"
Carreg Cennen Castle, which is quite near to the small holding called Tirbach
where my Davies ancestors lived from c 1852."
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Gareth Hicks |
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This site is dedicated to the history of my maternal Davies family who, for the last 200 or so years from c1800, lived mainly in the parishes of Llansawel , Llansadwrn and Llandeilofawr in Carmarthenshire and the parish of Llangiwg in Glamorgan. Also, there is a significant Jones /Evans branch which originated in Bangor Teifi, Cardiganshire c 1800.
This is in general terms the story of typical hard pressed Welsh small tenant farmers and ag labs who, in the last quarter of the C19, drifted south from rural Carmarthenshire to the "new jobs and real wages " to be found in the mining valleys of Glamorgan. Within a generation or two many of them came to wonder about their new life styles with its poor health and shortened life spans. But they all played the game of rugby,Wales prospered, perhaps life was not so bad.
A hundred years on, the wheel has turned once again, there are no longer any coal mines apart from small private relics and some open cast plundering of the landscape. The jobs are now mostly in the towns and cities, the old mining villages are slowly fading away into semi-oblivion.
And rugby ? Ah well, .........................
Introduction | The Anne John Bible |
David Davies c 1800 [Mary Davies] | Children of David and Mary Davies, Lanwen |
William Davies [Tirbach] 1826/7 [Esther James] | David James |
Children of William and Esther Davies | John Davies 1859 [Margaret Davies] |
Timothy David [Jane James] | John Davies, Llansadwrn [Susannah Davies] |
William Davies 1880 [Sarah Jones] | Children of William and Sarah Davies |
Rees Jones (2) 1849 [Elizabeth Evans] | Rees Jones (1) 1813/16 [Esther Rees] |
Children of Rees and Esther Jones & Llwynyreos | Benjamin Evans (2) 1810-78 [Rachel Evans] |
David Jones 1771-1858 [Prisila] | Benjamin Evans (1) |
Introduction
William Davies Tirbach is my maternal great great grandfather.
He brought the Tirbach name to Cwmgors with him from the small farm of that name which lay off the lanes between Llandeilo and Trapp in the parish of Llandeilofawr, not so far from Cerreg Cennen Castle.
He was born in the parish of Llansawel c 1826/7, we can't find a baptism entry for him and thus only know for sure that his father was a David Davies with no absolute certainty as to his mother's name; although I am fairly sure that we have the right one but without all the hard evidence required.
It is probable that they were non-conformists and many chapel records have simply disappeared.
The difficulties of tracing individual Davies ancestors cannot be exaggerated , it is the third most common surname in Wales as a whole after Jones and Williams. There are many instances of Davies marrying Davies which adds to the confusion.
Our first probable sighting of William is in 1841 as a 15 year old with his assumed parents David and Mary Davies at Lanwen in Llansawel parish.
He left home at some point over the next 10 years and next appears in 1851 working at Glanbrynan farm, in Llangadog parish, he was age 24, a servant.
His wife to be, Esther James was working at next door Llwynyrynn farm, a housemaid age 26.
They married in Bethlehem Chapel , Llangadog in November 1851 and from the children's births we know they were at Tirbach from 1852 onwards.
They were at Penywaun by at least 1881, so their Tirbach tenancy lasted for the first 25/30 years of their marriage.
Tirbach is actually in Llandeilofawr parish, is better described as a smallholding , it is shown on the Tithe map c 1840 , its exact size then was 16 acres 2 roods 33 perches.
The tithes payable were 2s 7d to the Vicar [for one third of the corn and grain tithes], 5s 5d to Dean John Parker [in lieu of two thirds corn and grain tithes], 2s 11d to the Vicar [ for one third of the other tithes], and 3s 6d to the Improprietor of two thirds of the other tithes.
The tenant in c 1840 was William James and the landlord was Joseph Galstone .
It is hard to imagine how William and Esther managed to raise their seven children at Tirbach. The land would only have supported a few cows and pigs, some chickens perhaps.
The evidence is that their sons at least left home for work on other farms at a young age, maybe the daughters too.
Anyhow, by 1881 all the children had gone and William and Esther were at Penywaun which is at the very top of Bryncethin Road, Garnant; the present day house is quite visible from Cwmgors village. They did have with them their adopted daughter Esther and grandson William [Edwards].
William, at the age of 54 , was now a colliery labourer, possibly at the nearby Coder mine. It is presumably no coincidence that their son John was also working in the Cwmgors area, he was a servant at Cwrt y Bariwns farm on the Gwryd mountain.
They simply followed a general drift away from no longer viable small farming units in rural Carmarthenshire to readily available jobs in the rapidly expanding new industy of coal mining which was most accessible just across the county line in Caegurwen.
By 1891, William is a widower, now living with son John at Llwynrhidiau in Cwmgors.
The three houses built there came at one time to be known as Tirbach terrace, the " family name " became Tirbach. William died there in 1901.
Both William and Esther are buried at Tabernacle Chapel in Ffairfach, Llandeilo which suggests that they retained a fondness for Tirbach and its environs; which also allows us to hope that their time there was a happy one despite the undoubted hardship of scratching a living from the land.
Tirbach still stands today, on a ridge overlooking Llandeilo town, it has been modernised but the present owners are able point out which ends of the house the pigs and cows used to live.
It is not far from Carreg Cennen castle, it is a very beautiful and tranquil part of the countryside .
There exists a " family bible " and on the flyleaf to the New Testament section is a hand written inscription;-
"This bible is given to, and for the use of ANNE JOHN, while she liveth and after her decease to be returned to the Church of Christ belonging to Escairdawe if none of her children be a member of the same........written May 25 1771."
This is quite badly faded, although still legible, it was written out again below by WILLIAM DAVIES TIRBACH dated 13 May 1852, stating that it was" now my property."
I have so far, in research terms, been unable to prove the connection between Anne John and William Davies Tirbach and indeed now feel that it is more likely that as her father was probably a James Davies then she was the aunt of Esther James, this William's wife. A fuller explanation is in the notes.
Researcher's note
I have been assisted in my research by my second cousin Gareth Morgan and encouraged by the enthusiasm of my Tirbach first cousin Glen Davies, my sincere thanks to both of them.
However, any errors of fact or opinion are mine alone.
Gareth Hicks
The Anne John bible
As mentioned in the Introduction, there is a bible in the Tirbach family which was given to an Anne John in 1771 by the Esgairdawe chapel. In 1852 William Davies Tirbach wrote in it that it was "now his", and, whilst it has yet to be proved by established relationship, it was assumed that it had been handed down to him in the same way that it has been handed downto Glen Davies Cwmnanthopkin, the current custodian, and direct male descendant of William.
Although to do so is my dearest wish, it has so far not been possible to prove any relationship between Anne John and William Davies for the reasons that will become clear as the story unfolds.
Esgairdawe is a small hamlet right on the Pencarreg/Cayo parish line, but not far from the Llansawel line too.The chapel building still stands although it is now lived in as a house, the adjoining cemetery is still in evidence.
The Independent church at Esgairdawe was formed in c 1755, its full history is contained in
- " Hanes Eglwys Annibynnol Esgairdawe " by M E Williams.
Presumably the chapel gave the bible to Anne John in 1771 when she became a member of the chapel, I also assume she would have been in the 5/10 age range then, so born say between 1761 and 1766 (Too many assumptions already!)
In the Llansawel records in 1763 is the baptism of Ann daughter of John David, did she become Ann[e] John under the patronymic system? It is very tempting to think so
Another twist to the tale is that on the 1841 census at Tyrbach, Llandeilofawr was an Anne Davies aged 75 [she could have been anything up to79], said to be " independent " suggesting she had means of her own and was not "on the parish".
The head was a William James, his wife and children are also shown. Sadly, this particular census did not show relationships between the residents so we aren't given any clue if there was one in this case.
She was born " in same county ".
That James family were still there in 1851 but the 1841 Anne Davies is probably the one who died in 1842 at Pontgwladys, see below.
Our own William Davies arrived at Tyrbach sometime between his marriage in 1851 and " laying claim " to the bible in 1852.
Clearly, the big question here is " are Anne John and Anne Davies the same person "?
And if so, is there a connection to our William Davies? Or is the connection to the William James family, and/or to Esther James,William Davies's wife ?
It may of course be just a coincidence that both ladies' probable birth year ranges match pretty well but this is certainly a factor in the theory for them being the same person.
I have details of an Anne Davies who died in 1842 at Pontgladys, Pentre Llandeilofawr, aged 79 which makes her born in 1763. The certificate says she was the daughter of a James Davies, farmer.
The informant was a John James of Treiorwg which is near to Pontgwladys[Ffairfach] on modern map.I now believe there is a connection between this John James [ and possibly the 1841 Tyrbach William James] with William Davies's wife Esther [James], this is fully discussed on the separate pages for the David James family.
However, the deceased's father's name does not match the 1763 baptism in Llansawel for " Ann daughter of John David " despite the coinciding birth years .
My summary of where all that leaves us;
- If we have the right baptism for Anne John in 1763 then the different father means that she can't be the Anne Davies at Tyrbach. Of course, it could be the wrong baptism anyway which would leave open the main question of "same person or not ".
- I feel sure that the " James connection " with the Tirbach Anne Davies is significant.
- Overall I currently lean away from " the same person " position ; in other words the Tyrbach Anne Davies is a most unfortunate " red herring " which has really lead me up the garden path !
My next approach to the link question is to wonder if the 1763 Anne daughter of John David, who could still be the bible Anne John, can be linked to the David Davies born c 1800 who is the father of William Davies Tirbach. Or, if that is the wrong baptism, can another link be established?
