Williams Mill Experience: History of the Area

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The Williams Mill - Halton's Treasure by John Sommer

Back in 1825, a United Empire Loyalist of Welsh background named Benajah Williams came to Canada from New York State and settled in the Niagara Area.

Old Benajah and his wife, Elizabeth Kennedy, traveled from the Niagara Peninsula to purchase a 200-acre parcel of land at lot 21, concession 10, Esquesing Township for their large family. In 1833 Benajah purchased an additional adjoining 200-acre parcel. The land was located on a section of the Credit River where the power of the river current ran strong enough to power saw and flour mills.

Benajah had several sons and they were a needed addition to the small farming community as they filled many roles including blacksmith (Joel Williams), cabinetmaker (Isaac Williams), leather tanner (David Williams), and general store (Charles Williams). Benajah himself ran a textile mill in the Niagara peninsula before moving to the area and in 1830 his son Jacob opened a woollen mill here. As Benajah was 61 years old when he bought the acreage, his son Charles Williams became the leading figure in the community including serving as first postmaster.

Until 1852, the area was known as Williamsburgh. The community could not however, get a post office because there was already a Williamsburgh on the St. Lawrence. Needing a unique name, they chose Glen Williams in honour of the founding Williams family.

In 1847, a traveler’s first impressions of “The Glen” described it as a perfect oasis.