During the week of January 21, 1937, The Jackson Times started publishing a weekly series called “Who’s Who In Breathitt.” The weekly features were designed to “Better acquaint our readers with the business leader of this county.” The writers chose Price Sewell, Sr. as their first subject and highlighted his qualities as a merchant, City Councilman, City Clerk, and ultimately Mayor of Jackson.

The paper later featured Charles Terry, Grannis Bach, Porter Ray, William E. Blake, and many others. One Who’s Who printed in the paper on February 11, 1937, was a portrait of an elderly lady who was confined to a wheelchair for serval years but still played an important role in the community through her children and relatives.

Who’s Who In Breathitt

Although not a native of Breathitt County, Mrs. Emily Williams who last week celebrated her 88th birthday, has lived here for the past 30 years. She was born in Wolfe County, February 5, 1849.

Mrs. Williams was first married to William J. Crain. Three children were born to this union. After the death of her first husband, she married Thomas T. Williams, also a native of Wolfe County. They had four children. Mr. and Mrs. Williams moved to Jackson about 30 years ago, and after his death a few years later, she continued to reside here.

A daughter of Abraham Ingram, Wolfe County, Mrs. Williams is a member of one of Eastern Kentucky’s pioneer families. She has one brother, William Jasper Ingram, Maytown, Ky., who is nearing his 100th milestone, J. B. Ingram, former sheriff of Wolfe County, is her nephew.

Mrs. Williams suffered an injury several years ago, which prevents here from walking, but she disharges her household duties by use of her wheel chair.

Possessed of an unusual alert mind, although advanced in years, and deeply interested in all community affairs and world events, she is well informed on present day issues and enjoys the association of her family and friends.

Although afflicted, her cheerful disposition and radient smile has won for her, the admiration and esteem of all her acquaintances.

Besides her seven children, M. S. and J. P. Crain, Mrs. O. H. Swango, Mrs. William Northup, Mrs. Edna Back, and Reed and Roy Williams, Mrs. Williams has ten grandchildren, Elizabeth, June and M. S. Crain, Jr., Evalyn Swango, Jack Mitchell and Mary Kathleen and Martha Louise Crain, Claude Childres, Billy Northup and Lucile Bach.

The Jackson Times, Thursday, February 11, 1937, page 4

Nearly three months to the day after The Jackson Times published its brief recognition of Emily Williams, she died at her home on Broadway on May 10, 1937, with her family gathered near her. She was 88.

© 2022 Stephen D. Bowling