This last narrative was not meant to be a " mystery tour " of unrelated genealogical facts, I beg the reader to take a deep breath and continue reading into the next section with patience and forbearance, matters will surely improve .........
David Davies 1800
The known facts;
William and Esther's marriage cert in 1851 shows his father as David Davies , farmer.
We have not found a baptism for William, we do not know his mother's name.
On various census returns William shows himself as being born in the parish of Llansawel, and his likely birth year c 1826/7.
Route One
Even allowing the assumption that William, and his parents, would be found somewhere in his birth parish of Llansawel in 1841, as opposed to any other parish, there were several possible families with David Davies as head, with a variety of wives' names, but mostly without a son called William born c 1826/7.
However, it was more than likely that a 15 year old son would have left home anyway.
There is no point in troubling the reader any further with all the machinations of my method of "deciding on the most likely candidates", suffice to say that it wasn't straightforward!
One key factor I must explain is " the Enock factor ", which is that William Tirbach *did* have a brother called Enock .
It became known in the research process that an "Auntie Jane Enock "had existed in Cwmgors in living memory; our Enock had a daughter called Jane.
Also, that a William Davies, the crudd in Cwmgors, allegedly a cousin of my grandfather William, was a son of the same Enock by a different wife.
I also learned that William, the shoe maker, referred to Jane as his half sister.It may therefore be understood why the following family stood out as the one to go with.
1841 census of Llansawel at a place called Lanwen, Llansawel, Glyn hamlet,
- David Davies 40, ag lab, Mary 40, William 15, Enock 12, Elenor? 9, David 6, John 3 [ all same cty].
This David/Mary will from now on be known as Lanwen David/Mary etc.
Perhaps the reader will shudder in disbelief to learn that even now a new problem arose.
We found another William and Enock aged 15 and 12 on the 1841 Llansawel census !
This is the entry;
- Blaen yr esker, John Davies 30 farmer, Mary 30, David 8, John 6, Mary 4, Jane 1, Rachel Davies 20 ag lab [all y]
AND, in a separate building
- William Davies 15, Enock Davies 12, ag labs [both y].
Blaen yr esker is very near to Lanwen and I simply do not believe that there were in fact two sets of brothers [not that they needed to be brothers at Blaeyresker] of exactly the same age living so close. I have come across this " double counting " phenomenon elsewhere, it is the family historian's nightmare
One explanation is that because they were working on another farm so near to home then the two boys were popping home to mam quite often and total confusion reigned over "where they lived " for census purposes, it was the very first census return of its type as well.
I like it !For me, the clincher is the fact that the Pentre Parr Enock's father was a David Davies, it would be quite an extraordinary coincidence if, firstly, there were two Enock Davieses of the same age in 1841 and, secondly, both had fathers called David.
So, the Lanwen family is the one for me.
For the approximate position of Lanwen, the 1841 census listing was as follows; Drefach, Castell, Tynewydd, Lanwen, Eskertithe, Eskercine, Llewele, Trawscoed.
Lanwen is not marked on any old maps I've seen but on the modern map there is a " Lan Ddu Cilwenau " which looks interestingly similar, this is NW of Bancyglyn and W of Cwmhowel.
In the book [copy at Carmarthen library] " History of Llansawel" by Fred Price [1898] on page 23 [in a section about the Methodists in Llansawel] is related an incident at the Calvinistic Methodist chapel in " the late 1840 s " where children are asked the question " Pwy yw eich bugail chi, blant bach ? ", [ who is your shepherd, children bach ] one answered with the unexpected reply, " Deio Lanwen yw ein bugail ni ". [ Deio Lanwen is our shepherd]
The author explains all,
"Dafydd Lanwen was the shepherd 'par excellence' of the neighbourhood in those days.
He lived at Lanwen, a straw thatched cottage on the lands of Cilwena uchaf. David was never seen without some half a dozen sheep dogs at his heels.
He was well known from Llanybyther to Brecon "On page 35 there is a reference to a James Williams " of Cilwenau-uchaf "in 1846.
Interestingly the occupant of Lanwen on the 1861 census was described as a shepherd.
This couple were married in next door Cynwyl Gaeo parish on 10 Dec.1823, David of Llansawel and Mary Davies 'of this parish', witnesses Wm Davies /Daniel Evans.
By the 1851 census the family were no longer at Lanwen, and the parents were not found anywhere else in Llansawel parish, nor in Llangadog or Llandeilofawr for that matter.
Two possible, even likely, entries for them are in Cayo parish;
- 1851 Cynwil Gaeo, Bryntelych Lodge, David Davies 52, ag lab [Llanybyther], Mary 50 [Cayo].
- 1861 Cynwil Gaeo, Brynfedwen, [near Bryntelych], David Davies 61[ CGN, Llanwenog], farmer 9 acres, Mary 59 [Cayo]
You just can't ignore the Brynfedwen link, the exact house where Mary's parents lived in 1841.
Unfortunately, there is no Brynfedwen shown on the 1851 census, and in 1871 someone else altogether were there.Bearing in mind the Cayo marriage, this Mary's birth parish fits in, and just as relevant, all of the 1841 children have almost certainly been found elsewhere, see their separate entries below.
We don't think either David or Mary had died, so a couple, alone, is what we needed to find on the assumption they had no further children after John age 3 in 1841.
There were in fact four David/Mary Davies couples in Cynwyl Gaeo in 1851 but the other three have been variously discounted.
David's age in 1851 is 2 years out from the 1841 census but the latter " rules " required ages to be rounded down to the nearest 5, so no problem as such.
It is a bigger problem that his birth parish varies from Llanybyther,CMN to Llanwenog,CGN !
Is it possible that the 1851/61 couples are not the same people?
Surely not.Will the real David Davies step forward ?
So, we now have a choice of birth parishes.
If we follow the 1851 census route with David aged 52 at Bryntelych then we would expect to find his baptism in Llanybyther parish c 1799. This isn't really complicated by the fact that Lanwen David said he was " of Llansawel " on his 1823 marriage entry, he could have simply moved parish after all, and his shepherding activities seemed to cover an extensive area.
These are the David Davies baptisms found in period 1797/1800 in the Llanybydder records;
- Oct 15 1797 David s of David Owen by Mary his wife
- Jan 18 1798 David s of John Davies, Havod yr wynos, by Elinor his wife
- July 1 1798 David s of James Davies, Peithynby ?, by Mary his wife.
I favour the two entries in 1798, it is quite tempting to pick on James/Mary as the ones since Lanwen David may well have had a first born son - named James after his grandfather (see more on this under the Children section below). The tradition even holds good if William Tirbach was the second son named after his mother's father [who I later theorise was indeed a William], and of course William Tirbach had a son called James !
Are we all convinced ? Hmm......Taking this a step further then, on a Marriage Index for Carmarthenshire there are only two likely James/Mary Davies marriages pre 1798;
- In 1796 James Davies/Mary Lewis in St Peters,Carmarthen.
- In 1771 James Davies, lab/Mary Davies [she from Llanwnnen, Cards] in Llansawel parish.
No direct Llanybydder connection here, it would be tempting to follow the Llansawel link but the fact that Lanwen David would have been born when assumed mother Mary aged c 44 [even if she married at 16], or even nearer 50, that may be thought something of a hurdle.
Just to keep " all the balls in the air ", there are several marriages in Carmarthenshire "in period " for a James David to a Mary but there is only one that stands out ;
- Jan 1798 James David to Mary Jones in Llanybydder.
This could link in to the July 1798 baptism in Llanybydder for David with parents James/Mary .
I found no other James Davies on the 1841 Llansawel census apart from the Foesgotta James Davies (see below re Foesgotta)
It is not impossible that the above James might be the Foesgotta James although he would have had to have been married previously to the 1805 marriage to Jane, and his age [ born c 1780] makes this only just viable. Perhaps both James and Mary were only 16 when they married ?
Not very convincing, especially as Foesgotta James was born in Llansawel, but the parish border was so near........
Reverting back to Anne John, and/or to the 1763 baptism for "Anne dau of John David ".
On the James Index there is no likely marriage c 1780+ for an Ann[e] David or Davies but there is a marriage in Llansawel for an Anne John in 1792 to David Davies[St Peters] , it does seem late in the day for our Anne who would have been nearly 30 on marriage?However, perhaps we should follow the Llanwenog, Cardiganshire birth parish route as per the 1861 census entry?
As I said at the outset of the David Davies section of this story, I have not yet managed to prove any link between Lanwen David and Anne John.
Perhaps a reasoned interpretation of the known facts could well produce the assumption that Lanwen David's father was a James Davies. Unless he was born in Llanwenog...........
It is certainly a case of " too many Davieses spoiling the broth ".
A Foesgotta connection , or not ?
A possibility of a family link to the Davieses at the Foesgotta farms is tempting to consider.
William & Enoch were at Blaenyresker in 1841 and possibly John at Rhyglyn in 1851. (both Blaenyresker and Rhyglyn being Foesgotta family farms apparently)
Two of the 1851 Foesgotta family census entries;
- Rhyglin, David Davies 39, farmer 120a, [Llansawel], Anne 30 [Carms St Peters], James 8, John 5,Anne 3 [all Llansawel]
also John Davies ag serv 12 [ Llansawel
- Foesgotta, James Davies 70,farmer 310a [Llansawel] Jane 67 [Pencarreg], David Lewis 26 son in law, Mary Lewis dau 23 , Mary Davies 16 and Jane Davies 5, both g/dau; also 2 Davids [age 19 and 25] and 1 William Davies as labs
Are the Lanwen David [of Llansawel on marriage entry] and the James Davies [born Llansawel] of Foesgotta related ? Although there is the probability that Lanwen David was born in Llanybyther. Or is a possible connection with James's wife Jane [ Pencarreg]?
