John Francon Williams
John Francon Williams | |
---|---|
cartographer, journalist and inventor | |
Spouse | Barbara Balmain Dougall |
Children | 5, including Aeneas Francon Williams and David Dougal Williams |
John Francon Williams
Family
John Francon Williams was the second son of Richard Williams (b. 1818
During the next decade, an increase of population in the area occurred due to the extension of slate and stone quarrying. In the Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales (published in 1870-2), Llanllechid is described as thus: "Llanllechid, a village, a parish, and a sub-district in Bangor district, Carnarvon. The village stands near the river Ogwen, 3½ miles SW by S of Aber r. station, and 3½ SE of Bangor; and has a post office under Bangor, and a fair on 29 October."[4]
John and his two brothers and two sisters attended the local school, where John showed a particularly strong aptitude and interest in geography and history. By the mid-1870s, as a young adult, John moved away to Northampton, where he took up a post as a school teacher. It was in Northampton that John met his future wife, Barbara.
On 8 July 1876, John married Barbara Balmain Dougall at St Giles' Church, Northampton.[5] The newlyweds first home was at Palmerston Road, Northampton. Over the succeeding years John and Barbara had five children: four sons; John Balmain, (b. 1877, Northampton),[6] Aeneas Francon Williams (b. 1886, Liscard, Cheshire),[7] David Dougal Williams (b. 1888, Liscard),[8] and George Stanley (b. 14 April 1890, at Hope Place in the Georgian Quarter of Liverpool) – and one daughter; Margaret Mary Ann (b. 1891, Liscard.)[9] George was baptised on 25 May 1890.[10] During this period the family moved house frequently, residing at Hope Place, Liverpool, and in Liscard at 2 Massey Park, Wallasey, Chester,[11] to remain close to Liverpool, where John had begun a career as a journalist and subsequent editor on a local Liverpool newspaper. During the early 1880s, John's sister Mary and his brother Henry left the Williams' family home in Llanllechid.[12] Only John's sister Grace, who now had a career as a dressmaker, remained living with her parents at the family home. In 1885, Grace married Robert William Williams (1861–1931) in Bethesda, hence Grace and her future offspring retained the Williams surname.
In 1891, John's father, mother and a brother died (most probably due to the influenza epidemic that spread across Wales and Northern England),[13][14] and in December that same year John and Barbara's young daughter Margaret Mary Ann Williams died and was buried on 30 December at Massey Park. In late 1891, Grace and Robert and their two young children, Robert Henry (b. 1886) and William John (b. 1888), emigrated to the USA, arriving in New York in January 1892. The family settled in Granville, Washington, New York.
Barbara Balmain Dougall was born in 1851 in Dunning, Perthshire.[15] She was one of seven children (Aeneas, David, Margaret, Isabella, Ann, Mary, and Barbara) to John and Ann Dougall. John Dougall was a handloom weaver, and his wife Ann was a cotton winder.[15] Though most of the Dougall children entered the weaving trade, Aeneas became a teacher.
Career
Early career
John Francon Williams worked as a journalist and editor on various newspapers and journals in Liverpool. In 1876 Williams was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.[16][17]
Association with George Philip & Son
Williams started his publishing career in
"Further expansion was prompted by the demand from board schools established after 1870 for general textbooks, school stationery and equipment, and specialist atlases and wall maps. The firm also supplied atlases and textbooks for many overseas countries in several languages."[18] George Philip II spotted a gap in the market for quality school textbooks, and over the following two decades, Williams wrote and edited over forty books that were sold worldwide.
The Geography of the Oceans
In 1881, Williams's seminal book The Geography of the Oceans was published.[19]
"It may therefore be truly said that the present ocean is but a vast workshop, where the materials of future continents are elaborated and preserved."
—The Geography of the Oceans, John Francon Williams, 1881.[20]
The Geography of the Oceans focuses on topics such as: General Geography of the Oceans, Physical Geography of the Oceans, the Geography of Particular Oceans. The various sections focus on: the distribution of land and water, oceanic river-systems, the salts of the sea, the density, colour and phosphorescence of the sea, distribution of marine life, temperature of the ocean, movements of the ocean, sidereal movements of tides, of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Antarctic and the Arctic Ocean. It was the first book to cover with such intensity the geography of the oceans. 'A valuable little book entitled The Geography of the Oceans, which may be regarded almost as a new departure in geographical science,' claimed the book reviewer in The Cornish Telegraph, who continued,[21] "I have found the book as fascinating as one of Jules Verne's novels." The Daily Gazette called it "A new geographical work of great importance."[22]
In 1881, Williams and his family moved to West Derby in Lancashire, where they lived at 52 Bonsall Road.[23]
In 1882,
Williams also tried his hand as an inventor. One of his inventions (of which there were two different designs) was a new spaced measuring rule or scale, registered and patented on 21 April 1884.[26] The measuring rule was applicable in printing, painting, embossing, or similar. He also patented several other inventions including, ‘pencils with moveable leads’ and ‘pen-and-ink holders’ registered in 1883,[27] ‘letter clips and files’ and additional ‘pencils with moveable leads’ registered in 1884,[28] and ‘educational appliances’ in 1885[29]
On 29 December 1885, John F. Williams attended the first annual children's Athletic Fete and Industrial Exhibition, held at the Liverpool Gymnasium in Myrtle Street under the auspices of the Liverpool Council of Education and School Board.
