Job Williams
Job Williams was one of the longest serving FR employees. Together with his son Robert Williams their lives encompassed the whole of the FR's working life. He was born in Beddgelert in 1827 although some census returns say Llanfrothen. This may be due to the creation of a new parish.
The various census returns show his address and occupation as follows:-
| Year | Address | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 1841 | Glancyffin Street, Beddgelert | not given |
| 1851 | Lon y Popty, Bangor | Lead miner |
| 1861 | Caidunufad, LyT | hauling wagons (Agricultural labourer) |
| 1871 | Minffordd | labourer |
| 1881 | Railway Cottage, Penrhyndeudraeth | Signalman (Gatekeeper) |
| 1891 | Railway Cottage, Penrhyndeudraeth | Signalman (Gatekeeper) |
| 1901 | Railway Crossing, Penrhyndeudraeth | Signalman (Gatekeeper) |
| 1911 | Railway Crossing, Minffordd | Signalman (Gatekeeper) |
The 1861 entry might be incorrect as it gives incorrect date of birth.
FR Pay lists show him to be a Blacksmith around 1872/3.
It is not certain when he started work on the FR but it appears to be before 1861 when he was apparently working for David Williams who was contracted to run trains. He is recorded as being a brakesman (on the gravity trains) in 1863. A labourer in 1871, thereafter a signalman.
He was the younger brother of Henry Williams (1818) and Job's son Robert Williams later became the last resident loco superintendent of the old Company at No.3 Boston Lodge
However, this was the man who went to Caernarfon in 1863 with his brother, Henry, and brought back the first two England engines. He was still with the company in 1915.
He died on October 28th 1915 after (it is said) over 70 years with the FR. Records only confirm that it was 54 years.