William Nugent Williams

LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, Andrew Jenson, Vol. 1, p.657-658

Williams, William Newjent, 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 [p.658] 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 mission, in charge of a company of emigrants numbering 622 souls, arriving in Salt Lake 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 a 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 State 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 scope 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 persistence 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 Society, and is also the general treasurer of the National Woman's Relief Society.

From FindAGrave.com:

Our Pioneer Heritage, Vol. 5, p. 9

William Nugent Williams was born in Carmarthenshire, Wales, Mar. 17, 1851, the son of Evan and Sarah Jeremy Williams. He was ten years old when he, with his brothers and sisters, walked beside the wagon as his father drove the ox team across the plains. When the Williams family came to Utah they were financially independent and gave to their children the best education afforded in the Territory. He attended Morgan's college and the University of Deseret, now the University of Utah, and through the years was known as an educator with foresight and ability. During his eight years as a member of the Board of Regents of the State University he used his time and talents for progressive changes in the system of education.

In early life Mr. Williams learned the carpenter's trade and afterward took up contracting and building, being active in that business until 1883 when he became one of the organizers of the Cooperative Furniture Company and ultimately acquired all of the stock in that corporation. He developed his interests into one of the leading furniture houses in the state. The growth of his trade was based upon honest and progressive business methods.

As he prospered he made judicious and extensive investments in real estate, in mining and in other industries and his position was one of the foremost of the successful business men of Utah. A man of unusual energy, keen observation and great foresight, Mr. Williams was alive to the best interests of the community and of Utah. He was actively identified with the growth and development of the state and aside from looking after his personal interests found time to lend his efforts toward civic and religious activities.

He was a consistent Latter-day Saint and gave much of his time to the work of the Church. In 1877, when but a young man, he filled a mission at which time he presided over the Welsh Conference. Upon his return home was Captain of more than 600 converts who were coming to this country. Mr. Williams was an ardent Republican and served fourteen years in the Utah Legislature. He gained the distinction of being one of the most industrious and best informed men in the state in matters of finance.

William was married July 17, 1877 to Clarissa Smith, daughter of George A. and Susan West Smith. They were the parents of eleven children. Mrs. Williams was a devoted wife and loving mother, having a genial disposition, a pleasing personality and a gentleness that attracted people to her. After serving several years on the General Board of the Relief Society, she was called April 1921 to be its President. She came into this high position well fitted to preside, being gifted with rare ability as a natural leader of women. In 1927 Mr. and Mrs. Williams celebrated their golden wedding. Not long afterward, in December 1927, Mr. Williams passed away after a long, active and successful life. Clarissa lived about three years after the death of her husband. She passed away March 8, 1930. Both are buried in the City Cemetery.