In 1887, Philips published Philip's Handy Volume Atlas of the World by
In the late 1880s, Williams worked in conjunction with the publisher and editor George Newnes (Sir George Newnes, 1st Baronet) – now regarded as the founding father of popular journalism – during the years when Newnes was building his publishing empire. During this period, Williams began formulating ideas to start his own publication, which would not come to fruition until several years later.[34]
In 1888, Philips' published several geographical atlases they named 'Handy-Volumes' compiled and written by Williams that were distributed widely worldwide; ‘All these compact and clearly-printed miniature works, suitable for pocket or desk, and rightly named ‘Handy-Volumes’ are supplied with indexes, and geographical, statistical and historical notes, carefully gathered by Mr. J. Francon Williams FRGS.’[35]
In America, John's history books were introduced into the school curriculum, where they remained for many years.[36] Forever the businessman, on 4 July 1888, Williams wrote a letter from Liverpool to the politician and educator Hon. George William Ross in Toronto, Canada, in which Williams included as a gift a copy of his recently published Atlas of British America. Williams was hoping to break into the Canadian market. Ross was the Minister of Education for Ontario in the Liberal government of Sir Oliver Mowat and oversaw the purchase of schoolbooks for the province. In the letter, Williams writes, ‘Permit me to beg your kind acceptance of the accompanying copy of our little Atlas of British America, and also to ask you to examine it with a view to its authorization for use in the public schools and colleges of your province.’ In 1899, Ross became the Premier of Ontario.[37] Whether Ross ordered a shipment of Atlas of British America is not documented, but Williams’ attraction to Canada appears to have commenced from around this period.
In November 1889, John Francon Williams was introduced to HRH
"Maps are to geography what notation is to music."
—John Francon Williams, 1891.[39]
On 15 December 1890, the Council of the London branch of the
During 1891, Philip's issued a series of Map-Drawing Books titled, Philips’ Series of Map-Drawing Books, written and compiled by J. Francon Williams. A series of 24 books in two different editions were published; the Imperial at 13 in. by 11 in. priced at 6d, or the slightly smaller Crown edition at 10 in. by 8 in. priced at 3d. Each book contained a complete full-coloured map and an uncoloured map for the student to colour in and to complete names etc., an outline map with coastlines and lines of latitude and longitude, and a blank sheet with the border of only the map. The books allowed the student to draw the maps repeatedly.[47] During the same year, Philip's also published an entirely new set of three Grammar School Atlases edited by Williams: Philip’s Grammar School Atlas No. 1, for preparatory students with 15 full-coloured maps, Philip’s Grammar School Atlas No. 2, for junior students with 30 full-coloured maps, and Philip’s Grammar School Atlas No. 3 for senior students containing 75 full-coloured maps.[48] The atlases were referred to as ‘undoubtedly the finest examples of small atlases for ordinary school use ever issued.’
Also in 1891, Philip's published, Philips’ Picturesque History of England (with notes and three hundred illustrations and maps) by J. Francon Williams. The book retailed at 5s. A review in The Scotsman praised Williams for his ‘unflagging vivacity and narrative power. Incidents and characters are depicted in their true proportions.’[49] ‘The book is appropriately named in more ways than one. It tells the story of the English people – their growth, the development of their national institutions, the establishment of their worldwide empire, the achievements of their great monarchs, warriors, statesmen and writers, the social and economic conditions of the nation at various epochs. A distinctive feature of the work is the number and excellence of the illustrations.’
In 1893,
In 1896, with Williams' increase in wealth, he moved his family yet again,[51] this time to a freehold property in Mount Pleasant Road in Wallasey, which he named Balmain, after his wife, whose middle name was Balmain.[52]
In the decade before the arrival of
Stories Illustrated
In 1897, Williams founded and edited the monthly magazine Stories Illustrated.[54] The magazine was published for seven months under Williams's ownership.[55] In 1898, Stories Illustrated was purchased from Williams by Sir George Newnes, under circumstances that later caused John much anxiety after discovering the publication had been undervalued by Newnes to the sum of £30,000,[34] the equivalent of which in 2019 would be almost £3.9 million.
Williams launched his monthly magazine at the highly-competitive price of 3d, and in doing so undercut Newnes's monthly
Later career
By late 1898, the Williams family had moved yet again and were now living in a detached house Fairlight in Forest Avenue, Chingford, London.[58]
In later life, John Francon Williams focused his career on being a Publishers Representative (Agent). He would travel to
One of the prime reasons Williams travelled to the United States was to set up an Anglo-American Syndicate, which would help promote publishers, publishing houses, and their products. Williams discusses this matter in a handwritten letter to his friend John George Bartholomew.[60] In it, he mentions his "unavoidable connection" with map-maker George Washington Bacon, with whom he is working with on several projects, both editorial and administrative, and hopes that his friend Sir Alfred Lewis Jones (the millionaire ship-owner) might be interested in becoming a financial partner in the syndicate. Williams was particularly keen to publish a Physical Atlas worldwide through the syndicate.
In 1899, Williams was commissioned by Mazawattee (publishers) to write a Gazetteer Pocket Atlas containing 9,000 to 10,000 places.
On 20 July 1900, Williams travelled to Boston, Massachusetts, from Liverpool aboard Winifredian.[63]
In 1901, by the time George Philip Jr. had retired from
In late 1901/early 1902, the Williams family relocated to Clackmannan in Scotland, for Barbara to be closer to her sisters Ann and Margaret Dougall with whom they resided in Clackmannan at their home Mains House. Both of Barbara's sisters were spinsters and died within a few days of one another, Ann Dougall, on 17 March 1903[66] and Margaret Dougall three days later on 20 March 1903 (one day after her sister's funeral and burial).[67] The sisters are buried next to each other in the old cemetery in Clackmannan.[68] The sister's brother Aeneas Dougall (who died on 24 March 1897), is also buried there.[69]
On 19 March 1904, Williams departed from
In 1906, Williams devised a ‘self-educator Atlas.’ He greatly enthuses about it in a letter dated 31 October 1906 to his friend in
John's wife Barbara died in Clackmannan on 24 November 1909 at the family home Mains House.[73] She is buried alongside her sisters and brother in the old cemetery in Clackmannan.[74] She died from cancer of the liver.
