Idris Williams

Idris Williams (1834-94) was a Liberal politician, local councillor, educationalist and prominent Congregationalist in South Wales.[1]

Idris Williams

Early Life

He was born at Porth Farm on April 19, 1836, the son of Thomas and Jane Williams.[1] At that time, Rhondda was a remote, rural backwater. During his lifetime, Williams witnessed the transformation of the valley into a thriving industrial community. Williams received very little formal education and at the age of nine he went to work as a haulier at the Cymmer pit. After a short period at a school in Cardiff he became an apprentice carpenter at Pontypridd and having completed his truing returned to the Cymmer Pit to work as a carpenter in 1854-5.[1] In 1855 he was married to Mary Evans, daughter of the Rev Joshua Evans of Cymmer.[1]

Public Life

By the end of his life he was a member of Glamorgan County Council. He was also an ally of William Abraham (Mabon), MP for the Rhondda from 1885.

Williams died suddenly at the Congregational Chapel in Porth in November 1894.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Biographical Sketch of Mr Idris Williams". South Wales Star. 4 March 1892. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  2. ↑ "Sudden Death at Porth". South Wales Daily Post. 6 November 1894. Retrieved 12 March 2014.