Fred Williams

Frederick George Hilary Williams (January 13, 1863, in Clapham, London, United Kingdom – June 16, 1944, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) was an English–Canadian journalist, writer, and historian.

Background Fred Williams was the son of the respected war correspondent and journalist Charles Frederick Williams, and of Georgina Gould Ward.

Career Newspaper Fred Williams began his newspaper career in January 1882 at the age of 19 serving first at the Montreal Herald and later at the Montreal Gazette. His career in journalism would span more than sixty years. He also served The Montreal Star, The Toronto News, The Ottawa Free Press, The Victoria Colonist, The Vancouver Sun, The Toronto Mail and Empire, and The Globe and Mail. He went to Australia as a reporter from 1893–1896. He served as a city editor, telegraph editor, news editor, editorial writer as well as a reporter. He became a freelance writer in 1918 with a syndicated column on Canadian history.

Williams also covered Canadian federal politics as a member of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery in Ottawa for 25 years and served on its executive.

By the end of his career in journalism that spanned 62 years, he was referred to as the "grand old man of journalism." He also had a syndicated column through the Toronto Daily Star known as "Lest We Forget" that also recounted Canadian history. Williams gave historical talks to encourage an appreciation of Canadian history and was enjoyed as a speaker.

In 1934, a Canadian 10-cent stamp featuring the 150th anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists being established in Canada was the result of William's suggestion. Williams was referred to as "the brilliant Ontario historian." This stamp was awarded fourth place among the postage stamp designs of 1934 by a world consensus of philatelists.

Currently, his article on the death of John Crooks of the War of 1812 is featured on the Ontario War of 1812 history website.

Author Williams and his wife Aley Mary Shonfeld Williams co-authored The Canadian Book of Days in 1924.

Others Williams also served as a gunner with the Montreal Garrison Artillery that was sent in 1885 to combat the North-West Rebellion in Manitoba. He fought in the battles of Fish Creek, Cut Knife, and Batoche. He received the North West Canada Medal for his service. Their trip constituted the first passenger train trip from Montreal to Winnipeg.

Fred Williams first learned of the death of his father, Charles Williams, the famous war correspondent, on the wire service he was monitoring at his newspaper in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Death Williams died on June 16, 1944, at his home in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the age of 81. The funeral was held at St. James Cathedral in Toronto and was led by the Dean of Toronto and rector, C. E. Riley. At his funeral, he was referred to as "the dean of Canadian journalists" and "the grand old man of journalism." One newspaper in its obituary described him as someone who "stood alone" in his field whose "friends were legion." He was buried at St. James Cemetery in Toronto, Ontario with military honours.