The Hawes Junction rail crash
On Christmas Eve, 24 December 1910, the overnight express train from London St Pancras to Glasgow departed at midnight. The train consisted of four timber-bodied coaches, two sleeping cars and two brake vans, and a locomotive. John Francon Williams and his eldest son John Williams Jr. happened to be in Manchester attending to publishing business on 24 December and had arranged to spend Christmas Day with relatives and friends in Clackmannan in the Central Lowlands of Scotland. They decided to catch the overnight express train at Manchester, so that they could enjoy Christmas festivities in Clackmannan.
At 19 minutes to six in the morning, close to
The Dundee Courier on Tuesday 27 December in their coverage of the Hawes Junction rail crash reported: The news of the disaster occasioned considerable anxiety to the relatives of Mr. John Francon Williams, a prominent and highly-respected resident of Clackmannan. Mr. Williams and his eldest son Mr. John Williams, were in business in Manchester and had sent word to their friends in Clackmannan that they intended to travel North with the night express so as to arrive home on Saturday morning for Christmas. The fact that they did not put in an appearance in Clackmannan on Saturday, coupled with the news of the disaster, naturally aroused fears for their safety in the minds of their waiting relatives. Telegraphic communication was opened up with the hotel in Manchester where Mr. Williams had been staying, and yesterday (26 December) it was ascertained that, though the father and son had fully intended travelling with the ill-fated express, through pressure of business they had been compelled to postpone their departure till Monday evening, an arrangement, which, in the light of what subsequently occurred, may be regarded as providential.[75]
Later life
By 1911 John's landscape had changed dramatically. He was now boarding at 25 St Stephen's Road, Leicester, with the Grimsley family; widow Fanny Grimsley and her three unmarried daughters, Eliza aged 37, Jane aged 25, and Martha aged 21.[76] Also boarding at the handsome 7-roomed property were four female lodgers. John was at this point in his career a Publishers Representative (agent) and still traveling extensively.
John Francon Williams died from a brain haemorrhage on 4 September 1911 in the County Hospital, Alloa, and is buried in an unmarked grave beside his wife in Clackmannan Cemetery in Clackmannanshire, Scotland.[77][78] He is identified as having had 42 published works in 79 publications in the World Catalogue (WorldCat).[79]
During World War I, John Francon Williams' eldest son, John Balmain Williams, now an artist, enlisted in the
John Francon Williams is also the father of George Stanley Williams, musician and organist in the Chapel of the Inner Temple (Law Courts) in London,[86] (died 23 July 1954, Dundee District, Angus, Scotland), Aeneas Francon Williams (missionary, chaplain, writer, poet), and David Dougal Williams (artist and art teacher), and the great-grandfather of writer Iain Cameron Williams.[87][88]
Commemorative Plaque, 2019
On 4 September 2019, the 108th anniversary of John Francon Williams passing, a commemorative plaque was placed on his lair at Clackmannan Cemetery, Clackmannan.[89] The brass plaque is inscribed:
John Francon Williams FRGS, 1854 – 4 September 1911, writer, geographer ‘It may therefore be truly said that the present ocean is but a vast workshop, where the materials of future continents are elaborated and preserved.’ J.F. Williams 1881
Williams's family
In 1885, John Francon Williams' sister Grace Williams (b. 1862) married Welsh-born Robert William Williams (1861–1931) in
Published works
(The list is by no means comprehensive.)
- A Class-Book of Modern Geography, (with examination questions, notes, & index, by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – publ. George Philip & Son, 1881. 12 editions were published in English between 1881 and 1893.[98]
- The Geography of the Oceans by John Francon Williams – publ. George Philip & Son, 1881. 2 editions in English were published in 1881.[99]
- Elementary Class-Book of Modern Geography by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1882. 2 editions in English were published in 1882 and 1888.
- Philip’s Series of Map-Drawing Books by J. Francon Williams – publ. George Philip & Son (1882).[100]
- A Class-Book of Physical Geography by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1882. 7 editions in English published between 1882 and 1891.[101]
- Philip's Elementary Atlas and Geography, containing 30 coloured maps, edited by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1882.[102]
- Stories From English History by John Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1884.[103]
- Philip’s Picturesque History of England, with illustrations and maps, by John Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1884.
- Modern England: from the Ascension of James I to the Present Time, by John Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1884.[104]
- Early England by John Francon Williams and John C. Crowley – Boston School Supply Co., 1884.[105]
- Middle England: from the Accession of Henry II to the Death of Elizabeth by John Francon Williams and John C. Crowley – publ. Boston School Supply Co., 1884. 2 editions in English were published in 1884.[106]
- Stories From English History by John Francon Williams and John C. Crowley – Boston School Supply Company, 1884.[107]
- A Class-Book of Modern Geography with examination questions, by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – publ. George Philip & Son, 1885.
- The Intermediate Class-Book of Modern Geography by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1886.
- Philip's Elementary Atlas and Geography, containing the Essentials of the Geography of the World, and Thirty Coloured Maps, edited by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London, 1886.
- Philips Picturesque History of England by J. Francon Williams – publ. George Philip & Son, London, 1886.
- A Class-Book of Modern Geography, new and enlarged edition by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London, 1887. 2 editions in English published in 1887.[108]
- The Queen's Jubilee Atlas of the British Empire by John Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London, 1887. 3 editions in English published in 1887.[109]
- Elementary Class-Book of Physical Geography, new revised edition by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London, 1887.
- The Queen's Jubilee Atlas of the British Empire, with descriptive and historical notes and statistical tables, by John Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London, 1887. 2 English editions published in 1887.
- Philip's Handy-Volume Atlas of the British Empire compiled and edited by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1887. (Several editions).[110]
- Philip's Handy Volume Atlas of the World compiled and edited by J. Francon Williams, dedicated to the President of the Lord Aberdare – George Philip & Son, 1887.[111]
- A Class-Book of Physical Geography, new and improved edition, by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London, 1888. 5 English editions published between 1888 and 1891.