There is a similarity of children's names running through both families.
Whatever, no baptism was found in Llansawel for James Davies in 1779/83, [although Llanybydder is yet to be searched for him] so no link so far made between the Lanwen and Foesgotta Davieses.
Mary Davies, wife of 'David Lanwen'
The Lanwen couple were married in Cynwyl Gaeo parish in 1823 , her maiden name was also Davies she was " of this parish " and presumably born there.
One witness at Mary's wedding was a Wm DaviesSon John's birth cert also confirms her maiden name as Davies.
On the Cynwil Gaeo Marriage Index at Carms RO is a marriage for William David and Elinor Morgan in 1786
Assuming aged 20 at marriage this would have them born c 1766.
Now know Elinor aged 82 on death cert in 1846 = birth year 1764
William aged 86 on death cert in 1856 = 1770 and aged 83 on 1851 census =1768.
Making him 16 /18 in 1786 and her 22, not impossibleFrustratingly, we find another marriage in the Conwyl Cayo records
- William David, mazon and Mary Thomas, both of this parish May 1794
This makes the parentage of all post 1794 baptisms difficult, wonder whether "our" William David was known as William David Wiliam John (see below) in order to avoid confusion
- 1841 census Conwil Gaeo, Brynfedwen,[Maestroyddin hamlet],William Davies 65[1772/6], MASON, Elinor 75,Anne 35[all y]
- No apparent sign of them on 1851 census C/Gaeo
BUT
- 1851 census; Troedyrhiw Isaf, Lower Hamlet, Conwyl Cayo;
William Williams, widow, mason 83; Anne Williams, mason's daughter 45The next entry is also Troedyrhiw Isaf again (perhaps same house, different household)
- John Williams, mason, 47; Mary Williams 45; Joseph Williams, 11
The daughter Anne's death certificate states - Anne Williams, 58 daughter of William Davies, mason, died November 1862. There's no record of Anne ever marrying
The death cert details for William Davies; - mason, 86, died July 1856 in Maescastell, Conwyl Cayo (a mile from where Troedyrhiw was).
Death cert details for Eleanor; - died in Brynfedwen in March 1846, aged 82, with William Davies present at the death.
The death certificate of a William Williams, mason, Postgwyn, Conwyl Cayo, who died in November 1847 aged 40 may be relevant, the informant was a Mary Davies, Bryntelych Lodge. We think this William Williams was probably the son of William David as a baptism record of one of William Williams' children has him living in Brynfedwen in 1834 and that Mary Davies, Bryntelych Lodge, was his sister.
A further link with Brynfedwen and William David are entries in one of the Conwyl Cayo Vestry Minute Books dated Jan 1815 and Feb 1816 showing an agreement with William David William John for nursing a child named Maria Evan Jones. Caio church burial records show an entry for Maria Evan Jones, Brynfedwen, buried Feb 1817 aged 2.
Baptisms in the C/Gaeo P/reg to a William David in period 1789/1800 [many illegible entries]
- 1.Jemimah, William David de Lambs hamlet , 1789.
- 2. Margaret, William David Tynywain , 1789
- 3 . Mary , William David mazon, 1789
- 4. William , William David Tynywain , 1790
- 5. Ann , William David Coedy ? gof , 1790
- 6. David , William David mazon , Pymsant, 1787
- AND these two post 1800
- 7. Sept 1802 John f William David William John, mason, Maestroyddyn hamlet
- 8. Jan 1805 Anne f William David William John, mason, Maestroyddyn hamlet
Items 3, 6, 7 & 8 have the " mason " reference, presumably same Wm David
No 3 could be Mary Davies of Lanwen - although a bit of a stretch since she was shown as aged 40 in 1841 census; a Wm David witness at her 1823 marriage, her maiden name Davies on son's birth cert.
It is likely that this John (7) is the one at the 'other' Troedyrhiw Isaf in 1851, aged 47, also a mason (I have a contact who descends from this John Williams)
And the Anne (8) is likely the Anne Davies/Williams at Brynfedwen/Troedyrhiw Isaf in 1841/51
Apparently patronymics are involved with the Davies/David/Williams name variants - although surprising to see patronymics alive and well as late as this, but quite possible nevertheless, it is a fairly rural neck of the woods after all. But it's odd to see William David as Williams in 1851 since his full patronymic name would appear to be William ap David ap William ap John.
On Old-maps Brynfedwen is at 264817,240031, just west of Pumpsaint. Shown on modern streetmaps, although un-named, between Penarth uchaf and isaf.
This is a possibility for Eleanor's baptism -
- Dec 1763 f Morgan Williams ( IGI)
Her name was Elinor Morgan on marriage and her age at death suggests a birth year of c1764
In Hanes Eglwys Annibynnol Esgairdawe, p22, is a reference to the above baptism;
- "Elinor the daughter of Morgan Williams was baptized December 17th 1763 at Rhydlydan parish of Cayo." By Owen Davies
Rhydlydan is just north of Maes-troyddyn fawr in Cayo.
These further Rhydlydan bapts in the book;
- William, son of Morgan William bapt April 8th 1761 at Rhydlydan/Cayo
- Thomas, son of Morgan William bapt Jan 29 1766 at Rhydlydan/Cayo
- Daniel, son of Morgan William born 8th January 1773 and bapt on the 16th at Rhydlydan/Cayo
- Joseph, son of Morgan William born 17th and bapt 25th December 1779
There is a Morgan Williams listed as a deacon on p23, date unclear but possibly c1767
Reference on p89, in a section concerning The Rev Evan Jones, Crug-y-bar c 1823
- "..............preached his first sermon ........in Rhydlydan on the way to Pumsaint . Morgan William lived there - one of the leaders of the of the cause at Esgairdawe"
p193/4, section re the chapel deacons, a list of some deacons who served 1690-1848 includes these two;
- "......... Morgan William, Rhydlydan, who was a member for 76 years and a deacon for 70 years................William Morgan, Rhydlydan"
p197 a list of chapel members in 1828, includes
- Mary Morgan, Rhydlydan
Caio church burials
- Elinor uxor David Rees William Morgan May 14th 1769
- William Morgan Rhydlydan June 1771
Possibly they are the parents of Morgan Williams above and the grandparents of Elinor Davies Brynfedwn
The children of David and Mary Davies, Lanwen
In the Esgairdawe chapel register are these baptisms;
- James son of David Davies by Mary his wife of Crachter[?], Llansawel, born 2 Dec 1824.
- Ann dau of David/Mary Davies of Crachtir [Hir?] born Dec 1826
It is just possible that the above two baptisms are the Lanwen couple's first two children , they married in Dec 1823 after all , and otherwise William born 1826/7 would be the first born of those at Lanwen in 1841.
It is interesting to speculate that if James was the eldest son then a father for Lanwen David called James makes sense, see later.
Against that, we don't know of another Esgairdawe chapel link apart from with Anne John .
On the 1841 census, Crachthir has a Thomas Harries there. It is near Pistyllgwinni and Penygelli which are due north of Llansawel village, not far from Llanwen westwards and not that far to the east from Bryntelych across the nearby Cayo border [I think Bryntelych on the modern map may be called Froodvale].
William 1826/7, see separate page
Eleanor 1832
- With parents on 1841 census at Llanwen, Llansawel age 9.
- Probably her on 1851 census at Penlan, Llansawel, age 17 serv, under dairy maid [Llansawel], with Benjamin Thomas family on 240 acre farm.
Penlan [Pen y Lan on old map?], is quite near to the Rhyglin /Blaenyrescer farms [the Foesgotta Davies family where William/Enock were in 1841].
She married in Llansawel parish in 1855, Elinor Davies age 23, she then lived at Foesgotta, father David Davies, labourer; to David Thomas age 24, ag lab, lived at Achetisa, father John Thomas, labourer. Witnesses Daniel Davies and ?.
- 1861 Census at Pantyffynnon in Llandeilo with her children Mary, aged 4 and John aged 2. She is described as a widow aged 28 and an almswoman, formerly the wife of an Ag Lab. Her name is spelt Ealinor. Mary was born in Llansawel and John in Llandeilo.
This is she as a widow on the 1881 census at
- No 4 Ebenezer Street, Llandilo Fawr Eleanor Thomas, widow 48 born Llansawel, Head ,Occ: Formerly Laundress; John Thomas, U 22 born Llandilo, Son, Occ: General Blacksmith.
Her brother David also in Towy Terrace, Llandilo in 1881.
Mary
In 1871 the daughter Mary is an under barmaid living at the Cawdor Arms in Llandeilo, aged 14.
She married in Llandeilo on 29th May 1876 to Charles Jones, a tailor from Llandrindod - her father is named as David Thomas - labourer, and she was living in Church St. The witnesses were a William Davies and an Edward Davies,parish clerk.
Mary and Charles had two children in Llandeilo, a Mary Matilda, who died, and a David Charles. They are living in Radnorshire by the time of the 1881 census. Mary and Charles kept public houses - the Drovers Arms in Howey, near Llandrindod and the Ridgebourne Hotel in Llandrindod. She died in 1915 and is buried at the Providence Baptist Chapel in Howey. Her children's names were David Charles, another Mary Matilda to replace the one who died, Penry Stanley, Eleanor Agnes, William Garnett, Maevynia, Cyril Parry, Blodwen and Tudor Thomas.David 1835
- With parents on 1841 census Llansawel, at Lanwen aged 6.
Possibly him on 1851 census Llangadog at
- Cefncrevel ?, David Davies serv 15, dry lab [Llansawel], with Samuel Williams family on 67 acre farm.
