Tate Williams, a son of pioneer Cornish immigrants, was born in Eureka, Nevada, in 1893. The famous Cornish-Welsh "Cousin Jack" miners contributed much to the colorful life of the western mining camps, forming singing or other musical groups wherever they went. This activity was characteristic of the Williams family of this central Nevada mining town.

Williams grew to young manhood in the Eureka-Ruby Hill area, moving in 1910 to Reno, where he entered business. As a leader in Reno's retail trade, Williams was invited in 1932 to become the first secretary-manager of the Nevada Retail Merchants Association. He accepted the position, and held it through the life of the Association, until 1966. The work of the Association required that he become familiar with a variety of business practices and community activities, and he held offices in many civic, charitable, and service organizations.

Williams chronicles his life in Eureka, the functioning of the Nevada Retail Merchants Association, lobbying activities for the Association, and the work of Reno civic and charitable organizations. He gives a philosophical conclusion.