- Philip's Handy-Volume Atlas of British America, with geographical, statistical and historical notes by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1888.
- Philips’ Handy Volume Atlas of Australasia by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1888.[112]
- Childs Atlas, edited by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1890.
- Philip's Presentation Atlas for Young People, edited by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1890.
- Young Geographer's Pocket Atlas of the World, edited by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1890.
- Philips’ Graphic School Atlas by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1890[113]
- Realistic Geography by J. Francon Williams – George Philip and Son, 1891.[114]
- Philips’ Picturesque History of England (with notes and three hundred illustrations and maps) by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1891.
- The Geography of the British Colonies and Dependencies, physical and political by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London, 1892. 4 English editions published between 1892 and 1907. 2 English editions published in 1892 and 1907.[115]
- The Advanced Class-book of Modern Geography, Physical, Political, Commercial by J. Francon Williams and William Hughes – George Philip & Son, London, 1892. 3 English editions published in 1892, 1908 and 1910.[116]
- Class-Book of Modern Geography by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1892.
- Geography of Australasia and Polynesia by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1892.[117]
- A Compendium of Modern Geography by William Hughes and John Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London & Liverpool, 1893. 3 English editions published in 1893.[118]
- An Elementary Class-Book of Modern Geography, with examination questions, by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London, 1893.
- An Introduction to the Study of Geography by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1893.[119]
- Philips Graphic School Atlas, (series of 110 maps and diagrams) by J. Francon Williams –
- The Geography of the British Isles, Physical, Political, Commercial by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1895.[122]
- The Geography of Africa, Physical, Political and Commercial, by W. Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1896.[123]
- Philips’ Geographical Manuals with Maps and Diagrams by W. Hughes and J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1897.[124]
- Pocket Gazetteer and Atlas of the World edited by J. Francon Williams, ‘Saxon’s Everybody’s Series,’ – Messrs. W.R. Russell & Co, 1899.[125]
- Everybody's Gazetteer and Atlas of the World by John Francon Williams – W. R. Russell & Co., London, 1900 & 1910
- Geography of America by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams – Philips' Geographical Manuals – George Philip & Son, 1906.
- The Geography of the British Colonies and Dependencies: Physical–Political–Commercial by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams (new and revised edition) – George Philip and Son, London, 1907.
- The Story of Alfred the Great for Young Folks by John Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, London (2012 Kindle edition)
References
- ^ 1861 UK Census Richard Williams (aged 43), Mary Williams (aged 39) and their children, William (aged 18), John (aged 7), Mary (aged 4), Henry (aged 3), residing at Cenfaes Terrace, Llanllechid, (retrieved 12 February 2018, findmypast.co.uk)
- ^ 1871 UK Census Richard Williams (aged 54), Mary Williams (aged 49) and their children, John (aged 17), Mary (aged 14), Henry (aged 13), and Grace (aged 9) residing at Pencennant (Pen-y-ceunant), Llanllechid, (retrieved 12 February 2018, findmypast.co.uk)
- ^ "List of Old English Occupations and descriptions". www.worldthroughthelens.com. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
- ^ Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales edited by Rev. John Marius Wilson (1870–72) published Edinburgh, A. Fullarton & Co.: [1].
- ^ 1876 Marriage Certificate: Marriage solemnised at the Parish Church in the Parish of St Giles, Northampton – 8 July 1876 – No. 29, between John Williams, School Master of Palmerston Road; father's name: Richard Williams (Overlooker at Slate Quarries), and Barbara Balmain Dougall; father's name John Dougall (manufacturer)
- ^ John B. Williams baptism certificate on familysearch.org: John B. Williams was baptized on 5 August 1877, Northampton.
- user-generated source]
- ^ Familysearch.org – Births, Marriages and Deaths, Cheshire Parish Registers, 1538–2000: David Dougall Williams was baptized on 22 July 1888 at St Mary, Liscard, in Cheshire.
- ^ Familysearch.org – Births, Marriages and Deaths, Cheshire Parish Registers, 1538–2000: Margaret Mary Ann Williams was christened on 8 November 1891 at St Mary, Liscard, in Cheshire.
- ^ Baptism Register, George Stanley Williams, 25 May 1890, Ref: 5b – 103
- ^ 1891 UK Census, John Francon Williams and family, 2 Massey Park, Wallasey, Chester:[2].
- ^ 1881 UK Census Richard Williams (aged 63), Mary Williams (aged 59) and Grace (aged 19) residing at 17 Pencennant, Llanllechid, (retrieved 10 February, findmypast.co.uk)
- ^ FluTrackers: Flu Pandemic 1891 (retrieved 17 February 2018: 'The earliest signs of an epidemic revival on a large scale occurred in March 1891, in the United States and the north of England. In England it began in the Yorkshire towns, particularly in Hull, and also independently in South Wales. In London influenza became epidemic for the second time about the end of April, and soon afterwards was widely distributed in England and Wales. The large towns in the north, together with London and Wales, suffered much more heavily in mortality than in the previous attack. In 1891 it was very sudden and extremely severe, the death-rate rising to 73.4 during the month of April, and subsiding with equal rapidity. During the third quarter of the year, while Europe was free, the antipodes had their second attack, which was more severe than the first.' https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/welcome-to-the-scientific-library/pandemics-in-literature/21032-flu-pandemic-1889-1890
- ^ By May 1891, influenza was particularly prevalent in Liverpool, Birkenhead and Nottingham:The Evening Express, 7 May 1891, page 3 – The Influenza Epidemic (article) (retrieved 17 February 2018): A recrudescence in the UK in December 1891 lasted through mid-winter into 1892: http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3178721/3178724/46/LIVERPOOL
- ^ a b 1851 Census – page 5 – Dougall Family: http://www.dunning.uk.net/census/c51pdf.pdf
- ^ Journal of the Royal Geographical Society, vol. 50, publ. 1880: List of the Fellows of the Royal Geographical Society; The number of Fellows elected during the past year (ending 30 April 1880) included, John Francon Williams Esq. c/o George Philip & Son, Caxton Buildings, Liverpool F.C.; https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.70717/2015.70717.Journal-Of-The-Royal-Geographical-Society-Vol50_djvu.txt
- ^ Elected 13 March 1876 according to Archivist, Foyle Reading Room RGS-IBG
- doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/41112. (Subscription or UK public library membershiprequired.)
