Richard T Williams (abt. 1892)

Born about 1892 in Montgomeryshire, Wales, United Kingdom [uncertain]

Husband of Elva Marie (James) Williams — married 1923 in Ponoka, Alberta, Canada

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Biography

The following is from the book 'From Wales to Wood River' (See Acknowledgements below):

R.T. 'DICK' WILLIAMS

Dick Williams, a veteran of World War I, came to Wood River about 1921, and spent a few years in the area. He was originally from Newtown, Montgomeryshire, but had spent some time in the U.S.A. His first farming venture was on the Lam Hughes place for a year. Then he rented the Frank James farm for a year or two.

In 1923 Dick Williams and Marie James were married, and rented the Robert Dick farm in Eastside. In 1924 Marie became ill and passed away November 13, 1924 in a Red Deer hospital.

It is believed Dick took on a Taxi job transporting workers from Ponoka to the Alberta Hospital during the winter of 1924, as the snow became too deep for cars.

An incident is recalled where a neighbor's horses were pasturing by Hugh Davies lake. One mare became entangled and badly cut in a barbwire fence in the lake. Dick helped the neighbor extricate the mare, and treat the wound with a special e barb-wire-cut-liniment that Dick had a prescription for, which consisted of four ingredients from the Pharmacy. This prescription became known as Dick Williams Barb-wire-cut remedy and was in much use by farmers in Wood River, during the era of the e horse power.' Incidentally this prescription is still available.

Another incident involving the same neighbor who had a colt fall down a well, luckily a dry well. It was Dick that went down the well on a rope to retrieve the colt.

Dick Williams was a knowledgeable person, ever ready to be of help to his fellowman.

Little is known of his activities after he left this area, but it is understood he was in the furniture, or floor covering trade in Moose Jaw for a number of years. A few years ago he and his wife were back to Ponoka on a visit. He has since passed away.

Sources

• "Canada Census, 1921" Richard Williams household, Alberta (http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1921&op=pdf&id=e002864545)

Acknowledgements

• Information obtained from the book 'Keeping Up With The Joneses' researched and compiled by W. Griff Jones in 1983.
• Information obtained from the book 'From Wales to Wood River and Surrounding Districts' compiled and edited by Kelt Hughes and W. Griff Jones in 1980.