William E. Williamson, of Miller township, LaSalle county, is one of the leading agriculturists of this county, where he enjoys an extended acquaintance, having grown from infancy to manhood here. His parents were Endre and Christena (Gunnerson) Williamson, both natives of Norway, who moved to Miller township, where our subject was born February 4, 1852. Endre Williamson was born February 5, 1827, and was educated in the Norwegian schools. He came to America in the year 1849, and was married in this country to Miss Christena Gunnerson, who was born in Norway, March 25, 1832. He located in this county and purchased some land, where he engaged in farming and reared his family to honorable manhood and womanhood. Eight children blessed their home, namely: William E., the subject of this biography; Cordelia Knutson; Martin E.; Milton C; George F.; Albert; Theodore H., who farms the homestead; and Helen Hoganson, deceased. The living children are all residents of this vicinity except George F., who resides at Rankin, Vermillion county, Illinois. The father died February 7, 1876, and the mother passed away August 5, 1899.
William E. Williamson received his education in the public school, and at the same time improved his spare moments by assisting his father with the farm work. He has always shown a remarkable aptitude for this industry, and when he arrived at manhood he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty-three acres in this township, where he has since made his home. He is a careful business man and his land shows that brain as well as brawn has been applied in its cultivation. He was married December 12, 1878, to Miss Sallie O. Sampson, a native of this county, and a daughter of S. K. Sampson, who was born in Norway. Seven children have been born to them - Mamie, Silas, Charlotte, Ethel, Ernest and two who died in infancy. Mr. Williamson is a strong Democrat, and has held a number of township offices, being at present school treasurer and town clerk of the township. Himself and family are members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, and are most estimable people, greatly respected.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 179-180.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
| Bureau |
 |
Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