This place is quite near to Glabrynan where older brother William was in 1851, also bro Enock was not far away either..Probably him on 1881 censu in Llandeilofawr; Towy Terrace, Llandilo Fawr
- David DAVIES M 45 Llansawel Platelayer , Mary DAVIES M 45 Cayo, Platelayer Wife , John DAVIES 11 Llangadock, Son Scholar, Rees DAVIES 9 Llangadock, Son Scholar, Anne DAVIES 6 Llangadock Daur Scholar
John 1838
- With parents on 1841 census Llansawel at Lanwen age 3
Have his birth cert, born 21 Oct 1838 at Lanwen, father David Davies labourer, mother Mary Davies formerly Davies.
Probably him on 1851 census Llansawel
- John Davies ag serv 12 [ Llansawel ] at Rhyglin, with David Davies 39, farmer 120a, [Llansawel], Anne 30 [Carms St Peters], James 8, John 5, Anne 3 [all Llansawel]
[this is the Foesgotta Davies family and Rhyglin not far from Lanwen]Probable sighting for him in Aberdare, Gla in 1881
- 6 Corner House St. Aberdare, Glamorgan ; John Davies, M 43 , Llanawil [sic], Carmarthen, Head , Collier ; Mary Davies , M 38, Llwydcoed, Glamorgan ,Wife ; Jennett DAVIES 14, Llwydcoed, Glamorgan, Daur : Monitor.
And on 1891 census, not sure what his birth parish means but clearly same family as 1881
- Civil Parish: Aberdare; USD: Aberdare; Hamlet: Llydcoed; Ecc Parish: St Fagans Sched.71, 6 Corner House Street
DAVIES, John, Head, M, 53, Coal Miner, Employed, Carmarthenshire - Talyllydwan (hard to read - Could be Taly Clydwen), Welsh, Mary, Wife, M, 48, Glamorgan, Aberdare, Welsh , Jennet, Daur, S, 24, Milliner, Neither Employer nor employed, Glamorgan Aberdare, Both
Enock 1829
No trace of his baptism in either Llansawel or Cynwil Gaeo.
See above for confusion as to where he actually was on census night in 1841
- 1851 census, at Carregcegin [Manorfabon, Llfwr] with William Jones family; Enock Davies 21, um, f.s. [Llfwr]
Wrong birth parish but right age and near Pentre Parr, [see below] must be him.Interestingly, Esther James [brother William's wife to be] was at this same farm in 1841
When Enock's son William born in 1857 he was living at Pentre Lodge.
The birth cert shows Enoch as a Railway lab.His 1st marriage was to Anne Thomas in Llfwr in 1855, bachelor, labourer, full age, of Pentre Parr Lodge, father, David Davies, labourer.
She was also full age, of Pencae, father Matthew Thomas, cooper. Witnesses were William James and William Morgan.Anne was buried in Llandeilofawr on 7th January 1857, her son William was born on 4th January 1857, it appears she died in childbirth.
- 1861 census, at Pentre Lodge , Enoch 31, ag lab [Llansawel], wife MARY 27, laundress [LLfwr] son William 5.
Enock's second marriage was in 1860, shows him as a widower, aged 30 of Pentre Parr Lodge, a servant, father David Davies, labourer, he married Mary Jones age 26 of Danyrallt, father John Jones, tailor. Witnesses Thomas James & John Gwillim.
- 1871 census Manorfabon sub district, house name not recorded by me [entry 54 ] but probably Pentre Parr, Enock Davies 42, ag lab, [Llansawel] MARGARET 40, David 9, John 8, Thomas 4, Jane 1.[all rest Llfwr]
Wife now a Margaret, he was therefore married 3 times.
- 1881 census at Pentre Parr Lodge, LLfwr, Enoch 52, ag lab [LLfwr], Margret 50[ LLfwr], Henery, son, 9 [LLfwr], Jane 11[LLfwr]
- 1891 census at Red Gate Terrace,CWMGORS, with David Davies [age 29 and probably the son born LlFwr],age 62, labourer, presumably widowed again, a lodger, born Llansawel.
Pentre Parr Lodge is near Maesyquarre and Ysguborwen [Lewin Hickses ] on census, on map east of Llandeilo on Bethlehem road, turn off to Gwynfe.
Enock's children
- With first wife Anne;
William, their only child, born 1857.
Most of the information that follows came from Myra Madge, William's granddaughter.
William was a crudd in Cwmgors [opposite old Rock Shop] as far back as Myra remembers, [she was born 1919].
He lived at 24 Gors St, died c 1928 whilst with Myra at 42 Gors St.
Ann,his wife, died in 1914.
Myra recalls a Mrs Parsons from Llangadock as his housekeeper, probably from 1914 when Rees, her father, got married.
William buried at Hen Garmel, died June 1928.Shown on 1st cousin John Davies's [Tirbach] estate [ see separate page] in 1922 as owed £10/11/-, described as William Davies Boot & Shoe maker.
Marriage in 1880 at Tabernacle, Llfwr, age 24, shoemaker, living at Pentre Parr, father Enoch, to Anne Lloyd, 27. Witnesses Enoch Davies and John Thomas.
- 1881 census at; Towy Terrace, Llandilo Fawr, William DAVIES M 24 Llandilofawr, Head Shoemaker Anne DAVIES M 27 Llanycrwys, Wife.
His uncle David Davies and cousin Eleanor Thomas also in Llandilo town, David even in Towy Terrace too.
- The 1891census shows William at Waun [GCG] Post Office, age 32, married but no wife with him, a boarder with Jenton Mark, shoemaker.
- Also 1891 census at Towy Terrace, Llandeilo, Anne Davies 34 [Llanycrwys?], David 6, William 4, John H 3 and Rees 1.
1901 census in Cwmgors
- Davies, William, 44, boot and shoemaker, Llandilo
Ann, wife, 50, Llancrwys
David Ll, 17, son, shoe and boot maker, CMN, Llandilo
William E, son, 15, do
John H, son, 13, CMN Llandilo
Rhys T, son, 11, CMN Llandilo
Mary Rees, ma in law, w, 79, CMN CayoI don't understand the last name since he married Ann Lloyd. but maybe the ma in law had remarried?
The next entry on the census was Thomas Howells, tailor/draper, so looks like they already lived in the house next door and opposite the Rock Shop.
No sign of children Gwen and Enoch (below) which makes me wonder about accuracy of the data.
We have photographs of William/Anne, and also their sons together.
Children of William/Anne;
- David Lloyd;
Born 1883, married to Agnes Morgan. Lived at 31 Church St Cwmgors.
Their daughter Annie Zena, still living at 31 Church St Cwmgors [in 1990s], married David Lewis and they had a dau Margaret
- William;
Born 1887, buried with parents at Hen Garmel, died in 1920 age 35.
- John Henry [1887-1971];
Born in Llandeilo, he became Principal of Pontardawe Mining and Tech Institute in 1933 and for the 22 years prior, a Glamorgan County mining lecturer.
Qualifications; Min.Dip., M.E., FGS, MRST. Also a JP.Wrote the book " History of Pontardawe and District" in 1967 which I have taken extracts from as the basis of a general social commentary to accompany the Davies Family History. He was awarded the H Worth prize in 1963 by the Geological Society London for his work on " the integration of coal measures"
He married in 1919 to Leonora Jones [1888-1976], they had no children. My Mam referred to her as 'Nora Crown', her family had the pub in Park St, Brynamman of that name. She was an MBE and a JP too.
On the 1925 funeral report for Elizabeth Davies (Tirbach) under Nephews is Mr John Henry Davies, M.E., Ystalyfera; his father William was Elizabeth's first cousin.
See his biography on the Cwmgors a'r Waun site
- Rees Thomas;
Born 1889, died 1963, buried Hen Garmel.
Married Margaret Elizabeth Evans in 1914, they had daughter 1). Annie Myra [1919] who married Merlyn Madge and they had a son Roger.
Also a son 2).Raymond, born 1924, died 1990, who married Audrey Lewis, they had a dau Julie Annette
Rees was known as Rhys because there two other Rees Davies s in Cwmgors Colliery, including my uncle Rees Tirbach.
He was originally a fireman at the colliery, became the first Dust Suppression officer when new cutting machines brought in, in the 1940 s
Myra remembers him completing his weekly reports in late 40s.
- Gwen;
No details known of her at all, name from Myra.
(but not seen on 1891/1901 censuses)
- Enoch;
He was in the Cavalry in the 1914/18 Great War, was gassed , and died in 1921 in Cwmgors. Unmarried.
(but not seen on 1891/1901 censuses)
..........................End of William's children ...............
......................... End of Enock's children by first wife Anne................................
Enock's children, continued
- With wives Mary and Margaret
I haven't investigated which wife was the mother of the 1871 census children, or looked for Mary's death entry. Possibly David and John were Mary's and Thomas and Jane were Margaret's, certainly Henery on the 1881 census would have been Margaret's.
David
Born c1862
Probably him on 1891 census at ;
- Red Gate Terrace, Cwmgors, age 29 [dob 1862] born LLfwr,coal officer, wife Jane age 30, born Llfwr, and father Enoch, a lodger age 62, born Llansawel, widowed ?
John
Born c 1863
Possibly him aged 18 as a servant on 1881 census at ;
- Crossnant, Llandilo Fawr John Davies U 14 M Llandilofawr, Son (Head) Farmers Son , Anne Davies U 11 F Llandilofawr, Daur Scholar,
John Davies U 18 M Llandilofawr, Servant Farm Servant IndoorThomas
Born c 1867
Possibly him on 1881 census at ;
- Twycastell, Llandilo Fawr with David/Jane Morris family.
