THE WINDSOR TRAGEDY. HISTORY OF THE WILLIAMSES' MARRIAGE.

Evening Post, Volume XLIII, Issue 62, 14 March 1892, Page 2

THE WINDSOR TRAGEDY. HISTORY OF THE WILLIAMSES' MARRIAGE.

THE ACCUSED ABOUT TO RE-MARRY. [UNITED PBEBB ASSOCIATION.] London, 12th March. It has been ascertained that Williams, who is in custody in Australia on the charge of murdering his wife at Windsor, arrived at Rainhill, a village in Lancashire, in July last. He pretended that he wanted to rent a house in the township for his sister, who, however, was never seen. Williams, who appeared to have no occupation, declared himself to be an inspector of army stores, and said his father, who was a colonel in the army, was killed in the Crimean war. He also gave out that an uncle of his was a man of very considerable means, but this must have boen a myth, as no one had ever seen him. On 24th September last he was married to Emily Lydia Mather, the ceremony taking place during his stay at Rainhill. The villagers are said to have been greatly impressed with him, but some of them had their doubts about the man, because it was known that prior to his marriage to Miss Mather he was visited by a woman who was reputed to be his lawful wife. After the wedding ceremony Williams entertained the villagers at a banquet in honour of the event, but none of his friends were present at the festivities — a fact which caused some comment. Miss Mather's father keeps a Email shop in Rainhill, and is highly respected by all classes of the community. The family were unaware of the terrible fate which had befallen Emily until one of the agents of the Australian and New Zealand cable service called on them with reference to the subject. On hearing the awful news the mother fainted. It was ascertained from members of the family that Williams left England in company with hia wife (ne'e Mather) on the pretence that he had been commissioned to take charge of the army stores at Bombay. Mrs. Mather stated that she had received affectionate letters from both the parties, and she found that their destination was Melbourne and not Bombay. Mrs. Williams' last letter bore the Colombo postmark, while the husband's last communication, which was dated Melbourne, 29th December, informed the family that he and his wife had spent a happy Christmas. He also remarked that " Emily was the happiest woman he had ever s%en, and she did enjoy herself thoroughly." He announced that he had been appointed manager of a large tea business in Hong Kong, and that he and his wife were to sail for their new home on 4th January. Nothing is known regarding Williams' antecedents. Sydney, 13th Maroh. Williams became engaged to a Bathurst lady, who was en route to Perth to marry him when he was arrested. She handed over to the Melbourne police a quantify of jewellery which Williams had given her, and this has been identified as belonging to the murdered woman. Latest. WILLIAMS HAS A CRIMINAL RECORD. 1 UNITED FBESS ASSOCIATION..! (Received March 14, noon.) Sydney. This Day. William's resided in Sydney in 18S2, and served i\ pentenco for larceny horc. Ho was subsequently arrested for fraudulent larconv, and absconded from his bail. He then had a wifo and family, whose present whereabouts are unknown.