J. H. Williamson, of Union township, is a Kansas pioneer and veteran of the Civil war. He was born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1839, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Williamson. The Williamson family are of Scotch descent, and Thomas Williamson was a native of New Jersey. In 1863, Thomas Williamson and his family migrated from Pennsylvania to Missouri, and three years later, came to Kansas, and settled in Cloud county, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of the following children: J. H., the subject of this sketch; H. H., Le Garnde, Ore.; John, Parker, Kans.; Frank, Golconda, Ariz.; Martin, Clyde, Kans., and Mrs. Ellen Bills, Choctaw, Okla.

On February 29, 1862, J. H. Williamson enlisted in Company G, Twelfth regiment, Pennsylvania cavalry, and participated in many important battles, among which were Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Winchester, besides being engaged in almost daily skir-

mishes, during his period of service. He was honorably discharged, July 20, 1865, after having served over three years and a half, during which time he saw a great deal of actual service. In 1884, Mr. Williams came to Butler county and bought a quarter section of school land in Union township. He built a small cabin on his place, and the first few years in this county were spent in a struggle for existence, against the adversities and uncertainties of life in a new country. Not only he, but his family endured the many hardships incident to pioneer life. His children had to walk three miles to attend school, and other conveniences of civilization were in proportion. However, Mr. Williamson and his family were not discouraged, and finally success came to them, and they are now one of the prosperous and substantial families of Butler county.

Mr. Williamson was married in February, 1869, to Miss Margaret Stewart, a native of Indiana, and the following children were born to this union: S. M., on the home place with his father; Mrs. Minnie Rouse, Latham, Kans., and George, also on the home place with his father. The mother of these children departed this life in 1904.

In addition to their farming and stock interests on the home place. S. M. is also interested in the manufacture of brooms. He conducts a broom factory on the home place, which has proven to be a very profitable industry. His power is supplied by a windmill, and during the winter season when he is not busy with his farm work he is engaged in the manufacture of brooms. He has found a ready market for the product of his small factory, and indications are that, in the near future, he will be compelled to increase his output, in order to supply the growing demand. His brooms have a wide reputation for their excellency of workmanship.

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