My Genealogy Hound

LUCAS WILLIAMS, formerly a merchant tailor and coal dealer of Amherst, Mass., now living in retirement, was born in the town of Huntington, August 23, 1822, son of Samuel and Susan (Wight) Williams, respectively natives of Huntington and Dedham, Mass.

His grandfather, Isaac Williams, was one of the early settlers of Huntington, where he followed the calling of a farmer. He reared a family of three sons and two daughters, all of whom lived to marry. Samuel Williams grew to manhood in Huntington; and, like his father, he also engaged in agriculture. He was diligent in his work, and was esteemed by his neighbors. He and his wife were constant attendants at the Congregational church, of which she was a member. In politics he was a Whig. Lucas Williams is now the sole survivor of the nine children born to his parents. Those deceased are: Edward; S. Dwight; John; Lucius, the twin brother of Lucas; and Susan L. Three died in infancy. Their father’s death occurred at Huntington when he was seventy -two years of age. His wife died at the same age. Lucas Williams lived in Huntington until he was sixteen years of age, acquiring a good practical education in the common schools. In 1840 he came to Amherst, where he began to learn the trade of a tailor under the instruction of Thompson Kimberly, with whom he remained about four years. He next went to Barre, Mass., where he was engaged at his trade for four and a half years. Following that he moved to Huntington, where he remained for a brief period, and later spent a short time in Northampton. In 1849 he established himself in business in South Hadley. He conducted it successfully for six and a half years, when, in 1856, he returned to Amherst. Here he carried on the business of a merchant tailor until 1869, at which time he was succeeded by his nephew, B. H. Williams. In 1870 he severed all connection with the business. Prior to 1876 he was for three years engaged as a coal dealer, but since that time he has lived a retired life. He owns half of the large business block in which his residence is located. His means are amply sufficient to maintain him in comfort without further labor.

He was first married in 1865 to Mrs. Eliza C. Barrows. She died in 1890; and in March, 1892, he entered into a second marriage with Mrs. Florence E. (Marshall) Strong, who was born in Lyme, N.H. There are no children by either union.

In politics Mr. Williams is a Republican. He attends the Congregational church, of which his wife is a member. Though now retired from active participation in business, Mr. Williams is looked upon as a representative business man of the town, and is held in high esteem.