WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS, M.D.

Dr. William H. Williams was born January 9, 1822, at Clinton, Middlesex County, Conn., on the old homestead which came to the family by direct grant in the early history of our country. After receiving his general education he took up the study of medicine in New Haven, Conn., and at the age of 25 graduated from the Yale Medical School (1847). He at once began practice in Brooklyn in March of that year. He soon became well known throughout a quite extended region in South Brooklyn, and when the yellow fever outbreak occurred in 1856 he was found to be the leading physician throughout the old divisions of Gowanus, Bay Ridge and New Utrecht.

He continued throughout his career to be a general practitioner of high standing, and was known for his capabilities and personal qualities by all the prominent physicians of the city. He very markedly represented the type of the old school practitioner and inspired confidence in not only his patients, but all those who came in contact with him, and especially his fellow-members in the medical profession.

He had a universally recognized genial disposition and polished bearing, accompanied with a modest and possibly a too retiring manner. He always carried himself with dignity and inspired one with the idea of his sincerity. His devotion to his profession in all its details was deep and lasting, and his high idea of morality and straightforwardness made him a shining light in the religious circle in which he moved. He was repeatedly consulted on moral and ethical questions, quite as much as on professional subjects, especially in his later years, and his pastor has expressed his sincere gratification in having been free to consult and advise with him on many ethical points.

He continued in active practice up to a few years ago, but even in these last years there was a small circle of his old patients who still had such confidence in his judgment that they could not seek elsewhere for practical medical advice. He permitted these to consult him to the last, and thus it may be stated that he actually practiced in his profession until his final confinement to his room.

He was a permanent member of the American Medical Association, an original member of the New York State Medical Association and one of the founders of the Kings County Medical Association.

He died at his residence, 207 17th street, on the night of Friday, January 3, 1902, at the age of 79. In 1877 he married Miss Susanna T. Foote, daughter of Dr. Anson Foote, of Guilford, New Haven County, Conn., who now survives him.

The warm attachment which all who knew him had for him was impressively shown on the evening of his funeral, Monday, January 6th, when a large gathering of mourners in all stations of life was assembled at his late residence to do honor and pay their last respects to his memory

Source:  "New York State Journal of Medicine"

Published by Medical Society of the State of New York, 1902