The following article was found in the Wilkes-Barre (PA) Record, 18 May 1900, Page 8. If
anyone is interested in receiving a copy of this obituary, please send me your mailing
address.
(Instead of submitting this to any specific Mailing List, I am submitting it to the
General list in the hopes that it will be seen by a more diverse group.)
"William T. Williams, aged 77 years, probably the oldest miner of the anthracite coal
region so far as continuous service is concerned, died at the home of his son, Prof.
Thomas J. Williams, on Wednesday morning. Mr. Williams began work in the mines at the age
of 7 years and was actively engaged until April 1 last. Death was due to miner's
asthma.
"Mr. Williams was born in Panty Calyn, South Wales, March 6, 1823. He came to
America in 1892 and located in Lackawanna County. He took up his residence here in 1895,
and was employed at mining in the Laurel Hill colliery. Last April he began to break down
and it was only after much coaxing on the part of his son that he threw down his mining
tools and quit work. A few days ago he became ill and took to his bed. He did not
complain to any extent and frequently got up and walked about the garden. Yesterday
morning while seated in a chair he began to breathe heavily and before a physician could
be summoned he was dead.
"The following children survive: John and Richard in Wales; William J. in Taylor;
Mrs. George T. Rowlins in London and Prof. Williams of this city, who is conductor of the
Presbyterian choir. The funeral will take place on Saturday afternoon at 10 o'clock.
The body will be taken to Taylor for burial.
"Mr. Williams was well known and respected. During his many years' service as a
miner he never received any serious injury, although he figured in three explosions in
which several of his companions were killed."
Nancy Cook
Pasadena, MD, USA