Rev Joseph Williams, Sr

Joseph was son of David Rhys Williams and Mary Roades; born in Plymouth, Philadelphia Co (now Montgomery Co), PA.

Joseph married Sarah Griffith on 6 Nov 1729 at Radnor MM, Chester Co, PA:

He held, for a while, a 1/3 interest in the milling operation on the Valley Creek, Upper Merion which became known as the Valley Forge. See his two partners: Daniel Walker & Stephen Evans

~• Source: https://www.jstor.org/stable/20083559?seq=4#metadata_info_tab_contents

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"Whereas Joseph Williams of Whitemarsh (Son of David William of Whitemarsh Deceased) in the province of Pennsylvania, and Sarah Griffith (Daughter of Edward Griffith late of Meirion, in the County and Province aforesaid deceased) Spinster; having declared their intentions of Marriage with each other before Several monthly meetings of the people (of God) called Quakers of Haverford in the county of Chester in the Province aforesaid according the Good order used amongst them; and having consent of parents & relations concerned, their said proposal of marriage was allowed of by the said meetings. Now these are to Certify whom it may concern that for the full accomplishing their said intentions this Sixth day of the Ninth month in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred & Twenty Nine. They these Joseph Williams and Sarah Griffith appeared in a Publick meeting of the said people appointed for that purpose at Radnor in the County aforesaid, And the sd Joseph Williams taking of said Sarah Griffith by the hand did in Solemn manner openly declare that he tooke her the said Sarah Griffith to be his wife promising with the Lords Assistance to be unter her a Loving and faithful Husband until Death Should Separate them, and then and there in the same Assembly the sd Sarah Griffith did in like manner declare and She took the sd Joseph Williams to be her Husband promising to be unto him a faithful and Loving Wife until Death Should Separate them. And Moreover they the sd Joseph Williams & Sarah Griffith She according to the Custom of Marriage Assuming the name of her husband as a further confirmation thereof did then & there to these presents Set their hands.

And we those names are here under also Subscribes present at the Solemnization of the sd Marriage ….tion have as Witnesses thereunto Set our hand the day and year above written.

Joseph Williams, Sarah Williams (bride and groom); (Immediate Family): Katherine Griffith, Katherine Jones, Rees Williams, Isaac Williams, Thomas Griffith, Esther Morgan, Hannah Jones, Adam Rhoads; David Maulsby, Griff. Jones, Rees Williams Jr., Eliza Williams, Jenis David, Esther David, Eliza Jones; (Other family & friends): Richd Hayes, Rees Thomas, Henry Pugh, Richd Orms, John Morgan, Thos Thomas, Saml David, Wm Thomas, Saml Harry, Rees Thomas Jr., Jos Roades, Robt Williams, David Harry, How'd Powel, John Jones; Sarah David, Priscilla David, Mary Walker, Hannah Jones, Mary Roberts, Tha.. Thomas, Lowrey Evans, Sarah Lloyd"

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Joseph was a Quaker minister. He was the owner of "Gulph Mill" in Upper Merion Twp which was part of the later Valley Forge, and died about Jun-Jul 1755. His wife Sarah administered his estate. The Gulph Mill was conveyed to his cousin Robert Jones as part of the estate settlement, which was eventually owned by the Potts family.

Joseph and Sarah's children:

• David Williams Sr, 1730 - after 1746
• Edward Williams, 1731 – prob bef 1740
• Abraham Williams, 1733 – aft 1758. Disowned 1758 by Radnor MM.
• Ann Williams, 1734 – prob bef 1759
• Mary Williams, 1736 – prob bef 1759
• Isaac Williams, 1738 – aft 1758. Disowned 1758 by Radnor MM for military service.
• Catherine Williams, 1740 – 1813, m. William Dunwick
• Jacob Williams, 1742 – prob bef 1759
• Joseph Williams Jr, 1744 – aft 1759
• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 21 2018, 15:40:27 UTC