Morris Williams, also known as Nicander

Morris Williams, who was otherwise known as Nicander, was a cleric and a man of letters. Born at Caernarfon, 20 August 1809, he was the son of William and Sarah Morris.

When Morris Williams was a child, his parents moved to Coed Cae Bach, Llangybi, Caernarfonshire. He had some education at Llanystumdwy and was apprenticed to a carpenter. He took advantage of the literary tradition and activity of the district where he lived, and since he showed obvious tendencies towards scholarship, he was helped to enter the King's School at Chester. He matriculated at Oxford from Jesus College in April 1832, and graduated B.A. in 1835. He took his M.A. in 1838.

He was ordained deacon by Bishop Carey of St. Asaph in October 1836, having been licensed to Holywell as curate in April of that year. After a short period at Bangor diocese, he was re-licensed to Holywell in June 1838, but became curate of Bangor and Pentir in February 1840, moving to Llanllechid in April 1845. He was appointed perpetual curate of Amlwch (Llanwenllwyfo) in January 1847 and rector of Llanrhuddlad (with Llanfflewin and Llanrhwydrys) in October 1859. He was at various times rural dean of Twrcelyn and Talybolion.

In 1840 Morris Williams married Ann Jones of Denbigh. They had five daughters and three sons. Morris Williams died at Llanrhuddlad on 3 January 1874.

From the guide to the Nicander Adjudication, Mid 19th century, (Bangor University)