William Preston Williams Sr. (1899–1936) was a key figure in the early history of Maybelline, closely tied to the company through his brother, Thomas Lyle Williams Sr., who founded the cosmetics empire in 1915. Here’s a breakdown of his life, role, and connection to Maybelline:
Background and Family Ties
Born: January 17, 1899, in Morganfield KY to Thomas Jefferson Williams and Susan Anna Williams.
Siblings: Included Thomas Lyle Williams Sr. (Maybelline’s founder), Mabel Williams (the inspiration for the brand), Eva Kay Williams, and Noel James Williams.
Family Role: As part of the tight-knit Williams family, Preston was drawn into the burgeoning Maybelline business alongside his siblings.
Involvement with Maybelline
Early Contribution: After serving in World War I as a rear gunner in the Navy, Preston joined his brother’s company in Chicago. Thomas Lyle Williams Sr. had launched Maybelline after observing Mabel enhance her lashes with a mix of Vaseline and coal dust, turning it into a mail-order mascara business in 1915.
Role: Preston worked for Maybelline during its formative years, contributing to its operations in Chicago, where the company was headquartered. While Thomas Lyle was the visionary, family members like Preston supported the business’s growth, helping it evolve from a small venture into a national brand by the 1920s.
Context: His involvement came during a period when Maybelline capitalized on the rising popularity of cosmetics, spurred by Hollywood and changing beauty standards, eventually leading to its widespread retail success.
Life and Legacy
Military Service: Preston’s time as a WW1 veteran left him with post-traumatic stress, a detail noted in family accounts by his granddaughter, Sharrie Williams, author of The Maybelline Story. His service is honored in posts like “Maybelline family Veteran William Preston Williams, WW1” on her blog.
Death: He died on February 16th, 1936, at age 37, from complications following a pioneering colostomy operation, a procedure rare for its time. He was buried in Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago Find a Grave Memorial.
Family: Married to Evelyn Boecher Williams, they had a son, William Preston “Bill” Williams Jr., who became the father of Sharrie Williams, Donna Williams, Billee Williams and William Preston Williams III. Evelyn’s influence on Bill and Sharrie tied the next generation to Maybelline’s legacy.
Connection to Maybelline’s Broader Story
Historical Significance: Preston’s tenure with Maybelline coincided with its rise as a mail-order giant and its transition to retail prominence. By 1936, the year of his death, Maybelline was well-established, though it wouldn’t be sold to Plough Inc. until 1967, long after his passing.
Family Legacy: His involvement reflects the Williams family’s collective effort in building the brand. Sharrie Williams’ writings highlight how Preston’s generation laid the groundwork, even if their direct influence waned as the company grew and changed hands (eventually becoming part of L’Oréal in 1996).
Unexpected Detail
An intriguing twist is Preston’s health struggle: his death from a colostomy operation underscores the medical limitations of the 1930s, contrasting sharply with Maybelline’s glamorous image of beauty and innovation. This personal hardship adds depth to the family’s story behind the brand.
Summary
William Preston Williams Sr. was more than a footnote in Maybelline’s history—he was an active participant during its early expansion, supporting his brother’s vision while battling personal challenges from war and illness. His legacy lives on through his descendants, particularly Sharrie Williams, who keeps the family’s Maybelline legacy alive.
