Seeking descendants of William G. and Finetta (Gannaway) Williams. Williams died in 1836 in Coles Co., IL. Finetta married Jacob Zion in Coles Co. in 1836 and they removed to Des Moines Co., IA before 1840. Williams children included William G., born c1825; died after 1850; Sarah Elizabeth who married James Edward Shelledy, Mary who married William Todd, Logan, born c1831 and died after 1850, Harriet, born c1831; died after 1850 and John, born c1834; died after 1850. Mary married in Henry Co., IA, but resided in Des Moines after her marriage. What happened to the rest of this family?

I am a descendent of William Todd and Mary Williams of Mediapolis,DesMoines Iowa.They had 11 children , my great grandfather was their ninth David Lynch Todd. He was born in Mediapolis, moved to Nebraska shortly after his marriage.I show Mary Williams born Feb.7,1827, she had a daughter named Sarah Finetty her first born Aug. 1,1848. I hope you have been looking for me cousin. I have some great old photos of this family.If you would like to exchange info. let me know. I will be anxious to hear from you. By the way William Todd immigrated to the U.S shortly before he met and married Mary . He was a tailor and came here from London.....C.T. Shelton

Hi Connie,

Sorry I didn't answer sooner, but I was out of town over the weekend and am still trying to catch up. My husband is actually the Williams descendant, but they caught my interest being rather elusive to identify and track down. Please e-mail me privately, as I can take Mary's Williams line back several more generations. I'd like to trade info with you.

According to her obituary, 2 of her children with Mr. Williams were living at the time Nettie passed away:

On the 4th inst occurred the death of Mrs. Nettie Zion, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Shelladay, 4 miles northeast of New London. Mrs. Zion was just recovering from a severe spell of sickness which had confined her to her bed for several weeks, when she was again stricken down, this time with a stroke of paralysis. In this, her last illness, she was unable to speak during the entire time, covering a space of more than 4 months, and a great portion of that time could not turn herself in bed. The funeral took place at the church at Pleasant Grove yesterday, and the remains laid to rest by the side of her last husband in the cemetery at that place. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Carter, of the C. P. church, of which she was also a member. She was born in Buckingham county, Va., Aug. 27th 1805. Was married to Wm. Williams, Aug. 1823, who died in 1833. Married again in July 1836 to Jacob Zion, who died Sept. 1869. Her first marriage was blessed with six children, two of whom are yet alive, and three by her second, one of whom survives his mother.
---
This is what I have for Jacob and Nettie census-wise:

Jacob is listed in the 1840 Federal Census Index for Des Moines Co., Iowa: Age ranges - 11200001-122001

and in the 1850 Federal Census, Mont Rose Township, Lee County, Iowa with his wife, and one of her children - Mary Jane (age 16 born Indiana) and his other children with Nettie (I have a copy of this one if you want it).

Too bad the obituary didn't list which two children so you'd know who the other one was besides Mary. Course this obituary also states that Mr. Williams died in 1833, but the Des Moines County Iowa Queries shows it as 1836.

I don't have any more info at this point.... I'm researching the Zion line. Jacob, Nettie's second husband, was my ggg-grandfather (thru his first marriage to Catherine Fleenor).

Do you have a way to look for census info, i.e. Ancestry.com? I just resubbed to them and would be happy to look around for your WILLIAMS if you like. Might find me some more ZION's that way too, you never know.... email me, if so.

Sorry I couldn't help more.

Sandy Zion Anderson

I am working on the Zion and Gannaway line and would like to sare informatiom with you.
Thanks, Debra Gorham

New email address