legislature, but was defeated by Patrick Newman by about one hundred votes. Mr. Williams is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is now the right hand supporter of the noble grand. He is also a prominent member of the Woodmen of the World. He is one of those men who believe in the old scriptural injunction, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Whether in his law practice, his editorial sanctum, the discharge of his official duty, or the secret and benevolent work of his lodges, he is always at his post of duty, ready and willing to take the part assigned him. On Christmas Day, 1902, he led to the altar Nannie May Kennedy, whose parents died in her childhood. She is one of the accomplished women of Haleyville, is a member of the Christian Church, and, like her husband, has a large circle of friends, who love her for her inherent good qualities.

Note: By 1910 Travis Williams had relocated to Russellville where he practiced law for many years. He died 22 Jan 1953 at Russellville.

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