- ^ An extract from Geography of the Oceans by J. Francon Williams, 1881: The Atlantic Ocean Navigation and Commerce: (retrieved 18 September 2017):http://gluedideas.com/Geography-of-the-Oceans-1881/The-Atlantic-Ocean-Navigation.html Archived 29 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Quote taken from Geography of the Oceans by John Francon Williams, publ. George Philip & Son (1881), XI – Action of the Sea on the Earth's Crust (Paragraph 149) pp. 109–10 [3]. Quoted in The Scotsman, 17 October 2017, p. 34 – Sea the Danger (retrieved 4 November 2017)
- ^ The Cornish Telegraph, Thursday 4 May 1882, p. 4 – Jottings From London (Column) The Geography of the Oceans, (book review).
- ^ The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, Friday 4 March 1881, p. 2 – Literary Notes – The Geography of the Oceans (review).
- ^ 1881 UK Census, West Derby, Lancashire, England. John and Barbara Williams. The Census states Barbara was born in Perthshire, Scotland.
- ^ Philip’s Series of Map-Drawing Books, No. 2 England and Wales (with instructions) and No. 22 Australia (with instructions) by J. Francon Williams, publ. Geo. Philip & Son (1882) (review): Journal: Manchester Geographical Society, The Practical Teacher, May 1882, Vol II, No. 3, p.156:https://archive.org/details/practicalteache03hughgoog/page/n151?q=J.+Francon+Williams
- ^ Correspondence 9 May 2012, Archivist, Foyle Reading Room RGS-IBG.
- ^ BT51/4/5500 – Class 3: wood, bone, ivory etc. Registered design No 5500: registered by John Francon Williams, editor, of 57 Bonsall Road, West Derby, near Liverpool, Lancashire, 21 April 1884. BT51/4/5499 – Class 3: wood, bone, ivory etc. Registered design No 5500: registered by John Francon Williams, editor, of 57 Bonsall Road, West Derby, near Liverpool, Lancashire, 21 April 1884. Both patents are held at the National Archives, Kew. http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C10163188 and :http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C10163189
- ^ Index of Patentees and Applicants, 1882–84, publ., The Commissioners of Patents’ Sales Dept. applicant John F. Williams, application No. 2974 (dated 15 June 1883) and 4505 (dated 21 September 1883) – The Picton Reading Room and Hornby Library Liverpool F.C., book ref: 608 05 PAT
- ^ Index of Patentees and Applicants, 1882–84, publ., The Commissioners of Patents’ Sales Dept. applicant John F. Williams, application No. 2097 (dated 25 January 1884) and 9124 (dated 18 June 1884) – Picton Reading Room and Hornby Library Liverpool F.C., book ref: 608 05 PAT
- ^ Index of Patentees and Applicants, 1885, publ., The Commissioners of Patents’ Sales Dept. applicant J. F. Williams, application No. 6447 – date 27 May 1885 – Picton Reading Room and Hornby Library Liverpool F.C., book ref: 608 05 PAT
- ^ Liverpool Mercury, Wednesday 30 December 1885, p. 7 – Christmas Fete At The Liverpool Gymnasium (report) John Francon Williams attends.
- ^ Leeds Mercury, Wednesday 13 July 1887, p. 9 – Literature – Philip's Handy Volume Atlas of the World (book review)
- ^ Liverpool Mercury, Wednesday 15 June 1887, p. 7. Philip's Handy Volume Atlas of the World by J. Francon Williams (review)
- ^ West London Observer, Saturday 23 July 1887, p. 5 – Philips' Handy Volume and Atlas of the World (review).
- ^ a b National Library Scotland – Map Division, 159 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PH: J. F. Williams folder containing original hand-written letters by John Francon Williams dating from 1888–1900 & 1906–1907, in the John George Bartholomew archive.
- ^ Illustrated London News, Saturday 18 August 1888, page 191 – Messrs. Philips’ Miniature Atlases – A Handy-Volume Atlas of Australasia and A Handy-Volume Atlas of British America (book review) 2 books (retrieved 18 January 2018)
- ^ Early American Textbooks 1775–1900 by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement US Department of Education – John Francon Williams, pages 174 & 175 lists the John Francon Williams books that became part of the American School Curriculum: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.872.2900&rep=rep1&type=pdf
- ^ Report of the Commissioners, publ. Warwick Bros. & Rutter, Toronto, 1898, page 19 – Copy of the letter from John Francon Williams to Hon. George William Ross and a reply acknowledging receipt from Ross's secretary, Alex Marling J. Francon Williams' letter
- King Edward VII when Prince of Wales, by the author, Nov. 1889: https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/1046816/philips-handy-volume-atlas-of-the-british-empire-with-complete-index-notes-by-j.