Thomas DAVIES U 15 Llandilo, Serv Farm ServantJane
Born c 1870
Myra thinks she was born at Ffairfach - she lived at 17 Gors St, married Dafydd Jones from Treorchy, she died c 1955 age 85 [which agrees with this Jane's dob. Dafydd died same year].
Also, Myra thought that William Davies y Crudd, her Tadcu, referred to Aunt Jane as his half sister which makes sense as they had different mothers.Shown on Elizabeth Davies (Tirbach)'s funeral report in 1925 - Mr & Mrs Dd Jones, Cwmgorse;
Henery
Born c 1872, unseen after 1881.
......................................End of Enock's children...................................
William Davies Tirbach 1826/7
As stated in the Introduction I have not been able to find his baptism although, for the reasons given there, have concluded that his parents were David and Mary Davies who in 1841 were living at Lanwen in Llansawel parish. He was then aged 15, working at Blaenyresker farm , near to Lanwen, in Llansawel.
In 1851 he was working at Glanbrynan farm, Llangadock for Thomas and Mary Jones.
He, William, was a dry labourer, shown as born in the parish of Cayo which is a potentially confusing fact ! He says Llansawel everywhere else though.He married Esther James on 28 Nov 1851 at Bethlehem Chapel, Llangadock [district of Llandovery] his address is Glanbrinan , Llangadog and hers Llwyn y van[? must be wrong, see above]. His age shown as 25, hers 27, both 'made a mark'. His father 'David Davies...farmer' , hers ' David James...farmer'.. Witnesses,William Thomas and William Jones. The officiating minister was David Jones, the attendant registrar was David Evans.
They lived at Tirbach from 1852 onwards as evidenced by the note in Anne John's bible and the birth of the first child there.
Census entries
- The 1861 census return pages for Trecastell enumerator's district are missing .
- 1871 census Tirbach, Trecastell, LlandeiloFawr,17 acres; William Davies 45, Esther 47, children John 12, William 10 , Elizabeth 8, James 6 , Henry 4. [William shows Llansawel as birth place, all the rest Ll.Fawr.]
- 1881 census Penywaun, Bettws, William 54, [Llansawel] colliery lab., Esther 55, [Llangadock] ESTHER JONES 9, A dau [adopted] (Llangadock) and WILLIAM EDWARD 1, g/son [Llangathen] [son of dau Mary Anne].
He was probably working at the nearby Coder mine then.
- 1891 census shows this William, a widower, age 65, labourer living with son John and family at Llwynrhidiau, Cwmgors.
This must have been one of the three houses that became known locally as Tirbach terrace.
- 1901 census shows William Davies at The Factory, Caegurwen, with Daniel/Elizabeth Davies (dau), aged 75, wid, living on own means, (CMN Llandilo), spoke Welsh
Both William, who died on 29 August 1901, (see his obituary from the 'Llais') and Esther, who died on 17 June 1889, are buried at Tabernacle chapel, Ffairfach, Llandeilo.
On the headstone it says;
"Er cof am ESTHER Gwraig WILLIAM DAVIES Llwynrhydiau Terr Cwmgors yr hon a fu farw Meheffin 17 1889 un 63 mlwydd oed.
Hefyd am dywededig WILLIAM DAVIES yr hwn a fu farw Awst 29 1901 yn 78 mlwydd oed.
MI A YMDRECHAIS YMDRECH DEG, MI A DREFNAIS FY NGYRFA, MI A CEDWAIS Y FFYDD."As I speculated in the Introduction , Esther must have had strong sentiments for being buried back near Tirbach and perhaps it was because she was already there that her 4 grandchildren, with their father John Edwards, who all died so tragically in the White Hart fire of 1894, were buried next to her, or maybe it was where they themselves had worshipped.
One might wonder why Esther wasn't buried at Bethlehem chapel where she was married?
I also wonder whether her parents are buried at Ffairfach too? The chapel registers start in 1878.
This appears to have been a close knit family despite being geographically spread about Carmarthenshire and Glamorgan.
I have the following promissory notes which show that parents acting as bankers to their offspring isn't simply a C20 phenomenon.
- 1. Dated 22 Nov 1896, son Henry borrowed £60 from his father, William Davies, of the Factory, Gwauncaregurwen.[witness Mary Edwards [William's daughter]]
- 2. Dated 26 Nov 1896, Daniel Davies [husband of William's dau Elizabeth] borrowed £15 from his father in law William Davies, of the Factory, GCG. [witness John Davies].
As shown below, these family loans were mentioned in William's will dated 1898 too.
These details also suggest that in 1896 at least William was living with dau Elizabeth and Daniel at the Woollen Factory, Pwllywrach ,GCG.
His will also implies GCG, not Cwmgors, as does " late Tirbach ".
Last WILL and Testament of Mr William Davies [Late Tirbach] Gwauncaegurwen.
"I William Davies, Labourer, of Gwauncaegurwen, County of Glamorgan, [late Tirbach] declare this to be my last Will and Testament, do give and bequeath to be equally divided between my beloved children Mary Edwards, David Davies, John Davies, William Davies, Elizabeth Davies, James Davies and Henry Davies; all my personal and real estate which I possess, or be possessed, or entitled to at the time of my decease , after paying my adopted daughter Esther Jones the sum of five pounds lawful money of Great Britain. The present value of my estate being Sixty Pounds due to me from my son Henry Davies, and Fifteen Pounds due also to me from my son in law Daniel Davies. I appoint my sons John and Henry Davies sole executors of this my last will, and I hereby revoke all former and other wills, codicils, and testamentary dispositions whatsoever made by me at any time. In Witness whereof I hereunder set my hand this Twenty ? day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety eight."
William + Davies .
Mark witnessed by Dd. Morgan and Daniel Morgan.
See separate page for children of William and Esther Davies
Esther James
Have not found her baptism on parish registers in either Llangadog parish, which she shows as her birth parish on the 1851 and 1881 censuses, or in Llandeilfawr as shown on the 1871 census. It is likely therefore that she was baptised in a local non conformist chapel, she was married in Bethlehem chapel after all.
One problem which adds to the confusion about her birth parish is that the places Esther was at in 1841/51 are either side of the nearby Llandeilofawr/Llangadog parish boundary .
She was born c 1824/5 according to the census/marriage information, her father was a David James, a farmer.
On the 1841 census it is likely her at
- Treglai, Llandeilofawr, Esther James 15 fs [y] with Thomas James 50 farmer, Mary 50,James 20, and Eliz Jones 13 serv[all y].
The map shows a Treclai, despite being in Llandeilofawr parish, under 1 mile away from Llwynyryn, in Llangadog parish, see below.
Also, next door property is Carregcegin [where William's brother Enock was in 1851]
The 1851 census shows Esther in Llangadog parish at
- Llwynyr[? ynn, [next census entry to Glanbrynan where William lived, place called Llwynyryn nearby on map] , age 26, a housemaid, [born Llangadog].
Head was James James [same one as in 1841 Treclai ?] um 30 farmer 64 acres[Llandilo], also another James James 64,mar,serv, ag lab [Llangadog], and Eliz. Jones 13 serv .It would be reasonable to assume that Esther was somehow related to the James families at the above two farms. That would presumably have facilitated her movements between parishes [viz Poor Law settlement]. The question is how and to whom was she related? See David James page below for an analysis.
Married at Bethlehem Independent Chapel, Llangadog 28.11.1851, she shows age 27, her address shown on cert as Llwyn y van [ which is presumably a mistake , see above] father David James, farmer.
Llwynyryn is quite near to Bethlehem chapel.
There is a photograph of Bethlehem chapel in the Bert Rawlins book " The Parish Churches and Nonconformist Chapels of Wales".
- The entry says that preaching began in homes for several years before the chapel was built.
- Chapels built; 1800; 1834; 1872
- Location; Dyffryn Ceidrych hamlet.
- Branch of; most of the first members came from Jerusalem, Llangadog, but was a branch of the Sardis, Myddfai from 1800-1838, then had ministers of its own.
- Periods of growth; ministry of D Davies, Sardis, 1800-38.
- Records available; See Sardis, Myddfai [but latter entry shows no extant records]
See separate page for David James
David James
His name taken from daughter Esther's marriage in 1851, he was a farmer.
As we have been unable to find dau Esther's baptism we have not been able to work out which of the several David Jameses in Llangadog or Llandeilofawr is the right one.
As already stated Esther's birth parish varies on censuses between the two.
The solution to the problem may well come from the research carried out in an abortive , and now probably disproved, attempt to link the 1841 Tirbach Anne Davies to the Anne John of the bible.
To reiterate, Anne Davies [of 1841 Tirbach with William James family] died in 1842 at Pontgwladys. She was aged 79 which makes her born in 1763. Cert says she was the daughter of a James Davies, farmer.
The informant was a John James of Treiorwg which is quite near to Pontgwladys [Ffairfach] .
Now the following census entries;
- 1841 Llandeilofawr, hamlet of Tregib. Treiddiwrwg; David James 8 ?? [definitely says 8 but presumably should say 80] farmer [y], Isaac 40, Margaret 30, David 15 [1826], Mary 20, John 35 mason.
On modern map there is a Treiorwg next to a Llwynbedw and both only about a mile from Tirbach.
- 1851 census Llandeilofawr, Tri yr wrwg, David James 90 [1761], farmer 130 a, Isaac son 50, Margaret dau 45, Evan son 40 mason and Mary James 23 serv.[ all Llfwr].
- 1841 census Llfwr, Pontladis , David James 50 ag lab, Jane 45 [all y ].
