This page is under construction pending receipt of the Williams Family Tree
Zacharias Williams was born circa 1855, in Cornwall, to Zacharias and Elizabeth Williams. He married Lydia Down who was Devon born circa 1860. They were the parents of Edwin J Williams (24th Feb 1881-21st Nov 1945) and the grand parents of Eddie Williams (7th April 1923-July 1983), both of whom had distinguished musical careers.
Zacharias junior was a noted euphonium player and probably played in Marazion Artillery Band with his son. R J Williams (probably Zacharias’s brother) was the bandmaster.
A report in the Cornish Telegraph of Thursday the 10th November 1881 refers to a mine accident and whilst we cannot be certain, it seems likely that it was the same person. “Zachariah Williams, of Crowlas, was last week working underground in Wheal Sisters, when a large rock weighing several hundredweight fell away, breaking his collar-bone and leg, besides badly bruising him. W H Glasson, his comrade, soon obtained help, and Williams was carefully carried home and attended by Mr Madge, Hayle, the mine surgeon. The injured man has since made satisfactory progress.”
Zacharias was a composer of Cornish carols. Perhaps he wrote other music but none has yet been found.
It seems that work was difficult to find and in 1900 Edwin moved to Gilfach Goch in South Wales and it seems a reasonable assumption that his brother either left with him or joined him soon after. However it seems that Zacharias remained in Cornwall – in Goldsithney.
Considering the following newspaper report, we assume that Edwin’s father, Zachariah Williams, died in Wales and that he had joined his sons there at some time.
“Death of Mr Z Williams: Mr Zacharias (Zachariah) Williams, one time solo baritone player of the Great Western Colliery Band, passed away on Thursday, January 29th, at the age of 71 years, The father of Mr W J Williams, resident bandmaster of Great Western Colliery Silver Band, and also of Mr Edwin Williams, the well-known West of England band trainer, and Walter Williams, late solo cornet of Great Western Colliery Band and Taylors Town Band, Mr Z Williams was a native of Cornwall, and was in his younger days noted for his euphonium playing, and the composer of Cornish carols. Mr Williams was laid to rest in Glyntaf Cemetery on Monday, February 2nd. A large gathering of friends and bandsmen attended the funeral, and many floral tributes were sent in token of respect, amongst which was a wreath sent by the committee and bandsmen of the Great Western Colliery Silver Band. The family wishes to thank all for kind letters and sympathy shown in their bereavement.” (British Bandsman 14th February 1925)
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