Thomas WILLIAMS 1848 Penzance,Cornwall -> Cinderford (General)

by DrDoug , Tuesday, December 08, 2009, 22:38 (5538 days ago) @ rookancestrybest

My great-grandfather, Alfred WILLIAMS, was a coal miner and moved to Patton, Cambria, Pennsylvania, which is pretty much in the center of the state. He got a job in the mines there because the foreman, Fred MITCHELL, was also from Cinderford. I was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. None of my Williams relatives are left in the area, but I still have relatives on my mother's side and father's mother's side in the area. So, we keep in touch.

My great-grandfather actually immigrated to the US twice. The first time, in 1910, was with his brother Fred WILLIAMS. But Fred became ill and they went back to Cinderford. My great-grandfather, and later his family, re-immigrated in 1913.

According to my grandfather, during the period Alfred and Fred were first in the US his family lived in Troedyrhiw, Wales. I'm not sure what that connection is, but I did see that village mentioned in the Cinderford Baptist Church history. (I believe it was in connection with a minister that had come from there.) Any other connections that anyone knows about would be appreciated.

Another interesting thing that I found is that when Alfred returned to the US in 1913 he was traveling with a David WILLIAMS who was shown as going to Scranton, Pennsylvania. Both are shown as coming from Methyr Tydfil, Wales - although the address for Alfred's wife is shown as Troedrhiw. I have no idea who this David WILLIAMS is or his relation (if any) to Alfred Williams.

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Dr. M. Douglas (Doug) Williams
Denver, Colorado, US