The only possible marriage for a David/Jane on the Carmarthenshire Marriage Index in period 1805+ is in 1807, a David James married Jane Edward in Llangain which is a fair treck from Llfwr
- 1851 census Llfwr. Pontladis, Jane James wid 61 washerwoman [Llandebie], John 48, lodger, mason [Llfwr]
On the Llandeilofawr register is a baptism in March 1761 for a David son of James David and Ann of Treirwg.
Analysis
I am 99% convinced that the above David (son of James David) baptised in 1761 is the same David James shown at Treiorwg in 1841/51 with a patronymic name change (i.e David ap James).
I am also almost sure that the Tirbach Anne Davies, born c 1763, was this David's sister, her father said to be James Davies on her death cert. She was apparently unmarried.
The John James, informant of her death, is surely the same one at Treiorwg in 1841 and at Pontladis in 1851.
The "big" question remains, which David is our Esther's father?
Is he the David James at Pontladis in 1841?
I think he must be, the only other real option is one in Llangadog in 1841 [married to Ruth and his father David James died in 1812] who certainly has no known links to the Triorwg James clan.
Is the Pontladis David the son of the Triorwg David?
I can find no baptisms in the Llandeilofawr register for any of the following;
- David James[c 1791] at Pontladis in 1841.
- Thomas James [c 1791] at Treclai where Esther was in 1841.
- William James [1791 Llfwr] at Tirbach in 1841/51.
- James James [c 1791] also at Tirbach 1841.
- John James [c 1796] at Penybank in 1841 with a dau Esther.
I wonder if they are all sons of the Triorwg David James?
That would explain why Esther was at Treclai and Llwynyryn in 1841/51
That would explain why Anne Davies was with William at Tirbach in 1841
The only pre 1791 local parish marriage I have found for a David James is in 1783, he would have been age 22, to Ruth David in Llangadog, but this more likely to be for a David James of Llangadog who died in 1812, we have his will
Reverting to the patronymic Davies/David, there are no likely David David marriages in the locality but there are the following David Davies entries which are date possible;
- 1784 in Llandybie, David Davies of Llfwr to Mary Rees.
- 1786 in Llangadock, David Davies to Jane Jones.
- 1790 in Llangadock David Davies to Jane Williams
I think the next priority is to find the will of David James age 90 in Ll/Fawr in 1851, but no sign on the Carmarthenshire will index up to 1857.
No burial seen for him in the Llandeilofawr register post 1851 either.
The children of William and Esther Davies
Mary
Our first sighting of Mary isn't until the 1881 census below, on this is based her birth year of 1853, she was born at Tirbach;
- 1881 census Park Y Llwyn Llangathen; John Edwards M 24 , Llandilo, : Head : Gardener Domestic; Mary Edwards M 28 , Llandilo, Wife, : Gardener Wife ; Thomas Edwards 2, Llangathen, Son ; Mary A. Edwards 1 mnth, Llangathen, Daur
- 1881 census, other son William was with his Davies grandparents at Penywaun, age 1, he was born in Llangathen .
- 1891 census at White Hart , Llandeilo; John Edwards, age 34, wife Mary 38, Thomas 12, William11, Mary 10, Elizabeth 8, Rees 5, Joseph 3, Henry 3m and servant Margaret Evans.
They ran the White Hart in Llandeilo. There was a fire at the pub on 14 Sept 1894, tragically her husband John and 4 children died, they were William, Rees, Henry and Joseph
Mary and her 2 daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, survived the fire. It seems that her son Thomas also escaped, perhaps because he had stayed with his Edwards grand parents that night helping out on their farm called Llwynybedw, near Llandeilo.
The 4 boys and their father are all buried at Tabernacle chapel, Ffairfach, next to grandparents William /Esther. The grave is situated at right front in line with rear of chapel.
For a fuller description of the White Hart tragedy see White Hart
The inquest report in the Carmarthen Journal of 21 September is very detailed.
On 1901 census at White Hart (Tavern), Llandilo Urban, Llandilo
- EDWARDS, Mary Head Widow F 48 1853 Inn Keeper Llandilo
- EDWARDS, Mary A Daughter Single F 20 1881 School Mistress Assistant Llandilo
- EDWARDS, Elizabeth E Daughter Single F 18 1883 Llandilo
- EDWARDS, David Son Single M 14 1887 Ironmonger's Apprentice Llandilo
- DAVIES, Henry Brother Single M 34 1867 Coal Miner Llandilo
- REES, Sarah Servant Single F 21 1880 General Domestic Llanfymach Pembrokeshire
- WALTERS, William Lodger Single M 28 1873 Stone Mason Llandilo
There was another daughter of John/Mary Edwards, on the White Hart headstone is EDLINA ELEANOR Died 20th APR 1884 - 22 days old.
A baby is also mentioned in the inquest report as staying with friends that night.
Now learn (Jan 2006) from his direct descendant that the baby was called David John;
"My Grandfather was John Samuel Edwards, grandson of John Edwards landlord of the White Hart. His father was the youngest of the Edwards sons - David John - you refer to him in your research as being a nameless baby who was thought to have died in infancy. My Grandfather often spoke of the fire and that his father - (David John) was a small baby who was staying with a relative away from the pub that fateful night. He is buried alongside my grandfather in the cemetery here in Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent. Both David and his son John were local successful businessmen who owned ironmongery stores in the Gwent valleys. My Grandfather also had a sister Gwen ( Born I believe in 1907) and a brother Samuel who died at birth."One of the surviving daughters, Mary Anne, (see Picture Gallery) married a Rees Jones, I now hear from his niece Anne, her father being his younger brother, that their father was William Jones of Bridge St, Llandilo. Mary Anne and Rees married in 1914 at Llandrindod Wells, his father set him up in business as a corn/flour store and carter in Ammanford. Rees and Mary Anne went to live at the Bridgend Inn at Pontamman with Mary Edwards who was the licencee. Anne remembers visiting there as a child.
Kathleen Mary was their only child, born 1915. They eventually left the Inn and had a shop/off licence at Talbot Rd, Ammanford, Mary Edwards was still alive then.
Kathleen went to Cardiff University to study French, and in 1941, at Llandilo church, she married John Maldwyn Griffiths from Porth, Gla, on his embarkment leave.He died in action in Italy very soon after that.
When Mary Edwards died, Rees and Mary Anne went to New Malden, Surrey, to live with Kathleen. In 1945 Kathleen (see Picture Gallery) married an American GI [a Captain in Intelligence] friend from her student days in Paris, he was Edward Kilenyi. She went with him to live in New York, then Mary Anne and Rees went to Canada to join her sister [Elizabeth ?] at Victoria, British Columbia
After a few years Kathleen and Eddy moved to Tallahasse, [in 1953] Florida, Mary Anne and Rees joined them there.Rees died in 1961 aged 88, and Kathleen in 1986.
The niece says that her family never spoke of Tom Edwards, she had understood that ALL the boys had died in the fire, and that Mary Anne had TWO sisters, one in Victoria, BC and the other in Abertillery, Gwent.
Anne sent me cuttings of Eddy Kilenyi's obituary, he died in Jan 2000 age 89. He was an internationally known pianist renowned for his interpretations of the music of Franz Liszt, he made more than 100 recordings. His father was the Hungarian born composer Edward Kilenyi.
Gareth M wrote to Mary Anne Jones in Florida [she died in 1977 age 96], who gave a detailed account of the tragedy, her brother Thomas was not mentioned at all in her letter, presumably because he was not there that night.
Marys Edwards's son, Thomas, became a builder in GCG, went bankrupt in 1912 with a deficit of £3262 and ran off to British Columbia, left his wife behind, she was a school mistress.
See below under John Davies for the full story of the bankruptcy etc. Also see White HartJohn Edwards' parents and family are shown below;
- 1891 census at Llwynbedw,near Llandeilo, David Edwards 58,farmer,wife Mary 54,Rees 27,Margaret 25,Mary Ann 22,William 21,Jane 20 and grandson David 4.
John, born c 1859, see John Davies 1859
William
- Shown on 1871 census at Tirbach age 10, have birth cert, born 4 June 1861 at Tyrbach.
We have a promissory note dated 9 Aug 1910, John Davies (his brother) of Coffee Tavern, Cwmgors borrowed £250 from William Davies of Glanddu, Gwynfe, Llangadock
1901 census at Glanddu Farm, Llangadock.
- William Davies, 40, farmer, (CMN Llandilo). Spoke both
- Sarah, 45, (CMN Llangadock), both
- Elizabeth, dau, 19, gen servant (Gla Llanguig), both
- Jonathan, son, 14, (Gla Llangiwg), both
On the 1891 census it is a completely different family at Glanddu farm.
Their children;
Jonathan Davies and Lisa 'Tirford' Davies
As confirmed by the 1901 census entry, they were brother and sister, he [Jonathan] is said to have owned Glanddu Farm, Gwynfe, nr Trapp. He was married to Sarah Ann, had 3 daughters who were Eira, Leonora and Nancy.
Jonathan died around 1940 after which his widow Sarah and the girls went to live at the smaller of 2 cottages of Ynysybont (near Pontnewydd and Sbaen and Twrci on the A 4069 Road). Leonora was a pupil at Llandovery Secondary School to which she travelled by daily bus. She'd lost a leg as a pre-school youngster before Ysgol Gwynfe by a (horse drawn) mowing machine. It might be that Eira joined the WAAF.Sarah remarried after Jonathan's death, he is buried in a chapel at nearby Trapp.[GM]
Lisa lived at Tirford farm nr Llanyfelach, Swansea, unmarried?, family lore said she left everything to ' the gwas'!
Elizabeth
Shown with parents at Tirbach on 1871 census, age 8, born Tirbach c 1863.
Possible sighting for her, although wrong [but next door] birth parish shown, on 1881 census index, age 18 maid [born Llangadog] at Pandy, Llanddeusant with a David/Eliz Roderick couple.
