My Genealogy Hound

JOHN WILLIAMS. 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 family originated in Germany, and became prominent citizens in this state. To Mr. and Mrs. John Williams eight children were born, four of whom survive: Mrs. Frank M. Horn, Mrs. Edward D. Boyer, John T. and George H. 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.