Following a lingering illness of several years, Dr. Robert R. Williams, a prominent citizen and outstanding physician in this community since its establishment, passed to the great beyond June 8, 1931 at the age of 82 years.

Dr. Williams settled near what is now known as Templeton in the year 1878 waiting for Manning and Audubon to incorporate as towns so that he might practice medicine. It so happened that he moved to Manning in 1881 when the community was merely a group of houses and had not as yet been recognized as a town. He established his office here and for many years gave service to the public, service the stories of which will remain in the minds of hundreds of pioneers as that of a great man, willing to give his all for his people.

At the time when there were no roads, automobiles were unthought of, transportation facilities practically none at all and innumerable hardships were a barrier, Dr. Williams answered every call. His stable of horses were the best and for many years the team and buggy was the chief means of his conveyance.

Not only was the doctor recognized in the medical field but as years went on he proved himself a leader in community affairs and various business transactions. His well established efforts and his stand for fair play brought Dr. Williams prosperity and happiness in his later years of life.

He was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, March 11, 1849, and came to Eden Township, locating on the farm known as the William Lewis farm in 1878.

Dr. Williams was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Medical College at Madison and of the Rush Medical College of Chicago.

He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Branson, August 12, 1884. They lived in the home on the corner of Third and Center Streets, a well-known landmark.

Dr. Williams was the last charter member of Manual Lodge. The first meeting of the Lodge was held July 16. 1883 by virtue of a dispensation granted by Geo. B. VanSaun. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. As Dr. Williams' name appears on that dispensation as one of the petitioners it follows that his membership had extended over a period of almost 48 years.

Dr. Williams held the office of Senior Steward in 1885, that of Worshipful Master in 1888 and again in 1891 and that of Senior Deacon in 1889 and 1892. By this time his professional duties had increased to such an extent it was impossible for him to act as an officer with any degree of regularity.

However he always met with the brethren when possible and took great pleasure in being present at the meetings. For many years he has been looked upon as the patriarch of the order, and his words of admonition and advice with long be remembered by the brethren.

Dr. Williams was a member of Salona Chapter No. 231 O.E.S. of this place, of Amity Chapter No. 93, Royal Arch Masons and Godfrey Commandery No. 44, of Audubon.

Acting as pallbearers were Dr. Carlile, Dr. Esser, Dr. O.W. Wyatt, Dr. Merlin Wyatt, Dr. Pascoe of Carroll, Dr. Mark of Manilla.