J. Arthur Williams, was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on March 22, 1857. He came to Catasauqua with his parents during the year of 1868 and he later went to work at the Union Foundry and Machine Company, located at the southeast corner of Front and Pine Streets. He later became general manager of the company and in 1891 he was appointed secretary-treasurer of the firm. He continued with the firm until all operations were ceased in 1905.

On January 1, 1904, J. Arthur Williams began the operations of the Hercules Metal Works, located on the West Side, below the Race Street Bridge. The company was in the business of manufacturing high-grade brass, bronze, copper and metal castings.

J. Arthur Williams served as treasurer for the Borough of Catasauqua and was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Catasauqua. He and his family resided at 567 Howertown Road.

J. Arthur Williams passed away on May 12, 1934, and his body was buried at Fairview Cemetery.