John Williams
Source: Roberts, C.
R., et al, History of Lehigh County Pennsylvania, 1914, Vol. 3.
(1831 – 1904)
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. R. 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 Caroline 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.
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