Abiel P. Williams after an illness of about a week died at his home last Tuesday morning. Thus has passed from our midst a much esteemed citizen of the town, a kind neighbor, a true friend, and a loving father. Born and brought up on the old homestead, which was his home at the time of his death, most of his life was spent in his native town. True patriot, at the call of his country he enlisted, and not satisfied that he had done his full duty, left his native hill for a second term of service. While in service he had an attack of yellow fever, which early ended his life then and there. A man of retiring disposition though more than once political honor might have been his had he consented he has held office but once in this town though the office as several times sought the man. Six years ago he suffered from a severe attack of pneumonia from which he has never fully recovered, although his indomitable will has kept him about. A farmer by occupation it can truly be said of him that he was one of Nature’s noblemen. Mr. Williams leaves an aged mother of about ninety and six children to mourn his loss, his wife having died a little over three years ago. Deceased for several years had a milk route in Dudley and Webster with a large number of customers. He was a member of Ben Franklin Council No. 333, Royal Arcanum, and Nathaniel Lyon Post 61 G.A.R., of Webster and was formerly a member of Webster Lodge, F. and A.M. About forty members of Post 61 attended the funeral of Comrade A. P. Williams of Dudley, which was held at his late residence Thursday at 1 p.m. Rev. Chas. L. Goodell of Boston delivered an impressive address.
Rev. T. C. Richards of Dudley was present and offered a prayer. Comrade E. P. Morton took charge of the services. Six Comrades were bearers. Comrades Oscar Tourtelotte of North Grosvenordale, Francis Greenwood, Horace Lincoln, D. F. Gleason, George S. Googins, H. J. Woodell.1 Four of the bearers were members of his Reg’t 25th Mass. Inf’t of which deceased was color guard. The G.A.R service was recited at the tomb in which he was placed in North Cemetery. Comrade Hon. I. P. Bates of New Boston, drummer boy Co. D with Comrade Williams sounded taps at the tomb. There was a large gathering of neighbors and friends which indicates the high respect and esteem in which the departed was held. Singing by the Dudley church choir. The delegates from the Arcanum Council at funeral were brothers Dobbie, Branch, Cocks, F. C. Crawford and Alex. Hoye. The G.A.R. gave a floral tribute and Arcanum a pillow of flowers.
Webster Times