In early 1844, London's industrialism was both dangerous and desperate. Many people must have been exposed to this toxic and frightening lifestyle, as the streets were very vicious and the general landscape very dark. A simple farmer turned department store employee [George Williams] was fed up with this current miserable way of life and wanted to do good for those migrating to this austere and arid land. George joined 11 close friends to organize the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), which was essentially a refuge for young men seeking Bible study and prayer to "escape" their lives on these dark London streets. Say no to plagiarism. . Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Although it was an interesting concept, it was far from new. Many associations like this were already formed, but the YMCA offered something very new and unique for a time like this. This organization had an exceedingly strong desire to meet the social needs of its community and it was always open to people giving it a lot of attention and then giving it even more of the attention it needed. This allowed the YMCA to gain many new members with great profits during those dark days on the streets of London. In George's early years, he was born on October 11, 1821, he lived in Dulverton, Somerset and had 6 other siblings. He lived with his siblings, his father (Amos) and his mother (Elizabeth), he was always highly educated and a hard worker on his father's farm. George soon left the family farm to become a draper's apprentice and settled in London. George had a great effect on his times as he inspired and motivated many people with the vast expansion of his creation when a sailor from Boston took his idea and transferred it to the United States. He soon married Helen Hitchcock in 1853 and went on to have many children. Before this wonderful idea, George was a draper for "Hitchcock, Williams & Co." until George Hitchcock died and Williams could no longer run the business on his own, so he closed it down and then designed the plan to create the YMCA with his friends. The way George significantly changed the world during this time was remarkable because his first intention was never for the YMCA to expand this widely throughout the world. Williams has always been considered influential and selfless with some quotes such as: "What is my duty in business? To be fair. To do good things between man and man. To buy honestly. Do not mislead, misrepresent or color.” It just goes to show how far he is willing to go to make an impact on both his current era and much more to come. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In late 1894, he was knighted. by Queen Elizabeth herself, but Williams soon died 11 years later [1905]. His funeral took place at St Paul's Cathedral and he was buried in a crypt with a monument bust nearby. Although the man himself has sadly passed away, his story lives on with his great-great-grandson Colin Williams, Vice President of the YMCA, who still aims to donate and help others in the need, thus reviving the legacy of Sir George Williams..