William Newjent Williams
William Newjent Williams, a prominent Elder of the Seventeenth Ward, Salt Lake City, Utah, was born March 17, 1851, near Brechfa, Carmarthenshire, South Wales. He left his native home for Utah, together with his parents, April 9, 1861, arriving in Salt Lake City, Sept. 23rd, of the same year. At Florence, Nebraska, on his way to Utah, he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 10, 1861, by elder George Teasdale.
His education was obtained in the public schools of Salt Lake City and in the Deseret University. He was ordained an elder Feb. 21, 1875, by elder George C. Reiser, and was ordained a Seventy March 11, 1876, by Elder William Robson; he joined the 21st quorum of Seventy. In 1877-79 he filled a two years' mission to South Wales, his native country. He left home July 18, 1877, just thirty-six hours after receiving the first intimation of the call. He labored in the Welsh conference during the whole of his mission, and during the latter part of the time he presided over the conference: he returned home after filling a faithful misison, in charge of a company of emigrants numbering 622 souls, arriving in Salt Lkae City, July 16, 1879. He presided over the mass Seventies in the 17th Ward, prior to the general organization of the Seventies' quorums in 1884, when he became a member of the 3rd quorum of Seventy.
He married Clarissa W. Smith, daughter of the late George A. Smith and Susan E. West, July 17, 1877. Her father was an own cousin to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Elder Williams was one of the organizers of the Co-operative Furniture company in 1883, and acted as secretary and treasurer of the company for five years, since which time he has been its successful manager; it is now one of the leading and most substantial business houses of the Sate of Utah. Elder Williams is interested in mining, agriculture, and other business enterprises, and is a member of the Salt Lake Commercial Club. He was one of the promoters and organizers of the Cambrian Association, and is a vice president in the State organization and a director in the local organization. He was one of the directors who conducted the great Eisteddfod which was held in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Oct. 3rd and 4th 1895. This Eisteddfod exceeded in sccope and attendance any musical and literary event of its kind ever held in the United States, with the exception of the Eisteddfod held during the world's Fair in Chicago.
In 1900 Elder Williams was elected a representative from the Eighth District to the fourth session of the Utah legislature. Elder Williams is one of the most successful business men in Utah; he is a hard worker, and does not know what it is to give up anything he undertakes to accomplish until he succeeds in his object, no matter what obstacles
may confront him. This presistency has been the key note to his success in life. His wife has always been an active Church worker in various official capacities. She is at present, and for the past five years has been, president of the 17th Ward Relief Societty, and is also the general treasurer of the national Woman's Relief Society.
