"Smokey" Joe Williams Scholarship Winners for 2008

Brandy Canion and Bradley Reiley are the latest recipients of the "Smokey" Joe Williams Scholarship. Both seniors are scholar-athletes at Seguin High School. Bradley played varsity football and pitched for the baseball team. Brandy played varsity softball, volleyball and was a cheerleader. Both were involved in FFA activities and both plan to attend Texas A&M University. Congratulations to these two hard-working students who embody the championship spirit of Joe Williams!

The first "Smokey" Joe Williams Scholarship awarded in 2000 was for $500. Thanks to the support of the Seguin community and the City of Seguin, the Scholarship award has grown to $4,000. To date, 17 "Smokey" Joe Williams Scholarships have been awarded.

Settling in Seguin

Calvin Williams completed his Army service in April 1870, and headed east from Ft. McKavett about 200 miles to live in Seguin, Texas. He remained there the rest of his life. Why he chose Seguin is still a mystery, but he was not alone. At least two of his fellow soldiers, W.B. Ball and Jacob Ray, also chose to settle in Seguin. W.B. Ball became a highly respected educator and religious leader, pastoring the Second Baptist Church for many years. No doubt Rev. Ball was responsible for Joe Williams' early education and his religious upbringing. Jacob Ray became a successful barber and businessman, and was commissioned by the Governor as Captain of a local militia group called the Ireland Rifles.

Within just a few weeks of his arrival in Seguin, Calvin met and married Fanny Elam. She already had two young daughters, Delia and Lettie (Joe's mother). The marriage license above is at the Guadalupe County Courthouse in Seguin. I enjoy doing research there -- the County Clerk's office has an amazing number of historical records that are well organized, and a very friendly, helpful staff.