History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories, biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views of county seats, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881. p.1179


P.R. Williams, retired from business. Mr. Williams settled in Neenah in 1856. He first engaged in mercantile business under firm name of Crane, Williams & Robinson, all of whom formerly came from Honesday, Wayne Co., Penn.; they continued in company about three years, then Mr. Williams bought wheat for several years; then bought the same product in Oshkosh, shipped to Green Bay and sold there to large wheat dealers; he continued in this business several years, he then went into the grocery, boot and shoe business as a silent partner; he also engaged in a sale of house furnaces, and assisting in improving and completing the same and putting them up, etc. He was born in Exeter, N.Y., April 15, 1808. Mr. Williams went to Upton, Mass., and engaged in sash and blind business, he being the first party to engage in that business at that place; he was there until 1834, then went to Lanesboro, Susquehanna Co., Penn., and engaged until 1838 in sash, door and blind business, then went to Honesdale, Penn., and engaged in same business until he went to Wisconsin. He was married in Amherst, Mass., Oct. 30, 1834, to Miss Almira D. Thayer, born in Dresden, Me., June 29, 1808. They have two children living- Mary E., who was married to Alex K. Moore, who established the foundry business in Neenah; he died Jan. 24, 1873; Willis H. died Nov. 16, 1874, at Neenah, Wis.; Maria S., died Oct. 9, 1867; Elbridge T. married May 10, 1871, and traveling salesman for the Neenah Stove Works.