a look backward... Albert Williams and Catherine Dugan

Albert Williams and Catherine Dugan

Albert Williams was the great-grandfather of Florence Mosier. Albert was born about 1843 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was one of nine children of Edward Williams (born about 1820 in Pennsylvania or Maryland) and Sarah (surname unknown, born about 1815 in England). Albert was a locksmith and owned his own business at 411 S. 17th Street in downtown Philadelphia; this photograph (c. 1890) shows him with his son, Albert Jr., in front of his shop.

Albert Williams married Catherine (Kate) Dugan on October 17, 1863 at All Saints Episcopalian Church in Philadelphia. Catherine was born about 1844 in Darby, Delaware Co., Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Robert S. Dugan and Catherine Edwards, both immigrants from Ireland. Robert Dugan was a spade and shovel maker, and the 1880 census listed his occupation as "Gentleman."

Albert and Kate are found in the 1870 U.S. Census in Philadelphia with two children: Mary, age 4 and Albert, age 2. Place of birth for all members of the household is shown as Pennsylvania. Albert's occupation is listed as "Locksmith."

Albert Williams and Albert Williams, Jr.

The 1880 Census shows that Albert and Kate Williams are residing at 411 S. 17th St. in Philadelphia. Albert's occupation is again listed as "Locksmith," and Kate is "Keeping House." Children listed in the Williams household in 1880 are: Mary (age 11), Albert (age 9), Robert (age 5), and Kate (age 1). Occupations for Mary and Albert are shown as "at school". The family is apparently residing behind or above Albert Sr.'s locksmith shop in 1880.

The 1880 Census indicates that Albert's parents are residing at 2335 Federal St., and by 1885 Albert and Kate have moved in with Edward and Sarah. The record of Kate's death on December 6, 1885 shows their address as her residence. In 1890 the Philadelphia City Directory lists Albert's business address as 411 S. 17th St. with his home address (and that of Edward) as 2335 Federal St.

Albert Williams is included in the 1910 Census at 4923 Paschall Avenue in Philadelphia. On April 22, 1910, he is shown as the head of the household that includes his unmarried daughters Mary and Catherine and his granddaughters Anna Mae (age 14) and Mary (age 12). Albert Williams Jr. died in 1910, so it is likely that Albert Sr. is assisting his son's widow, Anna, with the care of the children. Anna is not included in this household in the 1910 census and cannot be located elsewhere at this time. Albert's occupation is shown as "Locksmith" and he states that he owns his shop. In this census, Albert states that his father was born in Maryland and his mother was born in England.

The family record indicates that Albert Williams died in Philadelphia in 1914.

Nothing more is known about Albert and Catherine at this time.

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