THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, 14 Jan 1943

Sep .Williams Celebrates 96th Birthday Monday

Born in Tennessee But Has Lived in Flagler County for Thirty Years

How does it feel to be 96 years old? Well, Mr. Se Williams, father of Mrs. Ed Johnson, says if feels fine. Mr. Williams was born January 11, 1847, in Tennessee, but has resided in Flagler County since 1913.

Mr. Williams quietly celebrated his birthday Monday at the Johnson home where he has lived for many years. He is still pretty active, has good eyesight and his mind is still keen and active.

Just imagine! He was 18 years old when the Civil War ended. He voted in the presidential election that resulted in putting General Grant in the White House.

Florida as a state was but two years old when he was born. Also the United States had just acquired territory comprising California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico; so was Texas by annexation. And, incidentally that state's constitution provides that it may secede and divide into, as many as five separate states if and when its growth and expansion demands it.

When he was born the Mexican war had just been concluded. He lived through the Civil War, Spanish American World War One and now in the midst of World War Two. He has seen the development of the railroads from infancy; creation and development of the electric light, automobile, airplane, radio and hundreds of other modern wonders.

Mr. Williams today, is hale and hearty and his friends expect to help observe his birthday four years hence when he will be just - - 100.

THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, February 22, 1945

Septimus Williams, 98-year-old father of Mrs. Ed Johnson, died at the Johnson home 10 miles north of Flagler Beach on the Ocean Shore Boulevard Tuesday.

Mr. Williams was born at the Williams homestead in Montgomery County, Tennessee on January 11, 1847, but was a resident of Flagler county since 1913.

In his younger years Mr. Williams was engaged in the drugstore and hotel business. He also was a buyer for a manufacturing business. He was retired and made his home with his daughter for the past 32 years.

He was a member of the Methodist Church, and was an active member of the board of stewards of his home church. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Ed Johnson of Flagler Beach and Mrs. F. B. Earnest of Brownfield, Texas; nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held this afternoon at the graveside in Hope Cemetery with the Rev. A. A. Godfrey, pastor of the Bunnell Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements were in charge of Baggett-McIntosh of Daytona Beach.

Pallbearers were: G. L. Biddle, W. E. Kudrna, J. F. Mercer, John C. Rice, M. B. Fuller and O. F. Alford.