Gaar Williams Photograph

Gaar Williams
December 12, 1880 - June 15, 1935

I felt that with currently only 35 CAF illustration submissions that I had to include a photograph of Gaar who lead an interesting and tragic life.

Very accomplished and underrated American cartoonist. His one panel large 13x13 (original size) social and political illustrations appeared in numerous newspapers of the day - notably for the Indianapolis and Chicago Tribute Syndicate.
Some of his more well known cartoon titles were: Wotta Life! Wotta Life!, Our Secret Ambition, A Strain on the Family, Something Ought to be done about this, and A Strain on the Family Tie.

On June 15th, 1935, 54 year old Gaar, his wife and a friend were planning a nice weekend trip to Indianapolis when suddenly he slumped over at the wheel of his car - due to a cerebral hemorrhage. He passed away at the local hospital a few hours later.

He is buried at Earlham Cemetery in Richmond Indiana. Like his beautiful pen and ink illustrations, his memorial is quite unique: A large round rock with a beautifully crafted round metal name plate with his last name carved as his signature.