David Williams (1709-1784)

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David Williams (1709 – April 5, 1784), was an Independent minister and schoolmaster. His pupils included the philosopher David Williams, with whom he is sometimes confused.

Williams was born in Pwll-y-pant near Caerphilly. He studied for the ministry at the Carmarthen Academy, and in 1734 became minister of a chapel in Cardiff. In 1739, he took over the newly-built "Watford" chapel, where he entertained Howell Harris shortly afterwards. Williams and Harris later quarrelled, and the Methodist members of Williams' congregation formed a separate unit. His first wife, Mary, died in 1745, and he re-married, another Mary. One of his sons, Thomas Williams, took over from him as minister at Watford.