Roger Butler Williams

President Board of Education From 1890

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Roger Butler WILLIAMS, son of Josiah Butler WILLIAMS, one of the early residents, was born in Ithaca, May 8th, 1848. His early education he received in the public schools of his native town. Graduating from the Ithaca Academy in 1864, Mr. Williams entered Yale University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1868, and of Master of Arts in 1871. While in college he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

In 1874 Mr. WILLIAMS was married to Carrie L. ROMER, of Brooklyn. They have one son, Roger B. WILLIAMS, Jr., a graduate of the high school, and at present a junior in Cornell University.

Mr. WILLIAMS has always been actively identified with the business, social, and educational interests of Ithaca. In business affairs his interests are many and diverse. While he is a manufacturer of machinery and agricultural implements, he is also president of the Ithaca Savings Bank, and a director of the First national Bank; and is interested in City Hospital, Lake View Cemetery, the Lyceum Company; he is a member of the Town and Gown Club, captain of the Protective Police, chairman of the commission in charge of the construction of the sewer system, and is also interested in sundry corporations and associations. In short, Mr. WILLIAMS is a public spirited man, ever ready and willing to assist in enterprises which concern the welfare of his native city.

In the cause of education also, Mr. WILLIAMS has devoted time and thought to the interests of Ithaca, for, besides being a trustee of Cornell University, and a director of the Cornell Library Association, he has been a member of the Board of Education for fourteen years, having held the office of president of that body since 1890. A review of the addresses made by the president to the Board of Education shows that he has always advocated the enlargement of buildings and school accommodations, the increase of teachers' salaries, in order to secure the best teaching ability, and the entire separation of politics from school matters.

Mr. WILLIAMS is characterized by a modesty as great as is his efficiency in forwarding the interests of the various trusts and organizations with which he is connected. In the midst of his urgent duties he is always ready to give advice and counsel to those who ask it; and this advice is always well considered. This is especially true in matters affecting the schools of Ithaca. Although a man of great dignity of bearing, he is gentle in manner, kind of heart, always approachable. It would not be too much to call Mr. WILLIAMS a representative of the highest type of tried citizen.

Thank you Mary Kreps for transcribing these records into digital format.

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