Sunday's Obituary: Henry F. Williams

Oakland Tribune (California)
17 March 1911

PIONEER IS DEAD AFTER LONG LIFE

Henry F. Williams was Passenger of Old Steamer California

SAN FRANCISCO, March 17. -- Henry F. Williams, one of the six remaining passengers on the steamer California when the vessel made its first trip to San Francisco, February 28 1849, and who built San Francisco's first post office, died at his home, 1150 Vallejo street, shortly after noon yesterday, after an illness of only a week. His family, widow and 10 children were at his bedside when the end came.

Williams was one of the few California pioneers, and was one of 500 who came to San Francisco the last day of February, 1849, on the old side-wheel steamer California. The California brought the first load of fortune seekers to San Francisco that arrived by steamers.

Within a week after his arrival Williams opened the first carpenter shop in San Francisco. Only a few days later he began the construction of San Francisco's first post office, occupied by Charles L. Ross, the city's first post-master. He was a prominent leader in the public library movement, was a member of the Pacific Union Club in 1869, when it was known as the Pacific Club, and opened the first mechanic's fair held here.

BORN IN VIRGINIA

Williams was born in Prince William county, Va., March 2, 1828. He came to California in 1849 and lived within its borders continuously ever since.  He leaves a wife and 10 children, Charlotte F., Isabelle F., Thomas C., William R., Catherine E., J. R., Fairfax, Heloise, Duval and Sarah. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock from his late residence, 1150 Vallejo street.

Less than two weeks ago Williams, with two other argonauts, Dr. Samuel H. Willey and General W. H. Pratt, celebrated the sixty-second anniversary of the arrival of the California at this port. The only other surviving members of the party which arrived on the California are General D. W. C. Thompson, who lives in Sonoma; Mrs. Mendell, who lives in Steiner street, and Isaac B. Pine, whose address is in Tuolumne county.