San Joaquin County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm




EDWIN A. WILLIAMS.
 
        A native son, proud of his connection with San Joaquin County, Edwin A. 
Williams was born on his father's ranch four miles from Lodi, October 8, 1878, a 
son of Edwin and Bessie (Martin) Williams, the former a native of Wales who came 
to California during the year 1869, soon afterwards settled down to the life of 
a rancher and here, on his Lodi ranch continued agricultural pursuits until his 
death. He was an early member of the Lodi Lodge of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Williams 
was born in England, and she is still living, the mother of five children: 
Reese, of Stockton; Mrs. B. Parmento, of San Francisco; Edwin A ; Mrs. Margaret 
Thim; and Mrs. Lea Hussy.
        Edwin A. Williams attended the district school in the vicinity of the 
home ranch, and when old enough began helping his father. Later he was employed 
on the George Ashley ranch. In 1898 he came to Stockton and entered the employ 
of the Holt Manufacturing Company, and began learning the trade of machinist; 
and later he was with Matteson & Williams. In 1900 Mr. Williams entered the 
employ of J. M. Kroyer, when he started the Samson Iron Works, and soon became 
superintendent of the plant. He remained in the employ of Mr. Kroyer until 1918, 
when the plant was sold to the General Motors Corporation, and Mr. Williams 
became manager of the retail division, having charge of the sales of trucks, 
tractors and agricultural implements, with headquarters in Stockton. When the 
sales department of the Star Motor Car was perfected, Mr. Williams severed his 
connection with the General Motors Corporation and became the local agent for 
the "Most Talked of Car in America." His many years of contact with people in 
his home county has given him a wide acquaintance, and his business integrity 
and personality easily win friends.
        The marriage of Mr. Williams united him with Miss Emma Lambert, born in 
Stockton, a daughter of Fred Lambert, an early settler in Stockton. In pioneer 
times he conducted a shoe store at Chinese Camp, Tuolumne County, later moving 
to Stockton, where he continued in business at the corner of Main and El Dorado 
streets. He was a natural-born musician and able to perform on almost any 
instrument, and he was leader of the Stockton band. He owned the property where 
now stands the City Bank, which he sold at a small figure and which is now one 
of the most desirable business sites in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one 
son, Errol, a student in the high school, who inherits his maternal 
grandfather's musical talent. Mr. Williams is a prominent Mason, holding 
membership in San Joaquin. Lodge, No. 19, F. & A. M., Stockton Chapter, No. 28, 
R. A. M., Stockton Council, No. 10, Stockton Commandry, No. 8, K. T., and Aahmes 
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Oakland. He is also a member of the Eastern Star 
Chapter. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, Charity Lodge, No. 6, the Rebekahs, the 
Stockton Lodge, No. 218, B. P. O. Elks, and Stockton Parlor, No. 7, N. S. G. W.
 
History of San Joaquin County, California � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 
1923
p     614
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.