More likely this ;
- 1881 census an 19 yr old Elizabeth a servant with John Jones at Goitre, Llandeilofawr.Right birth parish.
She married Daniel Davies c 1889. They owned the Woollen Factory at Pwllywrach,GCG.
On 1901 census at The Factory, Llanguick, Caegurwen
- DAVIES, Daniel Head Married M 39 1862 Woolen Factor & Spinner Llanegwad
- DAVIES, Elizabeth Wife Married F 37 1864 Llandilo
- DAVIES, Benjamin Son Single M 7 1894 Langnicke
- DAVIES, William Son Single M 5 1896 Langnicke
- DAVIES, Hetty M Daughter F 0 (3 MOS) 1901 Langnicke
- DAVIES, Mary E Daughter F 3 1898 Langnicke
- DAVIES, William Father-In-Law Widower M 75 1826 Living On Own Means Llandilo
- DAVIES, Sarah Servant Single F 16 1885 Glamorgan
- DAVIES, John Servant Married M 74 1827 Carmarthen
- DAVIES, Samuel Servant Married M 51 1850 Carmarthen
He died in 1903 and she in 1925. Elizabeth's photo on file - as is her funeral report from The Llais
Their children;
Benjamin
- unmarried.
William,
- Unmarried.
Elizabeth Mary
- Married Aaron Evans, had a son, Daniel . See her funeral report from the 'Llais' of 10th Feb 1945
Hettie Margaret
- Married John William Pedrick - two children, Elizabeth & William
James
- Aged 6 on 1871 census at Tirbach , so born there c 1865.
James' photograph on file.
The 1881 Carms census index has following entries
- 1. Llwynpoed, Llfwr [nr Old Red Lion] Thomas Davies, 55, farmer, 140a [Llfwr], Eliz 60 [Llansadwrn], James Davies 17, fs, um [Llfwr]
This place is also quite near Glynbrydan where his father was in 1851.
- 2. Kilwern, Llangathen, John Evans 56, farmer 67a [Llangathen], Sarah 49 [Llfwr], James Davies 16, fs [Llfwr]
On 1891 census
- Maesteg , at 9 Tonna Rd, James Davies 26, coalminer[Llandeilofawr], wife Louisa 23 [Llangynwyd], dau Edith Mary, ?? months [Llangynwyd].
Also on 1892 Electoral Rolls at 9 Tonna Rd, Maesteg
On 1901 census at 9 Tonna Rd. Maesteg
- James Davies, 36.
- Louisa, 35
- Edith Mary, 10 (Maesteg) (A Miss Edith Davies, Mr & Mrs Griff Roberts, Caerau is shown as a niece on the 1925 funeral report of Elizabeth (Dafydd's sister)
- Winifred Annie, 9 (Maesteg)
- Ethel May, 2 (Maesteg)
On 1911 census at 25 Dyffryn Road Caerau
- DAVIES, James Head Married M 46 1865 Colliery Labourer Belowground Llandilo Carm
- DAVIES, Louisa Wife Married F 42 1869 Llangynwd Parish
- DAVIES, Edith Mary Daughter Single F 20 1891 School Teacher Llangynwd Parish
- DAVIES, Winifred Ann Daughter Single F 18 1893 Llangynwd Parish
- DAVIES, Ethel May Daughter F 12 1899 School Llangynwd Parish
We know that James lived in Caerau [nr Maesteg ], had 3 daughters
Shown on the 1925 funeral report for his sister Elizabeth are Mr & Mrs James Davies, Caerau;
Reference the Caerau connection; from my mam's family mementoes I have a funeral remembrance card for a William Davies, husband of Rachel Davies, of 111 Caerau Rd ,Caerau, died 22.9.1916, aged 42 [1874], buried Llangain, Carms ....... but I can't see what the actual connection was
Also two Xmas card photographs of same little girls, written on reverse;
- From all at 10 Cymmer Rd,Caerau.....Gwen [or Ewan?] Hopkin.- To Mrs J Davies....Gweuddint Mary Catherine, 10 Cymmer Rd,Caerau.
These names do not tie up to the daughters of James, as we know them, perhaps g/daughters?
Their children;
Winifrid Ann
- Married Griffith, had son Cledwyn
Edith Mary
- married ?, had son Gareth
Ethel May
- married ?
Henry
- Aged 4 on 1871 census at Tirbach , so born c 1867.
He was not with his parents on the 1881 census in Bettws.
Shown under brothers in the 1925 funeral report for his sister Elizabeth are ;- Mr & Mrs Henry Davies, Pontardulais.
So he was in Pontardulais in 1925 anyway.Probable sighting on the 1881 indexed census for Carms, in Llannon parish
- Ystlysycoed, Thomas Thomas 22, farmer 100a [Llannon], Mary 22 [ Llanedi] and Henry Davies 15, farm boy [indoor], [Llandilo].
Probable sighting on 1891 census for Maesteg.
- 10, Metcalfe St, David Davies 30 coal miner, Margaret 28, Treherne son 1[all Maesteg] also Henry Davies lodger s 24 coalminer [Llandeilo,CMN]
On 1901 census with sister Mary at White Hart (Tavern), Llandilo Urban, Llandilo
- EDWARDS, Mary Head Widow F 48 1853 Inn Keeper Llandilo
- EDWARDS, Mary A Daughter Single F 20 1881 School Mistress Assistant Llandilo
- EDWARDS, Elizabeth E Daughter Single F 18 1883 Llandilo
- EDWARDS, David Son Single M 14 1887 Ironmonger's Apprentice Llandilo
- DAVIES, Henry Brother Single M 34 1867 Coal Miner Llandilo
- REES, Sarah Servant Single F 21 1880 General Domestic Llanfymach Pembrokeshire
- WALTERS, William Lodger Single M 28 1873 Stone Mason Llandilo
On 1911 census at Bank House Bridge St Pontardulais
- DAVIES, Henry Head Married M 44 1867 Livery Proprietor Landilo Carmarthenshire
- DAVIES, Lettice Wife Married 6 years F 45 1866 Assisting In The Business Landilo Carmarthenshire
- HOPKINS, Thomas Boarder Married M 40 1871 Tin Worker Rollerman Pontardulais Glamorganshire
- THOMAS, Harry Boarder Single M 24 1887 Shop Assistant Briton Ferry Glamorganshire
We believe Henry died c start of WW2 in the Pontardulais area
We have a promissory note dated 22 Nov 1896 for £60 borrowed by Henry Davies from his father William Davies, witness Mary Edwards [Henry's sister ].
On back is note "Interest paid up to this date Nov 26 1899 from his son Henry Davies sined Eliza Davis", presumably his sister as their father William was with her in GCG then.Also we have a formal letter dated 1912 from a Mr Williams of Llandeilo to a Mr Harris of Swansea, headed "re Henry Davies-re Maesteg property", refers to Henry selling a Maesteg property for £195 but the outstanding mortgage was £225, he paid off £160 and apparently gave the purchaser [a Mrs Edwards ??] a 2nd mortgage [over what isn't clear].
Dafydd
- Not with parents at Tirbach on 1871 census
Dafydd is mentioned in his father's will.
He is also shown as a brother under mourners on the 1925 funeral report for his sister Elizabeth - Mr & Mrs Dd Davies, Caerau.Searched 1881 Carms census index for him but as his age is uncertain it is a problem.
On the assumption that he was born between 1853 and 1859 [gap in known children] there are the following two entries which might be him but perhaps not.
He could already have crossed the county line into Glamorgan of course.
- 1.Towy Terrace, Llandeilo, David Davies 22 [ 1859] um carpenter [Llfwr] with Theophilus/Mary Davies.
- 2. Carmarthen Rd, Llandeilo, David Davies 22 ag lab, wife Ann 24 and Catherine 9m [all Llfwr]
He married, wife ?, had daughters Margaret and Esther, sons Llyn [committed suicide ?] and Phillip.
Here they are on the 1901 census at Jersey Rd, 141 (no place stated) - [Abergwynfi is near Caerau]
- David Davies, 40, coal mine hewer (Carm Llandilo)
- Anne, 39 (Carm Llandilo)
- John A, 18, coal mine hewer, (Maesteg)
- Mary, 15 (Maesteg)
- Elizabeth, 12, (Abergwynfi)
- William, 9, (Abergwynfi) (Mr William Davies, Maesteg is shown as a nephew on the 1925 funeral report of Elizabeth (Dafydd's sister)
- Phillip, 8, (Abergwynfi) (Mr P Davies, Caerau - is shown as a nephew on the 1925 funeral report of Elizabeth (Dafydd's sister)
- Esther, 5, (Abergwynfi)
- David Llwynfi, 2, (Abergwynfi) (Mr Llynfi Davies, Caerau is shown as a nephew on the 1925 funeral report of Elizabeth (Dafydd's sister)
And on the 1911 census at Rhywgwyndid Cottage Cymmer Road Caerau Bridgend
- DAVIES, David ; Head ;Married ;M 54 1857 Poultry Farmer CarmarthenshireLlandilo
- DAVIES, Ann ; Wife ; Married 29 years F 50 1861 Carmarthenshire Llandilo
- DAVIES, John Arthur Son Single M 28 1883 Coal Miner Hewer Below Glamorgan Abergwynfi
- DAVIES, William Son Single M 19 1892 Coal Miner Hewer Below Glamorgan Abergwynfi
- DAVIES, Phillip Son Single M 18 1893 Coal Miner Collier Assistant Below Glamorgan Abergwynfi
- DAVIES, Esther Daughter Single F 16 1895 Glamorgan Abergwynfi
- DAVIES, David Llynfi Son M 12 1899 School Glamorgan Abergwynfi
- DAVIES, Margret Daughter F 9 1902 School Glamorgan Abergwynfi
Their children;
Esther
- Married Ben Garnon, they lived in Maesteg and had two dau, Pearl and Prue, their Xmas card photo in file with " .... from Esther and Ben Garnon" address 4 Ferriers Row?, Maesteg on back.
