William Griffiths was born in Llannon. In 1870 he became an agent to the Gelliwernen and the Goring Thomas Estates. He was an architect, and Collector of Taxes.

In 1895 he was Clerk of Works during the building of the Llanelli's Town Hall when T P Jones was the builder. He was a member of the Llanelli School Board and an active member of the Executive Committee of the National Eisteddfodau of 1895 and 1903.

He was Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council and Main Road Committee, a member of All Saints Church and belonged to the Prince of Wales Lodge of Freemasons.

Apart from the Town Hall William Griffiths also designed the Stepney Arcade, Melbourne Hotel, Glenalla Chapel, Metropolitan Bank and Exchange Buildings.

William Griffiths lived at Yr Wyddfa, Goring Road, Llanelli and when he died he was buried at Llannon.

Obituary

Death of Mr Griffiths

The death of Mr. William Griffiths at his residence 'Yr Wyddfa', Goring Road, Llanelly, was somewhat sudden. He was taken severely ill on Sunday, and he succumbed on Friday, in his 72nd year. The deceased was born in Llannon, but he became identified with Llanelly at a very early period in his life. He was Agent to the Gellywernen and the Goring Thomas Estate, Collector of Income Tax and an architect.

His plans for the Town Hall at Llanelly were accepted in open competition with architects of the country and he was Clerk of the Works in erection of that building by Mr T. P. Jones. He also designed the YMCA Buildings, the Exchange Buildings, the London City & Midland Bank and churches and other buildings in the town and district, which will stand as a monument to his skill and ability.

He carried on his business under the style of Messrs. William Griffiths & Son and his son Mr. Harold Griffiths has succeeded to his office as Collector of Taxes and has actually done the work in connection with the Goring Thomas Estate and architectural design for sometime while during the last couple of years an auctioneers business has been added with the deceased's son-in-law Mr W. J. Davies in partnership.

His first entry into public life was as a representative on the Llanelly School Board of which he was a valued member for many years.

When the National Eisteddfod was held in Llanelly in 1895 and afterwards in 1903 he was Chairman of the Pavilion Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. He became a member of the Carmarthen County Council and in due course was appointed an Alderman which honour he held until his death.

He proved to be a very able Chairman of the County Council and as a compliment to the services he had rendered and in acknowledgement of the special knowledge he possessed he was for many years Chairman of the Carmarthenshire Main Road Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Carmarthenshire Street Joint Committee. He was regarded as one of the best and most useful of our County Council members.

Deceased was raised to the bench many years ago and he was conscientious and judicial in the discharge of his duties which he zealously followed.

Deceased was a Churchman and a member and sideman of All Saints Church which by his death will suffer a severe loss. He was one of the oldest members of the Prince of Wales Lodge of Freemasons.

During the war he enrolled in the Civic Guard and the VTC and despite his age took part in drills and route marches. He was a member of the Llanelly Bowling Club and took that recreation up to the end of last season. From those few salient facts in his life it can be gleaned that he was active and energetic, ready and willing at all times to render service whether to the church the community or to any good cause.

He was as honest as the day and straightforward in all his dealings. He was genial and affable and a character that was universally admired.

Deep sympathy will be sent to his widow, his two daughters and three sons.