David "Dai" John Williams (1874)

David "Dai" John Williams (22 Feb 1874 - aft 1920) was the oldest son of David T[homas] Williams and Mary Jenkins. Dai was born in Dowlais, Glamorgan, Wales and came to America with mother and siblings in 1885 to join his father in Pittsburgh. According to his WWI draft registration, Dai was of medium build and height, and had gray eyes and hair (by 1918 at least).

Dai married a Mamie Dyer on 15 Nov 1897 in Pittsburgh and most likely went to live with Mamie's father or brother, William, a plumber who resided at 1502 Sarah St. At the time of marriage, Dai had been living at 18 1/2 13th St. By 1898 they were still living with William Dyer at 1713 Fox Way. Like all of his family did, Dai moved from rental to rental throughout the South Side. In 1899, they lived with William Dyer, but now at 181 S 17th St. In October of this year Mamie gave birth to son William W. By 1900, Dai and Mamie were renting some space from confectioner Timothy Doyle at 31 S 18th St. By this time there is no more mention of William Dyer in records, so he may have passed away. In 1902, Mamie gave birth to daughter Marcell, and some time between then and 1910 the couple had divorced. Mamie went to live at 2027 Jane St and worked as a janitress at a manufacturer's office. Dai went to 51 S 14th St to reside with colleagues working for undertaker Louis Kimmel. Dai was a driver for Kimmel. In 1911-1912, a David J Williams, working as a laborer, lived at 2215 Sarah St. In 1913, a David J Williams lived at 114 S 25th St. In 1915, Dai was likely living with his father at house number 2113 on Sarah St. By 1918 his was living with his father and siblings at 1209 Bingham St. and was working as a clerk at Slutzky Grocery, located at 52 S 12th St. and owned by Isaac Slutzky. In 1920, Dai was working as a laborer at a granary and was living at 1211 Bingham St. with his father and siblings Thomas, Harriett, and Ivor.

Dai most likely died sometime between 1920 and 1930 in Pittsburgh. He may have in fact died in 1921 or 1922, as he is last identified in the 1921 directory living at the last Bingham address.

Unfortunately, at this time, the above photo and information is all that is known of Dai, Mamie, William and Marcell.

Dai's WWI Draft Registration

Dai may have died on 3 Sep 1927.