William Williams
From Festipedia, hosted by the FR Heritage Group
Born around 1831 and joined the company in 1851. He married Elizabeth. His sister, Margaret, married Soloman Owens who also worked at Boston Lodge as a sawyer.
His father (b. c.1801) was also working for the FR in 1851 and the family lived at Boston Lodge (No.1 or 2)
It was amongst his early notes that recorded the delivery and numbering of the first locomotives, Princess as The Princess as No. 2 and the original Mountaineer as No. 1
In 1869, was responsible for the construction of Topsy for CE Spooner's railway at Bron-y-Garth.
In February 1881 was appointed Locomotive Superintendant, suceeding CES, with his salary being increased by 10s (50p) per week.
A further salary increase from £190 15/- (£190.75), was requested in February 1888, but, on direction from CES, he received "free rent" instead.
From his notes, it was recorded that he recommended R&W Hawthorn Leslie & Co. Ltd of Leeds as his preferred supplier for the new boiler for Princess in 1895, but the Vulcan works won the contract.
Dismissed in June 1909 (58 years service!) with a "pension" of £1 terminatable at any time by the Board.
He was asked to vacate his lodgings at 3,Boston Lodge at the same time.
He died in 1915 (Boyd quotes Feb-1916), and an application by his widow, for a continuance on the "pension" was denied
He was succeeded as Loco Superintendant by Robert Williams (no relation)
The period leading up to his dismissal coincided with Board room shuffles and resignations, and a report on costs produced externally. Relations across the Cob with Fredrick Vaughan were strained. William Williams carried what became a grudge against the FR to his grave; though buried in Minffordd Cemetery his family had to arrange his for cortege to take a route avoiding Boston Lodge, lest the ill-will followed him to his grave.