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The Project


Quite a few years ago my first cousin once removed, Professor Sydney Alan Barker, set about on the trail of the Barker family. He wanted a family crest but first had to prove that he was not related to any other Barker family that already had one. He produced a booklet containing extensive research dating back to 1423. This prompted my brother, David, to undertake research of the Williams family. He kept his records in a card index which, as you can imagine, got rather large very quickly. Following on from his research we computerised the data and eventually created The Williams Family Tree website.
Barker Coat of Arms
Ethel Barker with the Barker Coat of Arms


Initially, the Williams family from Aberdovey was the main target of research. Being a very busy port, Aberdyfi produced sea-faring families with many of the men reaching the pinnacle of their trade as Master Mariners. My grandfather, John Davies Williams, served as a 'Boy' aboard the schooner Sarah Davies at the age of 13. After many travels and two circumnavigations of the world he served as a Trinity House Pilot for Aberdyfi for 15 years - a post previously held by his father, Captain Owen Williams, a Master Mariner who married twice and had 14 children!

As research progressed it became evident that this was a big family and a huge task. Other researchers started to get in touch and many more families have been added and now The Williams Family Tree extends its many branches all over the world and interesting information continues to be received on an almost daily basis.

If you are visiting for the first time the easiest way to get started is by either selecting the Surnames from the menu or search for a name in the search boxes. Then explore the features and all the different ways to look at ancestor and descendant data. If you find yourself connected feel free to register for an account. You will then be able to log in with a username and password and enjoy a few extra benefits of the site.

If you use any information contained within the pages of this website for your own purpose please ensure that this site and all the relevant sources are cited. Accuracy is not guaranteed but I do try to confirm all the data I research, and any that is sent to me, wherever possible.