Charles E. Williams, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the New York Central Iron Works Company, at Geneva. Ontario county, New York, belongs to that class of citizens who. although undemonstrative and unassuming in their natures, nevertheless form the character and mold the society of the communities in which they live. This is the class that develops our great manufacturing interests, spreads our conn merce and replaces the rude hamlets of our forefathers with magnificent business palaces, and they, above all others, build our cities, our steamboats and railways, and they alone deserve the credit of these enterprises.
Mr. Williams, although well and widely known in the manufacturing and commercial world, is still a young man. He was born in Clinton, New York, April 28, 1869. was educated in the public and Clinton grammar schools, and then matriculated at Hamilton College, which he left in 1890. His first business employment was in the office of the New York Central Iron Works Company, where he commenced in a subordinate position. His diligence and faithful performance of even the minutest details of the duties assigned him, soon attracted the attention of the officers of the corporation, and he was gradually advanced to more important positions, until he became the secretary, treasurer and manager of the entire plant, an office he is holding at the present time, as above stated. He not alone gives his personal attention to every department of this large concern, but his inventive mind has led him to introduce a number of new ideas which have greatly enhanced the value of some of the wares manufactured by them. Having, as it were, grown up with this industry, Mr. Williams has become thoroughly familiar with its every detail, and is able to judge at a glance of the practicability of any new idea which is presented to them for adoption. This company was founded in 1553 by William B. Dunning, and incorporated in 1890 with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars. The officers are : D. E. Dempsey, president; O. J. C. Rose, vice-president; and Mr. Williams as secretary, treasurer and manager. Mr. Williams also is one of the directors and a stockholder. The Dunning steam and hot water boilers are a part of their manufacture, and they ship to all parts of the United States and Alaska. Their yearly output amounts to about two hundred thousand dollars. and the sales of the concern could easily be doubled, were they not at the present time rather cramped as to space. This matter, however, will be remedied in the near future, when their working capacity will be greatly increased. Mr. Williams finds but little time to devote to political matters, but he takes a lively interest in all matters which have to do with the advancement and improvement of the community in which he lives or with the country at large, and gives his support to the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of St. Peter’s Episcopal church. He is also connected with the following organizations: Ark Lodge, No. 33, Free and Accepted Masons, of Geneva; Geneva Commandery, No. 29, Knights Templar; Chapter No. 36, Royal Arch Masons: Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 1054; and while at college was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Mr. Williams married, April 25, 1895, Hattie E., born in Geneva, New York, November, 1871, daughter of Henry Glanville, who was one of the early settlers in Ontario county, and who died at the age of eightyfive years. Mrs. Williams was graduated from the Geneva high school. Children: Helen, born March 8. 1896, died January 12. 1910; Othniel G., born November 9, 1900.