William Wilkins FSI, was born in Llanelly in December 1862, his father being, Thomas Wilkins, Colliery Proprietor.

He was educated at the Copperworks School and was subsequently articled to William Henry, Mining Engineer. In this profession he, at a very early period established so much ability that before the completion of his articles, he was offered and accepted an appointment as Land and General Surveyor on the Stradey Estate. Here he assisted the Agent in the development of the Estate. A few years prior to 1897 it was decided to re-open the Cille Colliery in connection with the Estate and the work of re-opening was entrusted to William Wilkins. This was done very successfully and the colliery soon was in full swing.

He was a Fellow of the London Institute of Surveyors and as a Civil and Mining Engineer and held a First Class Certificate as Colliery Manager.

In 1885 he was General Secretary of the National Eisteddfod at Llanelly and at one time was Treasurer of the Welsh Rugby Union.

Information from: Men & Women of South Wales and Monmouthshire, Printed and Published by the Western Mail Limited, 1897