William “Possum” Williams was born on Nov. 5th, 1885 in Americus, Kansas and died on April 10, 1963.  He was employed for several years as a porter in Art’s Barber Shop and later at the Mid-Way Shine Parlor in Emporia, Kansas.  As a young man he toured the country with a minstrel show.  He was a member of the Emporia Mount Olive A.M.E. Church and the St. John’s Masonic Lodge 14, A.F. and A.M.