Person Page - 349

     Born on Sunday, 29 January 1888 in ENG.¹ Clara married, at age 31, an unknown person in September 1919.¹ Clara died in August 1954 in Kew, VIC, AUS, at age 66; Reg No 8853.¹ She was buried after August 1954 in Lilydale, VIC, AUS.¹

     Archibald Samuel Williams Archibald came to Australia in 1910 at 17 years of age and married Andrina Margaret Porteous 28 Feburary 1920 at the Burnley Congregational Church. Arch and Reen settled at 27 Codrington St Sandringham and in 1923 with their son Evan moved to 53 (now 362 ) Hampton St Hampton where they opened a paint shop, later named the Decorators Supply Company. The family lived on the premises. They had 4 daughters - Mavis, Joyce, Laurie and Gwyneth. Mavis and Joyce were both born at Creswick Hospital which was situated on the north east corner of Hampton and Willis Sts. The family attended Hampton Congregational Church on the corner of Willis and Hood Sts. Arch was Superintendant of the Sunday School and Choirmaster of the Church. Music was his great love and he had a fine baritone voice with a great range. As a hobby he played the violin. all the children were taught a musical instrument. In ENG he sang in a choir at the Royal Albert Hall. Reen had a contralto voice and played the cello. During the 30's he was conductor of the Sandringham Musical Society ( now Sandringham Choral Society ) and the won many competitions at Ballarat. He sang in many charity concerts, especially during the war. Many children of the 30's will recall Arch conducting the Sunday school anniversaries at various churches in the municipality. Arch was choirmaster for the Association for the Blind Choir and raised a lot of money for the Blind with their Annual concerts He was President of the Sandringham Musical Society in the 70's. He just loved music and singing and his voice lasted right up until his final illness.¹ Archibald was Master Painter /Hardware Shop Owner.¹ He The Williams family moved to 20 Middleton St, Black Rock in 1946 where they attended the Black Rock Congregational Church in Arkaringa Cresent and for many years Arch was Church Secretary and Lay Preacher. Arch semi - retired when he was about 80 years of age and he continued to lead an active life right up until his death in his 85th year. Handed in to Hampton Historical Society Sept 1991 By L. Warner.¹ He Arch was very interested in the Masonic Lodge, being Past Master of many degrees and recieved Grand Honours in the Chapter. He was also a Justice of the Peace During the depression years Reen looked after the business of the shop and brought up the children while Arch carried out house painting and decorating. As well as qualified tradesmen, he employed a number of local unemployed boys who he trained in all aspects of the painting and decorating trade. Before the war he had big contracts for painting large flats in Queens Rd, South Melbourne and employed many men. After the war he was rejoined in the business by his son Evan on his return from the 2nd World War and the business was expanded into paint and hardware retailing and outside contracting. Nowadays the business is run by third generation John Williams, and must be the oldest family - run business in operation in Hampton.¹ Born on Sunday, 18 December 1892 in Camberwell, SRY, ENG.¹ On 1910 Archibald Samuel Williams sailed into AUS.¹ Archibald died on 29 November 1977 in Parkdale, VIC, AUS, at age 84.¹ He was buried on 2 December 1977.¹

     Born on Sunday, 3 August 1930.¹ Laurie Andrina Williams was the daughter of Archibald Samuel Williams.¹ Laurie married, at age 28, an unknown person on Saturday, 20 September 1958.¹ Laurie died on 22 June 1999 in Beaumaris 3139, VIC, AUS, at age 68.¹ She was buried on 25 June 1999 Cremated.¹

     Born on Saturday, 16 December 1933.¹ Gwyneth Ada Williams was the daughter of Archibald Samuel Williams.¹ Gwyneth married, at age 26, an unknown person on Tuesday, 4 October 1960.¹ Gwyneth died on 2 March 1987 at age 53.¹ She was buried on 5 March 1987.¹