- ^ Quote taken from "Realistic Geography (some remarks and suggestions on the teaching of elementary geography) part II, by John Francon Williams, publ. February 1891 in "Child Life" journal p. 30. [4]. (Retrieved 12 October 2018)
- Froebel Society, but the journal is in no other sense the organ of the Society, nor is the Society in any way responsible for the opinions expressed therein. p. 15, Vol. 1 no 1’: http://urweb.roehampton.ac.uk/digital-collection/froebel-archive/child-life-journals/child-life-1891/index.html
- ^ Child Life, January 1891 Vol. 1 no 1: J. Francon Williams, p. 13-14 Realistic Geography (some remarks and suggestions on the teaching of elementary geography) part I, by J, Francon Williams: http://urweb.roehampton.ac.uk/digital-collection/froebel-archive/child-life-journals/child-life-1891/1891-vol%201-no%201.pdf
- ^ Child Life, February 1891 Vol. 1 no 2: J. Francon Williams, p. 30-31 Realistic Geography (some remarks and suggestions on the teaching of elementary geography) part II, by J, Francon Williams: http://urweb.roehampton.ac.uk/digital-collection/froebel-archive/child-life-journals/child-life-1891/1891-vol%201-no%202.pdf
- ^ Child Life, February 1891 Vol. 1 no 2: J. Francon Williams, p. 30 Realistic Geography part II, by J, Francon Williams: http://urweb.roehampton.ac.uk/digital-collection/froebel-archive/child-life-journals/child-life-1891/1891-vol%201-no%202.pdf
- ^ Child Life, Vol. 1 no 1, front page Notice: ‘This journal is published by Messrs. George Philip & Son’: http://urweb.roehampton.ac.uk/digital-collection/froebel-archive/child-life-journals/child-life-1891/1891-vol%201-no%201.pdf
- ^ Child Life journals held in the Froebel Archive Digital Collection at the University of Roehampton, London: http://urweb.roehampton.ac.uk/digital-collection/froebel-archive/child-life-journals/child-life-1891/index.html
- ^ Froebel Archive Digital Collection, Child Life, University of Roehampton, London: http://urweb.roehampton.ac.uk/digital-collection/froebel-archive/child-life-journals/index.html
- ^ The Seaman’s Medical Guide, by Archibald Finlay, 1891, page 217, publ. George Philip & Son – Philips’ Series of Map-Drawing Books with Instructions by J. Francon Williams, 1891: https://archive.org/details/b20405650?q=Francon+williams
- ^ The Seaman’s Medical Guide, by Archibald Finlay, 1891, page 217, publ. George Philip & Son – Philips’ Grammar School Atlases No. 1, No. 2 & No. 3, edited by J. Francon Williams, 1891: https://archive.org/details/b20405650?q=Francon+williams
- ^ The Seaman's Medical Guide, by Archibald Finlay, 1891, page 225, publ. George Philip & Son – Philips’ Picturesque History of England by J. Francon Williams, 1891: https://archive.org/details/b20405650?q=Francon+williams
- ^ Preface in A Compendium of Modern Geography by William Hughes and J. Francon Williams, 1893, held in the archives at Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW: https://capitadiscovery.co.uk/liverpool/items/1028822?query=j.+francon+williams&resultsUri=items%3Fquery%3Dj.%2Bfrancon%2Bwilliams
- ^ 1891 UK Census, Wallasey, St Hilary, in Cheshire, England. The Williams family is living in Wallasey in Cheshire. John Francon Williams (aged 37)
- ^ New Brighton Electoral Division, Wallasey Polling District, 1896 – John Francon Williams, Balmain, Mount Pleasant Road.
- ^ George Philip 1888 Maps and John Francon Williams: historyhttp://www.miniaturemaps.net/_webedit/uploaded-files/All%20Files/1851-1900/1888a%20Philip.pdf
- ^ Stories Illustrated, a monthly magazine founded and edited by J. Francon Williams, London 1887/88 British Library archive, System number 002854273, General Reference Collection P.P.6018.fea. Vol. I, no. 1-7:Stories Illustrated
- ^ Magazine Data File: Stories Illustrated, monthly (1897-1898), Editor John Francon Williams: http://www.philsp.com/data/data497.html
- ISBN 978-0199601639, page 25
- ISBN 978-0557863518page 80-81 – the author discusses the £1 million restructuring of George Newnes Ltd.
- ^ Letter to John George Bartholomew from John Francon Williams, dated 17 November 1898, and addressed, Fairlight, Forest Avenue, Chingford, London – National Library Scotland – Map Division, 159 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH91PH: J. F. Williams folder containing original hand-written letters by John Francon Williams dating from 1888–1900 & 1906–1907, in the John George Bartholomew archive.
- ^ Letter written by John Francon Williams, dated 23 January 1899, to his friend John George Bartholomew, in which Williams talks of his eldest son John, "who is much troubled with asthma and bronchitis."
- ^ Letter written by John Francon Williams, dated 28 January 1899, to his friend John George Bartholomew in which Williams talks of setting up an Anglo-American Syndicate.
- ^ In a handwritten letter from Williams to John George Bartholomew dated 3 January 1899 held in the National Library of Scotland Williams mentions his commission for the atlas by the Mazawattee company.
- ^ Then and Now: 1800–1900, Why This is the Most Wonderful Century in Time, article by J.F. Williams, article extracted from The Harmsworth Magazine. Volume 3 – The National Archives, reference: D/B/BRY/1/2/670, Date: 1900, Held at: Hackney Archives Department. http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/12edb89a-d894-44f3-8719-16a03815534f.
- ^ Saloon Passenger List, SS Winifredian, Liverpool to Boston, ships Captain G.W. Muir, departing 20 July 1900 – John Francon Williams.
- ^ 1901 UK Census, Chingford, Essex, England: the Williams family are living in Chingford, Essex.
- ^ The Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1 January 1902, p. 3 – ‘J. Francon Williams FRGS, London, England is the guest of his…’ (report)
- ^ Register of Deaths: 1903, Deaths in the Parish of Clackmannan in the County of Clackmannanshire – p. 3, no. 8, Ann Balmain Dougall, aged 64, 17 March 1903 from breast cancer (retrieved 6 September 2017).
