David Williams, Jr. came to this country with his parents in 1833 and first resided at Schenectady, N. Y. He arrived in Craneville during the year of 1840 and he found employment with the Lehigh Crane Iron Company. In partnership with his brother, Oliver Williams, and William P. Hopkins, they purchased the Union Foundry and Machine Company from David Thomas in 1869. David Williams was appointed superintendent of the foundry, which was located at the corner of Front and Pine Streets. During Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863, David Williams served as a private in Company B, 38th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

David Williams was killed May 26, 1894, by falling out of a third floor window at his home, located at the southeast corner of Second and Bridge Streets. His remains were interred in the Williams family plot at Fairview Cemetery.