So I constantly have to watch for clues of all kinds on the Internet to track down amazing Manning historical treasures like this.

Now please stop to think that when Dr. Williams came to this area, it was all Prairie - no trees, no roads, no railroads, and just a bunch of random farm homes in the area that later became Templeton & Manning...with Prairie Rattlesnakes, Wolves, and predators of many kinds, and the occasional visits by American Indians who wandered about in this part of the Midwest.
Not until 1880 did the first of 3 railroads come through the area, and the only transportation was by horse.

So if you think you have it TOUGH, THINK again!!!

Robert R. Williams first doctor in the Manning area.
Photo by E.R. Curtiss, Madison, Wisconsin

Signature of Robert

Anna Martin - later the first wife of Robert.
A classmate of Robert at Wisconsin.

Another picture of Robert I purchased on E-bay, back in 2011.

Purchased on e-bay from North Dakota - Nome area.
The seller purchased it at an auction sale in Moorhead, Minnesota 2-3 years ago from a box of items, many were related to a Worshek family.

Items I scanned in 2017 from the huge trunk of the Manual Lodge #450 of Manning that Craig Williams (no relation to Robert) has in his posession in Manning.

MANNING LODGE NO. 122 I.O.O.F.: was organized in April, 1883 in the hall which was located over Mr. Reinholdt's store previous to the fire of 1895.
The first officers were: J. M. Turner, N. G. E. M. Funk, V. G.; R. L. Zane, Sec. The other charter members were: G. W. Rosenberger, Robert R. Williams, and Fred Moershell.

Robert R. WILLIAMS, M.D., B.S., received his professional training in the Academies and Universities of Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1874, with the degree of Bachelor of Science, and from Rush Medical College, of Chicago, Ill., in 1876, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
He located in this part of Carroll County, in 1878, making his offices at a farm house a few miles east of Manning, while his practice extended for miles in every direction. He was the earliest practitioner, in these parts, by five years.
Had he not been stricken down with a fever in the spring of 1881 he would have been the first physician to locate in the town although he practiced in the town when it was first started, and located his offices here in the, fall of 1881, as soon as he had recuperated sufficiently after his illness.
He has boon rail road surgeon for the C. M. & St. P. for nine years.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK: This institution was organized February 11, 1886, with the following officers: President, D. W. Sutherland; Cashier, O.E. Dutton; Directors, D.W. Sutherland, O.E. Dutton, A.T. Bennett, Henry Kuhl, A.L. Hockett, Henry Hoffmann, Jacob Kuhn, and Dr. Robert R. Williams.
The location of the bank has always been in Lot 1, Block 7, except in 1895, when the building was destroyed by fire. The business was then conducted in the north room of the Freelove Block till the new bank building was completed.

1888. Mayor, C.D. Dewing; recorder, E.C. Perry; treasurer, A.T. Bennett; councilmen, H.D. Radeleff, J.L. Ives, O.E. Dutton, W.H. Schoop, U.L. Patton, and Robert R. Williams.
1889. Mayor, J.W. Marrow; recorder, R.W. Anderson; treasurer, A.T. Bennett; councilmen, U.L. Patton, H.D. Radeleff, J.L. Ives, Robert R. Williams, Chris Grube, and J.L. Wilson; assessor, J.B. Ingledue.

The Manning Improvement Association.
In an issue of the Monitor dated May 12, 1887, was the suggestion, that the citizens take some effective step towards building up the town by making it a suitable place for industries. "With this object in view, Major Dewing called a meeting of the citizens at the Germania Hall, Monday evening, May 16. The band headed the procession to the hall, and in a short time, an enthusiastic congregation had assembled. After temporary organization, rousing speeches were made by Dr. Williams, Smith, Salinger, Barnes, Jay, Patton and others. Dr. Williams said "that the first assential in making a boom, was, to cultivate friendship with one another. It was a good plan to begin at home by cleaning up the yards, streets and alleys, and when a stranger came to see the town with a view to locating, or otherwise, everything would present an inviting aspect! During the progress of the meeting, a saloon keeper and one or two others went out into the country and set on foot a proposition to boycott Manning with their GERMAN FRIENDS unless the saloons were opened forthwith, within the incorporated limits. The farmers attended the meeting, and through their spokesman, William Martens, presented their case. They wanted PERSONAL Liberty, and if they could not get it in Manning, they would go elsewhere to do their trading.
They failed, however, to get the cooperation of their kinsfolk in the town, and, realizing their failure, left the hall vanquished."
An organization was effected with the following; officers: President, D. W. Sutherland; Vice President, Henry Hoffmann; Secretary and Treasurer, C. D. Dewing; Committees, Soliciters, J. W. Martin, J. W. Barnes and Henry Hoffmann; on Constitution and By-laws, R. R. Williams, W. J. Marrow and B. I. Salinger; on permanent Organization, C. D. Dewing and O. E. Dutton. Members enrolled, John Jay, C. S. Lawrence, J. C. Oard, U. L. Patton, G. W. Umphrey, M. Hoffmann, H. Siem, G. L. Gorman, J. Karstens, J. S. Wilson, L. P. Brigham, H. Rohr, J. H. Chenoweth and F. T. Laird.

