W. J. Parry of Coetmor, Bethesda, was one of the most prominent leaders of the quarrymen of north Wales during the late nineteenth century. He played an important role in the establishment of the North Wales Quarrymens' Union in 1874 and served as its secretary and president for a number of years. During the bitter strike and lockout at Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, 1900-03, Parry served as chairman of the Penrhyn Relief Fund which raised funds for the striking quarrymen. In 1903, however, he was accused of slandering his old adversary, Lord Penrhyn, the quarry owner. At the High Court hearing of 10-12 March 1903, Parry was found guilty and fined £500 with costs. He faced further humiliation a few weeks later when Lord Penrhyn brought a bankruptcy injunction against him. This appeal for financial assistance was published on 30 September 1903. See: J. Roose Williams, 'Quarryman's Champion: The Life and Activities of William John Parry of Coetmor' (Denbigh, 1978)