- ^ Register of Deaths: 1903, Deaths in the Parish of Clackmannan in the County of Clackmannanshire – page 3, no., 9, Margaret Dougall, aged 70, died 20 March 1903 (retrieved 6 September 2017)
- ^ Ann Balmain Dougall buried 21 March 1903 – the old cemetery, Clackmannan, section E lair no. 269 aged 64, no. 746, p. 502 in the burial register
- ^ Aeneas Dougall buried 24 March 1897 – the old cemetery, Clackmannan, section E lair no. 270, no. 433, p. 502, Ref: the burial register
- ^ Passenger List, SS Etruria, Liverpool to New York City, departing 19 March 1904 – John Francon Williams
- ^ On his death certificate John Francon Williams is recorded as an "Export Trade Specialist".
- ^ Handwritten letter from J.F. Williams to John George Bartholomew dated 31 October 1906, addressed Park House, Bristol Road, Birmingham. The letter is housed in the Bartholomew Archives, Map Division, National Library of Scotland.
- ^ Register of Deaths: 1909, Deaths in the Parish of Clackmannan in the County of Clackmannanshire – p. 10, no. 30, Barbara Balmain Williams, aged 59, died 24 November 1909 from cancer of the liver (retrieved 6 September 2017).
- ^ Barbara Balmain Williams buried 27 November 1909 aged 59 – the old cemetery, Clackmannan, section E lair no. 270, no. 1103, p. 502 in the register.
- ^ The Dundee Courier, Tuesday 27 December 1910, p. 5 – Pathetic Scenes at Hawes Junction During Inquest on Victims of Express Disaster (report) – Clackmannan Gentleman's Providential Escape (retrieved 8 August 2017).
- ^ 1911 England Census, 25 St Stephen's Road, Leicester – John Francon Williams (retrieved 27 January 2018)
- ^ 1911 UK Census, Leicestershire, England. John Francon Williams (aged 57)
- ^ Register of Deaths: 1911, Deaths in the Parish of Alloa in the County of Clackmannanshire – page 57, no., 171, John Francon Williams, aged 57, died 4 September 1911 from a brain haemorrhage (retrieved 6 September 2017).
- ^ John Francon Williams: http://www.worldcat.org/identities/viaf-93550164/
- ^ Regimental diary held at National Archives, Catalogue reference: WO 95/1773/2. Title: 12 Battalion The Royal Scots. Web link: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7352550.
- ^ Private John B. Williams (number 31107), Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) 12th Battalion, enlisted in Edinburgh, records held at [5]
- Tyne Cot Memorial. [6].
- ^ John Balmain Williams remembered (retrieved 18 September 2017): [7] Archived 29 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ The Scottish National War Memorial, Hall of Honour, located in Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh. Royal Scots Memorial and Roll of Honour – John B. Williams, 12th Battalion, killed in action on 25 April 1918: [8].
- Tyne Cot Memorial located at West Flanders, Belgium, cemetery/memorial reference: panel 11 to 14 and 162: [9].
- ^ Seven-page document dated April 4, 1968, handwritten by Aeneas Williams for his grandson Iain Cameron outlining the Williams family ancestry, page 3 'George Stanley, musician of outstanding merit'
- ^ Iain Cameron Williams short biography on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4751.Iain_Cameron_Williams
- ^ The Scotsman, 17 October 2017, pages 35&35–Sea the Danger–Iain Cameron Williams, in highlighting the potential dangers plastic nurdles impose upon marine and human biology, makes reference to the book Geography of the Oceans written by his great-grandfather (retrieved 17 October 2017: [10].
- ^ John Francon Williams commemorated (article) (Alloa Advertiser, retrieved 26 September 2019): https://www.alloaadvertiser.com/news/17928655.long-awaiting-tribute-pioneering-writer-buried-clacks/
- ^ Ancestry.com: Grace Williams family tree (retrieved 12 February 2018)
- ^ The Granville Sentinel, May 11, 1972, page 2 Anniversary: Couple celebrate 59th anniversary Mr & Mrs John F. Williams celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary (article)
- ^ Ancestry.com: Robert Henry Williams family tree (retrieved 12 February 2018)
- ^ Fluoridation of Water: an address delivered to the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health (New Zealand Branch), March 1st, 1956 / by J. Francon Williams. Williams, John Francon, 1906-, Royal Society of Health (Great Britain). Publisher Auckland [N.Z.] New Zealand Branch of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, Printed by Cooper Printing Co., [1956] Format 31 p.; 25 cm. National Library of New Zealand: https://natlib.govt.nz/records/21991957?search%5Bi%5D%5Bsubject_text%5D=Water+--+Fluoridation+--+Health+aspects&search%5Bpath%5D=items
- ^ Search results natlib.govt.nz
- ISBN 1-4535-5473-4, publ. 2010, p. 406 – Dr. J. Francon Williams, [dentist] and director of hygiene for New ZealandHealth.
- ^ Australian Dental Journal, October 1975, p. 338 – News From Papua New Guinea (Dr. John Francon Williams):https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1834-7819.1975.tb05084.x?cookieSet=1
- ^ Survey of the public dental health service in Niue and plan for development by J. Francon Williams:https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/21209966?selectedversion=NBD63878
- ^ The Catalogue of the Royal Geographical Society (Containing the titles of all works up to December 1893), compiled by Hugh Robert Hill, publ. John Murray (1895), page 231 – J. Francon Williams, & J. F. Williams books held by the Royal Geographical Society
- Royal Collection Trust (RCIN – 1046776) (retrieved 22 August 2017): https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/1046776/the-geography-of-the-oceans-physical-historical-descriptive-by-j-francon-williams
- ^ Philip’s Series of Map-Drawing Books by J. Francon Williams; No. 2 England and Wales (with instructions) and No. 22 Australia (with instructions) by J. Francon Williams, publ. Geo. Philip & Son (1882) (review): Journal: Manchester Geographical Society, The Practical Teacher, May 1882, Vol II, No. 3, p.156: https://archive.org/details/practicalteache03hughgoog/page/n151?q=J.+Francon+Williams
- ^ A Class-Book of Physical Geography ... New and Improved Edition, revised by J. Francon Williams, 1891: illustrations: [11][permanent dead link].
