Son of Evan Williams and Sarah Jeremy

Married Clarissa West Smith, 16 July 1879, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

Children - Susan Smith Williams, William Nugent Williams, Sarah Smith Williams, Clarissa Smith Williams, Josephine Williams, Hetty Smith Williams, Eva Williams, Georgia Williams, George Albert Williams, Bathsheba Smith Williams, Lyman Smith Williams

Our Pioneer Heritage, Vol. 5, p. 9

William Nugent Williams was born in Carmarthenshire, Wales, Mar. 17, 1851, the son of Evan and Sarah Jeremy Williams. He was ten years old when he, with his brothers and sisters, walked beside the wagon as his father drove the ox team across the plains. When the Williams family came to Utah they were financially independent and gave to their children the best education afforded in the Territory. He attended Morgan's college and the University of Deseret, now the University of Utah, and through the years was known as an educator with foresight and ability. During his eight years as a member of the Board of Regents of the State University he used his time and talents for progressive changes in the system of education.

In early life Mr. Williams learned the carpenter's trade and afterward took up contracting and building, being active in that business until 1883 when he became one of the organizers of the Cooperative Furniture Company and ultimately acquired all of the stock in that corporation. He developed his interests into one of the leading furniture houses in the state. The growth of his trade was based upon honest and progressive business methods. As he prospered he made judicious and extensive investments in real estate, in mining and in other industries and his position was one of the foremost of the successful business men of Utah. A man of unusual energy, keen observation and great foresight, Mr. Williams was alive to the best interests of the community and of Utah. He was actively identified with the growth and development of the state and aside from looking after his personal interests found time to lend his efforts toward civic and religious activities. He was a consistent Latter-day Saint and gave much of his time to the work of the Church. In 1877, when but a young man, he filled a mission at which time he presided over the Welsh Conference. Upon his return home was Captain of more than 600 converts who were coming to this country. Mr. Williams was an ardent Republican and served fourteen years in the Utah Legislature. He gained the distinction of being one of the most industrious and best informed men in the state in matters of finance.

William was married July 17, 1877 to Clarissa Smith, daughter of George A. and Susan West Smith. They were the parents of eleven children. Mrs. Williams was a devoted wife and loving mother, having a genial disposition, a pleasing personality and a gentleness that attracted people to her. After serving several years on the General Board of the Relief Society, she was called April 1921 to be its President. She came into this high position well fitted to preside, being gifted with rare ability as a natural leader of women.

In 1927 Mr. and Mrs. Williams celebrated their golden wedding. Not long afterward, in December 1927, Mr. Williams passed away after a long, active and successful life. Clarissa lived about three years after the death of her husband. She passed away March 8, 1930. Both are buried in the City Cemetery.