MR. HENRY WILLIAMS. WILLIAMSTOWN. LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Henry Williams, one of the most prominent and enterprising slate operators in this country, died at his new residence last Thursday morning, March 28th, of ulceration of the stomach. Aged 59 years 3 months and 7 days.He enjoyed good health all his life time up to last August; but since then he seemed to fail gradually, and repeatedly complained of a peculiar sensation at his stomach.
A few weeks ago he started on a business trip through the West, and when he came back, six days before his death, his sickness became so serious that he was unable to leave the house. He, however, kept up courage almost to the last hour.
The funeral took place last Sunday afternoon, and was largely attended. About fifteen hundred persons were present at the services held at his residence.
Internment was made at the Williamstown cemetery. Rev. M. Wright, of Hyde Park, and rev. A. J. Morton, of Franklin, officiated.
He was twice married and three of his children are yet living, three having died.
Mr. Williams was born December 21st, 1819, at Ty Newydd, Llanberis, North Wales, and emigrated from his birthplace to this country in 1844, and settled at the Delaware Water Gap, where he worked as a common labourer for several years. He then moved to slatedale, this county, and took a contract to manufacture slate. By strict economy and perserverance he soon accumulated money enough to start in business himself.
About twenty years ago he and Mr. William F. Mosser, then of Lynn toenship, opened what is now called the Williamstown Quarry. Some time after they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Williams took the quarry alone. He operated an extensive scale and found ready sale at good prices for his manufactured material, by which he rapidly amassed a handsome fortune.
In 1865 he and townsman, Mr. D. D. Jones purchased the Franklin Quarry from the Lehigh Slate Company for the amount of $90,000, and worked the same until about six months ago, when Mr. Jones sold his interest to Mr. Williams, and by that Mr. Williams became sole owner of two of the largest and best quarries in this country.
Besides this he owned a large number of houses in the vicinity and elsewhere.
Arrangements have been made by the heirs to operate the quarries right along which certainly is a great benefit to our community as it keeps a large number of men employed.