William J. Williams

     William J. Williams was born March 11, 1845, in South Wales, and came to America in 1869, settling in Pennsylvania. He was educated in the subscription schools of Wales. At the age of seventeen he left the parental roof. In 1868 he married Miss Mary Ann Davis, a native of Wales, born in 1850, and the daughter of John and Mary (Howell) Davis. To our subject and wife were born six children: Mary, John, David, Gwenie, Thomas and Griselda. In 1872 Mr. Davis left Pennsylvania, and came to Soddy, Tenn., where he has since resided. He worked in the coal mines for one year, after which he was given the position of contractor to blast the roof of the mines, which position he held for twelve years. He was then elected bank boss, which position he now holds. He has under his supervision about 250 men. He owns his present position to his own ability as a practical miner and overseer. He has the entire confidence of his employers, and is an honest, industrious man. He and his wife and eldest two children are members of the Congregational Church. In politics Mr. Williams is a Republican.

Goodspeed's "History of East Tennessee" 1887