The advent of Thomas Williamson in Cloud county, in March, 1866, was exceedingly opportune, for up to this time, with two or three exceptions perhaps, there were none who made any pretentious of Christianity. In the Elk creek settlement there was but one, Andrew W. Smith. On the second Sabbath of Mr. Thompson's arrival he was the instigator of a prayer meeting held at the house of Andrew Smith, and through him mainly these meetings were kept up for some time. He was an incessant worker and labored under the severest discouragements. He united with the Baptist church (his persuasion) on Fancy creek, Riley county, which was forty miles or more distant, and has been known to repeatedly drive that distance to attend the church of his choice. Soon afterward, through his efforts and the assistance of the Reverend Cloud, a church was established on Elk creek, the first church building erected in the county. It was a very weak concern and had it not been for his untiring energies would have been a complete failure, the congregation often consisting of Mr. Williamson and his wife. Had it not been for him the church would probably have never been built.

Mr. Williamson was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1809. His field of usefulness was mainly in the ecclesiastical or religious work and he had a record in this capacity.