John P. Williams

Honorable John P. Williams, 87, formerly state assemblyman and one-time Crawford County sheriff, died Saturday evening at his home in East Mead Township following a long period of failing health.

Mr. Williams, a lifelong republican, served as sheriff of this county from 1903 to 1905, and in 1910 was elected to serve Crawford County for one term in the general assembly.  He also was widely known in lumber circles, having conducted  a lumber business for about 10 years in Johnstown, and later established a lumber business in partnership with his brother, the late Alfred D. Williams, in East Mead Township, in which township he also operated a large farm.  He was a charter member of Meadville Lodge of Elks.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Clyde Smith at home; one son, George L. Williams of Saegertown; six grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Emma Benson of Youngstown, OH.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Townley Cemetery.