Biographical Sketch of

Griffith J. Williams

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 506 - 507 


Griffith J. Williams, a resident of Manchester, Wisconsin was born in Wales on the 9th of January 1830. 
His boyhood days were unmarked with any event of special importance, being passed amid play and work, 
in the usual manner in which lads generally spent their time. He acquired his education in the common 
schools and at the age of nineteen years bade good bye to friends and native land and accompanied his 
parents to America. Crossing the broad Atlantic, he landed on the shores of the New World in May 1849 
and continued his journey until reaching Green Lake County where he assisted his father in developing 
a farm from the wild and unbroken prairie. He remained at home upon the farm until 1860, when on the 
9th of June of that year he led to the marriage altar Miss Jane Williams, daughter of John and Elizabeth 
(Owens) Williams, who were also natives of Wales, the date of their emigration to America being 1844. 
They first located in Racine, Wisconsin but two years later came to Green Lake County, where Mrs. 
Williams is still living. They were the parents of a large family, numbering fourteen children.

To our subject and his worthy wife there have been born three children as follows; John, who married 
Miss Jane Roberts and is living in Green Lake County; Winnie, now the wife of Richard Thomas a machinist 
of Chicago; and Richard, who is still with his parents. In political sentiment, Mr. Williams is a 
Republican, and though he feels a deep interest in political affairs he could not be called a politician, 
for he has never sought public office. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and by their many friends and acquaintances are held in the highest regard, their just and upright lives 
entitling them to the confidence and respect of all. Few have so long been residents of Green Lake County 
as this worthy couple, and in the record of the pioneers we are pleased to enroll their names. Mr. Williams 
has done all in his power to promote the best interests of the community, has faithfully discharged his 
duties of citizenship, and has identified himself with all worthy public enterprises.






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