Manford Nation Williams, born November 4, 1897, was the youngest son of Lola Nation Williams and Joseph Crowley Williams and the grandson of Judge J.C. Williams of Richmond, Texas. Joseph, Manford’s father, worked as an agent for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Judge J.C. Williams was a lawyer and a land agent. Together, they began purchasing land throughout Richmond and Rosenberg in 1883. Today Manford Williams Elementary and B.F. Terry High School are located on some of that land.
Manford’s father wanted him to study law and sent him off to Allen Academy, a preparatory school in Bryan, Texas. Upon his father’s death, Manford took over the ranching and farming business and continued to ranch until his own death, April 26, 1982.
As a young man, Manford was concerned for the welfare of the community, especially the public education system. He began his life of service to education when he was first elected to the School Board in the 1930’s. Manford was concerned that the Richmond school system was becoming stagnant. Improper and poor administration practices were putting the State Accreditation in jeopardy. Many students were failing their courses in colleges and universities. When investigating the problem, Manford noted that the teaching methods needed to be updated and the administration needed improvement. The faculty consisted of mostly older women without college degrees. The society was growing and changing and the educational system needed to change with the time. The time had come to initiate a new school system that would prepare the children to function in college.
In 1946, through diplomacy and dedication of the educators, Richmond and Rosenberg united to form Lamar Consolidated Independent School District.
Manford was a catalyst in bringing these two communities together to form one district. His roots in farming and ranching helped to build the needed alliances. He was well known in the farming and ranching business in Fort Bend County. He was a great aid to the newly arrived farmers as well as respected by the Founding Fathers. These connections made him very influential and well-liked by many people. His opinion and advice was sought on both school and political matters. Manford Williams served on the school board for 26 years.
The "Williams" name is seen on landmarks throughout Ft. Bend County. Several years ago, the Williams Ranch (Williamswood) was also named in the Texas Family Land Heritage Program as a registered Texas Century Ranch, having been a continuous working ranch and farm through the same family since 1883.
Information found at http://www.cemetery.state.tx.us and from The Herald-Coaster, Sunday, November 8, 1998 edition, article delivered by Margaret Steed Williams.