Bio of WILLIAMS, Martin C. (b.1849), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical

Vol III, pg 716-719
MARTIN C. WILLIAMS
For almost forty years Martin C. Williams has been a resident of Minneapolis and
for a year longer of the state and throughout the greater part of this period
has been identified with The Northwestern Casket Company, of which he is now the
presi­dent. He is regarded as a substantial, far-sighted and energetic business
man, one who is thoroughly reliable under all conditions and one whose success
is attributable to his determined purpose and carefully managed interests. A
native of the Empire state, he was born at Granville, December 30, 1849, his
parents being John H. and Louisa (Crocker) Williams. His early education was
acquired in the public schools of Poultney, Vermont, and when fifteen years of
age he left his native state, removing with his parents to Michigan, where he
later pursued a course in a commercial college at Ann Arbor. He initiated his
business experience by working for two years at the carpenter's trade and in
1872 he turned his attention to the hardware business, conducting a store of
that character until 1874. Later he engaged in the retail furniture trade in
Evart, Michigan, for a period of eight years, at the end of which time he came
to Minnesota.
Mr. Williams has continuously resided in this state since 1882 and for a year
engaged in jobbing in undertaking supplies in St. Paul. In 1883 he entered into
active connection with The Northwestern Casket Company as vice president and
general manager, with the Hon. E. M. Johnson as the president. Mr. Williams
continued in the second executive office until the death of Mr. Johnson, whom he
succeeded in the presidency, and since that time he has been the directing head
of the business, which has constantly grown and developed by reason of the
excellence of the output and the high-class workmanship. The company today has
one hundred and twenty-five employes, including its factory workmen and salesmen
who represent the house throughout the northwestern territory. While his
business interests in this connection are extensive and important Mr. Williams
has not confined his efforts alone to one line, for he is also the vice
president and treasurer of the Minneapolis Office & School Furniture Company and
is identified with still other large business enterprises, including the Elgin
Silverplate Company at Elgin, Illinois.
In 1883 Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Carrie S. Minchin of
Pontiac, Michigan, and they have become the parents of three children: Mrs.
Bessie Williams Gillette, Roy M. and Margaret Reynolds. The son is now an active
business man of Minneapolis. Mr. Williams is well known in the club circles of
the city, having membership in the Minneapolis Athletic, the St. Anthony
Commercial, the Lafayette and the Automobile Clubs. He is also a trustee and was
treasurer of St. Barnabas
Hospital for several years and has always manifested a commendable interest in
public affairs, cooperating in those plans and measures which are looking to the
benefit and welfare of the city and the state at large. As a business man he is
alert to every opportunity opening up in the natural ramifications of trade and
commerce and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his
innate powers and talents.