Quinte Agricultural Hall of Fame > Jeanne Williams.jpg
JEANNE WILLIAMS
1906-1990
Jeanne was a farmer, school teacher, mother and farm leader from Springbrook in Hastings County. She became an active member of the Ontario Farmers Union Local 171 in the 1950's and served as Women’s Vice-President and President of the Ontario Farmer’s Union from 1963-1966.
She was involved in diverse issues with the OFU including challenges to the Federal and Provincial governments on milk industry issues, development of an OFU Cookbook, the provision of drought assistance to hard hit parts of Ontario.
Jeanne’s special interest in the dairy industry with her husband George, led to her being an effective spokesperson for dairy industry issues.
She also took a keen interest in union education, encouraging locals to train members on running effective organizations. In the mid 1960's Jeanne was one of several union leaders who promoted a more critical approach to education within the organization, encouraging development of a popular working knowledge of economics, politics and sociology to help members understand and respond more effectively to changes in their industry.
In 1990, Jeanne was honoured by the National Farmers Union for her contributions on behalf of the farm community.
Nominated by Ontario Farmers’ Movement History Association and supported by National Farmers Union—Ontario Local 16 Inducted 2006