The Wolf Chase.
In the Manning Monitor, published May 5, 1894, appeared the following article: While the snow was yet a flying, every now and then one could observe a small group of old timers gathered together in some accustomed place discussing a wolf hunt. With each succeeding gathering the desire to start out, grew more intense as Joe Wilson in his own peculiar way, told the boys how easily that band of braves could march out to his pasture and slay this prowler of the prairie. It took all for noon to get properly clad and armed, but at 1:30 the band was ready for organization. The question of who should act as commander next bobbed up, with a choice between Ed Ives and Col. Sutherland. To settle the matter Henry Hoffmann flipped up an old iron dollar and the Colonel was declared the lucky man. Headed by Wilson on his charger, the company proceeded to the scene of rattle. The Colonel with rusty sword in hand jumped upon an old wagon, and, after assigning each man to a place, proceeded to give the boys a genuine Kelly talk, which was received with much enthusiasm and shouts "on to the wolf". Every man marched to the place assigned him. Wilson started for the creek, followed by Dr. Williams who had a pocket full of stones. Then came A. T. and Fred Bennett with their guns. On the east stood the invincible, Fry holding an old army repeater, while a short distance south was stationed Henry Hoffmann. He, too was armed to the teeth. About half a mile north were Ed Ives, Ben Brookfield, Wilson Rugg and Will Heitman. Ed Ives was loaded for thunder bumpers, but not for wolves. Ben Brookfield had an ax, while Rugg and Heitman carried concealed weapons, probably gatling guns. Soon Wilson had his wolf on the run, and immediately gave chase. The canine started up the hill, but Joe's horse got tangled up in the weeds and thus lost too much time to ever catch up. Fry fired and wounded Mr. Wolf, but as his repeater was loaded with bullets no longer than a thimble, he could not expect the animal to fight the dust. Though Ives was half a mile distant he saw the wolf limp and had it not been for a thunder bumper obstructing his vision would have fired the fatal shot. As it is all of the braves returned home unharmed and will soon file the applications for a pension.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY JUNE 1, 1900: Frank Beal - driver for Dr. Williams.

Following a lingering illness of several years, Dr. Robert R. Williams, a prominent citizen and outstanding physician in this community since its establishment, passed to the great beyond June 8, 1931 at the age of 82 years.

Dr. Williams settled near what is now known as Templeton in the year 1878 waiting for Manning and Audubon to incorporate as towns so that he might practice medicine. It so happened that he moved to Manning in 1881 when the community was merely a group of houses and had not as yet been recognized as a town. He established his office here and for many years gave service to the public, service the stories of which will remain in the minds of hundreds of pioneers as that of a great man, willing to give his all for his people.

At the time when there were no roads, automobiles were unthought of, transportation facilities practically none at all and innumerable hardships were a barrier, Dr. Williams answered every call. His stable of horses were the best and for many years the team and buggy was the chief means of his conveyance.

Not only was the doctor recognized in the medical field but as years went on he proved himself a leader in community affairs and various business transactions. His well established efforts and his stand for fair play brought Dr. Williams prosperity and happiness in his later years of life.

He was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, March 11, 1849, and came to Eden Township, locating on the farm known as the William Lewis farm in 1878.

Dr. Williams was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Medical College at Madison and of the Rush Medical College of Chicago.

He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Branson, August 12, 1884. They lived in the home on the corner of Third and Center Streets, a well-known landmark.

Dr. Williams was the last charter member of Manual Lodge. The first meeting of the Lodge was held July 16. 1883 by virtue of a dispensation granted by Geo. B. VanSaun. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. As Dr. Williams' name appears on that dispensation as one of the petitioners it follows that his membership had extended over a period of almost 48 years.

Dr. Williams held the office of Senior Steward in 1885, that of Worshipful Master in 1888 and again in 1891 and that of Senior Deacon in 1889 and 1892. By this time his professional duties had increased to such an extent it was impossible for him to act as an officer with any degree of regularity.

