William W. Williams
William W. Williams,who was for many years one of the best known citizens and most prominent agriculturalists of Troy Township, was born in this township August 25, 1835, son of William B. and Margaret (Davis) Williams. His parents were natives of Wales. William B. Williams coming from that country when a boy with his mother and step-father. They settled in Troy Township, Delaware County, Ohio, where he spent the industrial period of his life engaged in agriculture.
William W. Williams was reared to manhood in Troy Township and secured his education in the public schools. He then engaged in farming and soon became well and favorably known as an agriculturist and breeder of horses. In 1870, in company with Stephen Thomas, he made a trip to France, being interested in a company organized for the purchase of French draft horses, of which they brought back four head. In 1888 he returned to France in his own interest, bringing back three head. Through his efforts the quality of draft horses in this section was largely improved. So successful was he along these lines that at his death he left an ample estate, including a farm in Radnor Township and one in Troy Township, on the latter of which in a pleasantly situated brick dwelling, Mr. Williams's widow and her son, William L., now reside. Mr. Williams was always an industrious and energetic farmer. Although, as already indicated, he accumulated in time a large amount of property, he aimed less to increase the quantity than to improve the quality of that which he had. His farm in Troy Township has been described as "undoubtedly the best equipped farm in that part of the county, in point of farm buildings, tiling, and fruit culture." He was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, which Mrs. Williams also attends. On January 6, 1871, he was elected deacon of the church and served faithfully as such until his death, which occurred February 17, 1907. A kind husband and father and an obliging neighbor, he was honored and esteemed by his fellow citizens, who knew him also as a man of much public spirit and many sterling characteristics. In politics he was a Republican, and be took much interest in the educational progress of the township.
On June 8. 1865, Mr. Williams was married to Eliza R. Lewis, who was born October 24. 1836, in Licking County, Ohio, and who is a daughter of John and Sarah (Hughes) Lewis, natives of Wales and early settlers in Licking County, Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Williams was blessed by the birth of two children—Lizzie A., who is the wile of John Pugh, residing in Radnor Township; and William L., residing with his mother in Troy Township.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens by James R. Lytle