Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 90, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1898 — NOTED MAN GONE. [ARTICLE]

NOTED MAN GONE.

Death of “Cerro Gordo” William*, Veteran of Two Wan, and Onee Senator from Kentucky. Mount Sterling, Ky., July 18.—G>n. John S. Williams, ex-United States senator and hero of the Mexican and civil wars, died at seven a. m. Sunday at his home near this city. He will be burled at Winchester, Ky., this afternoon. “Cerro Gordo” Williams, so nicknamed on account of his bravery at the battle of that name in the war with Mexico, has borne an active part in Kentucky history, but for some time past has been living quietly on his farm near Mount Sterling. He wad born tn 1820 in Montgomery county. He served in the Mexican war with distinction, being first a captain and later a colonel, and was in command of the Fourth Kentucky at the capture of the City of Mexico. In 1850 and 1852 he was a member of the Kentucky legislature. He opposed secession, yet raised a confederate regiment and was made a brigadier general and was under Gen. Joe Johnston at the surrender. He was elected United States senator in 1874 and served until March 3, 1885. He was defeated by J. C. 8. Blackburn for tbs renomination in a memorable contest.