William C. Prytherch is conducting a large and profitable business as a dealer in coal and wood in Utica, where he organized the Acme Coal Company in 1915. His birth occurred in Wales, on the 6th of August, 1869, his parents being Hugh W. and Catherine Prytherch, both of whom were also natives of that country. The father emigrated to America in 1873, taking up his abode in Utica, New York, where he was joined by his wife and their three little sons, Hugh W., Robert W., and William C., on the 3d of July of the following year. Ten days later, however, Hugh W. Prytherch, the father, died, after a short illness.
William C. Prytherch, who was a little lad of five years when brought to the United States, obtained his education in the public schools of Utica. After putting aside his textbooks he was employed as an office clerk and subsequently he spent a period of three years in the west. Following his return to Utica he entered the employ of John C. Hieber & Company, with which concern he continued for six years, while during the succeeding seven years he was in the service of the firm of McAdam & Rathbun. It was in 1898 that he became manager of the coal yard and offices of the firm of Evans & Edwards, which he thus represented for a period of seventeen years, or until 1915. In the latter year he organized the Acme Coal Company and embarked in business on his own account as a dealer in coal and wood on a comparatively small scale, having but one horse and utilizing a rented barn. As his business grew he acquired more horses and bigger barns, and erected several buildings, until at the present time he utilizes several motor trucks and has large yards and coal sheds at No. 1155 Mohawk street. His progress in the business world has not been at all phenomenal but the slow, steady advance of the man with a definite aim and strongly concentrated forces — essential factors for success in any career.
On the 18th of November, 1896, Mr. Prytherch was united in marriage to Miss Annie Davies, daughter of Daniel Davies, of New York city. Mr. and Mrs. Prytherch are the parents of two children: Edward Charles, who was born on December 7, 1897; and Marion Katherine, whose natal day was March 4, 1904.
The political support of Mr. Prytherch is given to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to Faxton Lodge No. 697, F. & A. M.; Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M.; Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T.; and Ziyara Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also belongs to the Plymouth Congregational church and is a member of its Business Men's Club. At one time Mr. Prytherch was treasurer of the New York State Congregational Conference, and also served the Oneida, Chenango and Delaware Association in the same capacity for several years. He is a member of the St. David's Club, and of the Cymreigyddion Society (Welsh), and is also affiliated with the Utica Maennerchor.