- ^ The Athenaeum, 8 September 1883, No. 2915, page 294 – George Philip & Sons full-page advertisement for their geographical publications including several works by J. Francon Williams including Philip's Elementary Atlas and Geography, (retrieved 9 July 2018)
- ^ Library of Congress, US: https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/search?searchCode=LCCN&searchArg=02019559&searchType=1&permalink=y
- ^ Modern England: From the Accession of James I to the Present Time by J. Francon Williams, American Publication by Boston School Supply Company, Boston, Mass, 1884. Library of Congress, USA: https://www.loc.gov/resource/dcmsiabooks.modernenglandfro00will/?sp=7
- ^ Library of Congress, US: https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/search?searchCode=LCCN&searchArg=02019560&searchType=1&permalink=y
- ^ Library of Congress, US: [12].
- ^ Stories from English History by John Francon Williams (1884) – US Library of Congress Online Catalogue (retrieved 10 October 2017): [13].
- ^ A Class-Book of Modern Geography by J. Francon Williams, 1887 – British Library images of the book: [14].
- ^ The Queen's Jubilee Atlas of the British Empire by John Francon Williams: [15].
- ^ The Colonies and India (London), Saturday 28 February 1891, p. 23 – Philip's Handy-Volume Atlas of the British Empire (review) (retrieved 18 September 2017): [16].
- Royal Collection Trust (RCIN – 1072789) (retrieved 22 August 2017): [17].
- ^ Philip's Handy Volume Atlas of Australasia by J. Francon Williams: [18].
- ^ Philips’ Graphic School Atlas by J. Francon Williams – George Philip & Son, 1890 (retrieved 1 February 2018): http://maps.library.utoronto.ca/cgi-bin/datainventory.pl?idnum=1481&display=full&title=Philips'+Graphic+school+atlas[permanent dead link]
- ^ The Guardian, 14 January 1891, p. 43 – Realistic Geography by J. Francon Williams (advertisement).
- ^ The Catalogue of the Royal Geographical Society (Containing the titles of all works up to December 1893), compiled by Hugh Robert Hill, publ. John Murray (1895), page 231 – J. Francon Williams, & J.F. Williams books held by the Royal Geographical Society
- ^ Scottish Geographical Magazine: Volume 8, 1892, issue 6, New Books: The Advanced Class‐book of Modern Geography, Physical – Political – Commercial by William Hughes, F.R.G.S., and J. Francon Williams, F.R.G.S. London: George Philip and Son, 1892. Pp. 818. Price 6s. (retrieved 18 September 2017):[19].
- ^ Scottish Geographical Magazine: Volume 8, 1892, issue 12, New Books: Philip's Geographical Manuals. The Geography of Australia and Polynesia, by J. Francon Williams, London: George Philip and Son, 1892 (retrieved 18 September 2017).[20].
- ^ Compendium of Modern Geography by William Hughes and John Francon Williams, 1893, Publ. George Philip & Son, London & Liverpool: Housed within the Reynolds Library and Reynolds Family records, Rochester Public Library, Rochester, New York: Catalogue reference, Geography, Travels, general Geography ref. 18, page 139: http://www.libraryweb.org/~digitized/books/Reynolds_Reference_Catalog_1898.pdf
- ^ Scottish Geographical Magazine: Volume 9, 1893, issue 10, New Books: An Introduction to the Study of Geography by William Hughes, FRGS, and J. Francon Williams, FRGS London: George Philip and Son, 1893. Pp. 100. Price 1s., (retrieved 18 September 2017): [21].
- ^ Philips Graphic School Atlas, (a series of 110 Maps and Diagrams) by J. Francon Williams FRGS. Published by George Philip & Son, 32 Fleet Street, London, 1895: [22]
- ^ Philips Graphic School Atlas:[23] Archived 5 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ Scottish Geographical Magazine: Volume 11, 1895, issue 11: New Books: The Geography of the British Isles, Physical, Political, Commercial by William Hughes, and J. Francon Williams, London: George Philip and Son, N. D. Pp. 119–224. Price 1s. 6d. (retrieved 18 September 2017): [24].
- ^ Journal of the Manchester Geographical Society, Vol. XXVI, publ. Sherratt & Hughes, page 139 – Africa: The Geography of Africa (list of books)The Geography of Africa
- ^ The Athenaeum Journal of Literature, Science, The Fine Arts, Music, 23 January 1897, page 101, George Philips & Son’s List:Philips’ Geographical Manuals with Maps and Diagrams
- ^ An announcement in the Publishers’ Circular and Booksellers’ Record, 23 September 1899, page 291: https://archive.org/details/britishbooks7118unse/page/290/mode/2up?q=Francon
Further reading
- WorldCat John Franon Williams
- Tooley's Dictionary of Mapmakers Tooley's Dictionary of Mapmakers (revised edition Q–Z) edited by Valerie Scott. England: Early World Press. 2004. (Williams, John Francon. p. 393)
- 975 – Williams, J. F. 1898–1900, 1906–07, National Library of Scotland, Inventory, Acc. 10222 Bartholomew, Manuscripts Division, George and John George Bartholomew Archive.[1]
- Torch and Colonial Book Circular, Vol. 1 edited by Edward Augustus Petherick(1887–1888) publ. E.A. Petherick & Co, London (Book held in New York Public Library); References to J. Francon Williams are on pages 14, 55, 79, 157.
- Library of Congress: John Francon Williams:[2]
- The Geography of the Oceans by John Francon Williams, publ. George Philip & Son, 1881, Digital Internet Archive full transcript.
- Publishing History and Development of School Atlases and British Geography, c.1870-1930 by Julie McDougall, 2013, incl. reference to John Francon Williams' contribution: Publishing History and Development of School Atlases and British Geography
- John Francon Willams Family Collection
External links
- Media related to John Francon Williams at Wikimedia Commons