However he always met with the brethren when possible and took great pleasure in being present at the meetings. For many years he has been looked upon as the patriarch of the order, and his words of admonition and advice with long be remembered by the brethren.

Dr. Williams was a member of Salona Chapter No. 231 O.E.S. of this place, of Amity Chapter No. 93, Royal Arch Masons and Godfrey Commandery No. 44, of Audubon.

Acting as pallbearers were Dr. Carlile, Dr. Esser, Dr. O.W. Wyatt, Dr. Merlin Wyatt, Dr. Pascoe of Carroll, Dr. Mark of Manilla.

"Soon as man, expert from time, has found. The key of life, it opens the gates of death."
Died at midnight, May 8, 1883, in Manning, Iowa, Mrs. Anna M., wife of Dr. Robert R. Williams, aged 31 years, 6 months, and 22 days.

Mrs. Williams was the daughter of Robert and Belle Martin, of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin. She was born at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and removed while young with her parents to Wisconsin where she was brought up and educated. While attending school at the University of Wisconsin she formed an acquaintance of Dr. Williams who was then her classmate and together they finished their course, and graduated in 1874. Here was formed the tie which bound them for life, but which death has severed so rudely and so soon. In 1873 she made an open profession of the love of the Savior and united with the Presbyterian Church at Madison and afterwards transferred her membership to Mr. Hoyt's church at Mt. Horeb. Here, June 6, 1882, she was united in marriage with Dr. Williams. It seemed but the consummation of the plan which they had formed long before and happiness and prosperity were spread out before them. Selecting Manning as their place of residence, they had built and nearly completed a home, but scarcely had they entered upon its enjoyment when the bride of a summer was stricken down, and all the joy was turned to weeping and sorrow. The disease which caused her death was of the brain, and produced a sort of stupor from which she was seldom aroused, so that she communicated but little with her friends. This circumstance only serves to render their grief the more poignant.

Mrs. Williams was a loving companion, a kind friend and an active Christian woman. Her warm heart and genial disposition had gained for her a glad welcome among the strangers whom she met in Manning, and hundreds of friends extend heartfelt sympathy to her devoted husband and relatives in this their sore bereavement. Her mother was with her during the last two weeks of sickness. After brief religious services at the residence, her remains were carried to the depot and taken back to the home of her youth, to the cemetery at Mt. Horeb, where funeral services will be conducted today by the minister who performed her marriage ceremony in June last.

''Leaves have their time to fall,
And flowers to wither at the North wind's breath,
And stars to set - but all,
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death!"

Mrs. R. R. Williams,
Pioneer Citizen, Buried Thursday

The death of Mrs. Robert R. Williams, a resident of Manning throughout her entire married life, occurred on Tuesday, August 11th, 1931, at the Wyatt Memorial hospital after an illness of fully a year. Although not bedfast during all this time, she suffered a great deal at times, especially during the last few months. The nature of her illness was beyond help though surgical skill, and the members of her family gave her the best of care during the time of illness.

It was quite a blow to Mrs. Williams when the Doctor passed this life on Monday, June 8th, 1931. Not being in good health at the time, to see her true life's companion taken from her, hastened the termination of her life, no doubt. She passed this life at the age of 72 years 6 months and 16 days.

Mrs. Emma Williams, nee Branson was born near Morrison, Illinois, January 26th, 1859. When 10 years of age she moved with her parents to Lamoille, Marshall county, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood. She attended college at the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, for two years. Teaching school in Marshall County, also in Carroll County which brought her in the direction of Manning before the town was started and also taught school in the Manning schools afterwards.

She was united in marriage to Dr. R.R. Williams (2nd wife) on August 12th, in 1885. She was the member of a family of ten children. One sister, Mrs. Fred Bennett of Arnolds Park and a number of nieces and nephews surviving her.
She also leaves a host of friends in Manning and vicinity; was a member of the Eastern Star of Manning and a member of the Woman's Club of Manning. The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, August the 13th, at two o'clock from the Presbyterian Church, the Reverend A.L. Howland officiating. The ladies quartette from the Manning Woman's club rendering the music. The organization of the Eastern Star conducted the services at the grave.
Interment was made at the Manning Cemetery.

Relatives attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bennett of Arnolds Park, Iowa; Miss Hazel Hockett, Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. Mildred Anderson, Sioux City, Iowa; Mr. Fred Hockett, Sioux City, Iowa; Mr. Edwin Davis, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mrs. Lila Fronerie, Ames, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Moser, Ames, Iowa; and Miss Dorothy Moser, Ames, Iowa.