Williams, A. Osmond (Arthur Osmond), 1849-1927

Person

Williams, A. Osmond (Arthur Osmond), 1849-1927

• Williams, Arthur Osmond, 1849-1927

Arthur Osmond Williams of Castell Deudraeth, Penrhyndeudraeth, Merionethshire, was the Liberal MP for Merionethshire, 1900-1910. He was born 17 March 1849, the son of David Williams, the first Liberal MP for the county, 1868-1869, and Annie Louisa Loveday Williams. He was educated at Eton. He inherited the Castell Deudraeth estate in 1869 and subsequently held several offices in Merionethshire and Caernarvonshire. He was elected unopposed to Parliament in 1900 in succession to O. M. Edwards. In Parliament he opposed the Boer War and supported women's suffrage. He was created a baronet in June 1909 and stood down at the January 1910 general election. He died 28 January 1927. He married Frances Evelyn Greaves in 1880 and they had three sons and two daughters.
The eldest son, Osmond T. D. Williams, fought in the Boer War and was killed in the First World War.
A. Osmond Williams' sister was Alice Helena Alexandra Williams (Alys Meirion) whose early years were spent caring for their mother, Annie. Following her mother's death in June 1904 Alice came to lead an active life, becoming known as a painter, writer and welfare worker. She was the first Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the National Federation of Women's Institutes in 1917.

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