When but a little over eight years of age, he was brought to America by his parents and located at Schenectady, N. Y. At the age of fourteen he entered the employ of John Fullagar of that city, as a clerk. In 1845 he followed the rest of the family, who were then living at Catasauqua, and at once entered the office of the Crane Iron Company. His first duty was to weigh the ore and limestone that was hauled hither by team, to feed three furnaces. Those were busy days, for team was followed by team all day long. In 1849 he was promoted to the position of Assistant Cashier, and, after the death of Owen Rice, he was promoted in 1856 to the office of Cashier. He performed the duties of this office with signal fidelity throughout the remainder of his life Mr. Williams was actively connected with many local enterprises the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company in which he held office until his decease. He served as Passenger Agent for the C. & F. R. Ill. Company for many years, and was Director and later the President of the Catasauqua Gas Company. He was a Director and at the time of his death Vice-President of the National Bank of Catasauqua. He was also a Director in the Lehigh Valley Trust and Safe Deposit Company of Allentown, and President of the Farmers' Fire Insurance Company of Upper and Lower Saucon Townships, and President of the Fairview Cemetery Association. Since man's acts are more eloquent than his words, it is but necessary to point to the many associations in which his counsel and encouragements were sought to show the shrewd and pleasing character of the man, and his earnest endeavor to promote the welfare of his fellow townsmen.

She, whom he led to the bridal altar, September 14, 1852, was Emma Caro-line Heilig, daughter of Rev. George Heilig, a Lutheran clergyman. Her mother's maiden name was Susannah Hook. They began housekeeping on Church Street in one of the Company homes. Mrs. Williams repeatedly declared the happiest period of her life was the season of her housekeeping on Church Street. For a while the family lived in Fuller's Block. After David Thomas left the "Mansion" on Front Street, John Williams and family occupied it. During 1870 he erected the beautiful home on Bridge Street which he occupied until his death, May 24, 1892, and his widow after him, until her death, September 29, 1913. The hospitality of the Williams home was as genuine as its surroundings, which being adorned with palms, ferns and many rare plants, were beautiful and inviting. In 1852 Mr. and Mrs. Williams took up their membership in the First Presbyterian Church, in which he was elected an Elder in 1872; and he served his people as Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years-until his death. With an intermission of one year he served the Borough as Burgess from 1861 to 1873.p. 331.

According to notes received from Tom Weaver, the house at 540 4th St. in Catasauqua was built by John Williams. He later had built the double-house at the corner of 4th & Pine where his daughters and their spouses lived. 7/2001. See Weaver e-mail files.

The record of the life of a man of acknowledged worth and great prominence in his community may most appropriately adorn the pages of biographical history. Such an one was the late John Williams, formerly an influential citizen of Catasauqua. For nearly a half-century he was connected with the Crane Iron Company, of which he was appointed Assistant Cashier in January 1849. In 1856 he was promoted to Cashier, which important position he held until the day of his death. During that time he maintained the warm regard and implicit confidence of his superiors, as well as those who were lower than he in rank. With many of the local enterprises Mr. Williams was actively connected. He assisted in the organization of the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company, of which he was an official at the time of his demise. For many years he was Passenger Agent for the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railroad Company, served first as Director and later as President of the Catasauqua Gas Company, was a Director, and at the time of his death Vice-President of the National Bank of Catasauqua, Director in the Lehigh Valley Trust & Safe Deposit Company of Allentown, President of the Farmers' Fire Insurance Company of Upper and Lower Saucon Township, and President of the Fairview Cemetery Association. To those who knew him it is needless to say, that in every possible manner he endeavored to promote the welfare of his fellow-townsmen and to advance their interests. A native of Landore, Wales, John Williams was born November 20, 1824, and when a little over eight years of age he came with his parents to America, locating near Schenectady, N. Y. When a lad of fourteen he entered the employ of John Fullagar, of that city, as a clerk. In 1845 he followed the rest of the family, who were then living in Catasauqua, and at once entered the office of the Crane Iron Company. Step by step he was promoted, earning the respect and commendation of his superiors by his unfailing courtesy and devotion to his work. September 14, 1852, Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Miss Emma Heilig, who was born in Montgomery County. Her father, Rev. George Heilig, a native of Germantown, was a minister in the Lutheran Church, his life being spent in the work. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, at the age of sixty-five years. His wife, whose maiden name was Susannah Hook, was of English descent, and her death occurred in Tamaqua. The Heilig famity originated in Germany, and became prominent citizens in this state.

The handsome residence of the family on Bridge Street, which was erected by the father in 1870, has always been noted for the liberal hospitality extended to the many friends of this worthy couple. In politics Mr. Williams was an ardent Republican, and in 1876 was delegate from this district to the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia which nominated General Grant for his second term. In 1853 he united with the First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, and in 1872 he was elected an Elder, afterward becoming Superintendent of the Sunday-school, which positions he retained until his death. Charitable and kind in his judgments, he won the love and respect not only of those who were associated with him in church work, but of all who were brought in contact with him. The unswerving integrity manifested by him in all the business relations of life won for him the confidence of the community, who sought his aid and counsel oftentimes. In 1861 he was elected Burgess of the borough of Catasauqua, and was re-elected successively each year until 1873, with the exception of one year. After a long illness he was called to his final rest, May 24, 1892, having reached the advanced age of sixty-seven years and six months.