There is a 15 yr old Benjamin Garnon on the 1901 census in Maesteg.
Shown as a nephew on the 1925 funeral report of Elizabeth (Dafydd's sister) is Mr Benjamin Garnon, MaestegMargaret
- Married Owen Humphreys, they had 2 sons Aldwyn and Gwynfor who were both founder members and previous musical directors of the Bridgend Male Choir
Shown as a niece on the 1925 funeral report of Elizabeth (Dafydd's sister) are Mr & Mrs Owen HumphreysElizabeth
- Probably known as Bess and married a Hamer - lived in London
Mary
- Married a Harris - lived in Treharne Road Caerau - (there are a Mr and Mrs David Harries from Caerau on the funeral report of Elizabeth, Dafydd's sister)
William
- William (Bill) lived in Maesteg
(Mr William Davies, Maesteg is shown as a nephew on the 1925 funeral report of Elizabeth, Dafydd's sister)Phillip
- Phillip - lived in Church Street Caerau
Esther [Jones]
Esther Jones was the adopted dau of William/Esther, mentioned as such in his will.
- She was with them on the 1881 census at Penywaun, Bettws aged 9, born Llangadock, named as Esther JONES and described as A/ dau .
She was a witness at the wedding of her sister Elizabeth.
She married a Samuel Jones. My mam says this Samuel Jones was an uncle of Llew Jones [Maggie Tirbach's first husband]
Lived in Hay on Wye before returning to GCG, had two daughters; Linda and Gertie.
On the funeral report of Elizabeth Davies (Factory) in 1925 is a nephew called David Sims, and on the 1945 funeral report for Bessie Evans (dau of Elizabeth) is a Mrs Linda Sims, a cousin. Is this the Linda dau of Esther Jones ?Shown on sister Elizabeth's 1925 funeral report under 'brothers and sisters' is ; - Mr & Mrs William S Jones, Landore. Could this be this Esther? If not who else ?
Who were her natural parents? What was the connection ? Why was she adopted ?
We have a copy of her probable birth entry;
- 11 Oct 1872, father David Jones, gen lab., mother Anne Jones, formerly Laurel, at Cefnbrynbrain , Quarterbach, Llangadock
None the wiser!
John Davies 1859
Have his birth cert, born 15 Oct 1859 at Tyrbach.
- 1871 census Tirbach with parents age 12 .
Believed that before marriage John was a manservant at Cwrt y Bariwns farm, on the Gwryd .
Not clear exactly when he became a colliery worker but certainly by 1881.
Married on 29 May 1880 at St Peter's Church, Llanguicke, John Davies 21, bachelor, father William Davies, farmer,
to Margaret Davies 24 , father John Davies, labourer.
Both residing at Cwm Gorse.
The witnesses were a David Davies and Mary Davies who were presumably the people at Glynceirch on 1881 census [ David Davies 54, woodman, Llfwr and Mary Davies, serv,um ,24, hsekeeper, Llansadwrn]Have now established that the likely link to Glynceirch is that David's wife Eliza was Margaret's aunt [another dau of William/'Elizabeth Davies of Parkside, Llansadwrn.]
In June 1880 it is assumed they lived briefly at Glynceirch, Llandeilo which was their son William's birthplace...this is on the road NE out of Llandeilo town towards Rhosmaen.
- On 1881 census at Pencaergarreg, Llangiwg [next entry to Bailyglas Isaf], John 22 colliery lab., [Llfwr], Margaret 25 [Llansadwrn], William 1 [Llfwr]
- On 1891 census at [Pt of] Llwynrhidiau, Cwmgors .... John Davies 31 coalminer, Margaret 35, wife, William 10, son, scholar, [all born Carms, Llandilo] David John Isaac [see Margaret's notes] 5, misc, scholar, Mary Lewis, 15, visitor, [both born Gla Llanguicke] , also William Davies 65, father, widower, labourer, [Carms, Llansawel] all Welsh speaking.
From papers held it is clear that the 1891 house was either 34 or 38 Gors St., Cwmgors.
1901 census in Cwmgorse.
- John Davies, 41, coal miner (CMN Llandilo), spoke English (!!?)
- Margaret Davies, 45, (CMN Llansadwrn), spoke E
- David J Isaac, 15, nephew, coal miner, (Llanguicke), spoke E
- David Morgan, boarder, wid, 57, coal miner (Mon Rhymny), spoke E
- William Davies, boarder, married, 25, coal miner (Bre Ystradgynlais), spoke E
There is a license dated 28 Dec 1915 between the Llwynrhidie estate [signed by Benjamin Evans] referring to the original lease dated 25 May 1888 and allowing John Davies of 34 Gors St to assign the lease of 38 Gors St. to his son William Davies
Also held is a receipt for £25 dated 5th Oct 1888, John Davies having paid "'the last enstalment for two houses on part of Llwynrhidia " to Morgan Walter.
Also a receipt dated 26 May 1888 for £4/4/- for ' cost of lease being Evans to Davies'.There are receipts for work done by Tom Edwards, his nephew, for John Davies of Coffee Tavern, Cwmgors in 1906/7 totalling £51/11/8, looks like the building of a house, presumably the third house of the three at Tirbach Terrace.
Have two large photographs of John/Margaret together
He was a deacon at Tabernacle, Cwmgors.
"John Davies Coffee Tavern" mentioned on page 76 in " Annibynwyr Gwaencaegurwen " by L Hughes in 1942, in context of Tabernacle as one of the 8 new diacons appointed in 1907.
Have John's wage slip for 5 weeks ending Dec 28 1889, number 795 issued by North's Navigation Collieries [1889] Limited.
Odd thing is, someone tells me that North Navigation didn't operate in Cwmgors, nearest point probably Maesteg which is an interesting thought, especially in view of the Maesteg/Caerau connnection through his brothers Henry and James.
He actually received £12/5/7 after deductions of Stores and Sharpening 10d, Coal 4/-, Rent £1/12/6, School fund and Doctor 5/-,
Cash advanced £7/10/-.
Total earned was £21/17/11, units [hours ?] worked totalled 138 with rate varying between 1/-3d and 4/-6d.In a tax return for 1915 he showed his mining wages as £70 pa against which someone has written ' satisfactory' in red!
He also shows income of £19pa from the two tenants of Woodlands, Colbren Rd [Williams and Rees Jones ? ], £10 from the adjoining yard, and £29 from the Cwmgors houses, tenants 34 Gors St self, 36 Gors St, E. Davies [surely not his uncle Enock who would have been 86 if still alive? Unless it was his widowed sister, Elizabeth?], and 38 Gors St, W'm Davies [son]].
There follows the story of John Davies's involvement with his nephew Tom Edwards, son of his sister Mary. This is included, not to disparage Tom Edwards in any way, but as a simple historical record of a significant event in the Tirbach family life.
Documents held;
- 1.Guarantee dated 9th April 1906 signed by John Davies and his sister Mary Edwards for £400 to Jones & Co ##,Bankers, Llandilo in respect of account of Tom Edwards.
- 2.Two writs served on 24th August 1909, on Tom Edwards for £920/10/5d, and Mary Edwards/John Davies for £401/16/-d, by solicitors acting for Jones & Co, Bankers, to be heard in the High Court, King's Bench Division, Carmarthen.
- 3.Two statements made by John Davies and son William Davies describing the circumstances surrounding the signing of the above £400 Guarantee and a meeting with the bankers representatives. These appear to be made in 1913 and were directly to do with a separate, but linked, case of Lloyds v William Jones.
## The bank David Jones & co, Llandovery [branch in Llandeilo] taken over by Lloyds in 1909, known as the Bank of the Black Ox and founded by the drover David Jones in 1756.
- 4.Receiving Order and final adjudication re Tom Edwards's bankruptcy in 1912. Assets £3, Liabilities £3265, Defecit £3262. Act of Bankruptcy based on his intent to " defeat and delay his creditors departed and remained out of England".
- 5.Promissory note for £250 dated 9th Aug 1910, John Davies borrowed from his brother William Davies of Glanddu Gwynfe. Also solicitors letter referring to the supporting security of the deeds of Woodlands, Colbren Rd. GCG.
The Story in brief
The bankruptcy;
Tom Edwards was a builder, had a yard in Colbren Rd, GCG. Contracted to build the Methodist Chapel,GCG, left uncompleted after dispute with trustees, sued each other, arbitration process abandoned after Tom ran off to British Columbia, and his bankruptcy in which trustees claimed £637. Also built the Police Station,GCG. Also 4 uncompleted dwelling houses in GCG, deeds held by bankers, only valued at £3 in assets. John Davies referred to as 'the landlord of his yard and workshop', John claimed £422 in the bankruptcy. Tom's wife claimed the furniture and household effects as partly given to her on marriage by friends and family, and bought from her own earnings as a school mistress, 'which duties she resumed when her husband absconded'.
John's involvement;
He and Mary signed the guarantee in Tom's favour, latter obviously under pressure from bank. John said that they had only intended to guarantee £100 each, and then only until monies due in from the County Council were received by the bank. John said the guarantee was signed 'in blank' , [not clear how this dispute was resolved], and that the prior receipt of the council money should have cancelled it anyway. However they did pay up the £400. Apparently John borrowed £250 from his brother William to do so. Also a quibble about the bank's denial they had other security,when they had an IOU for £40 from a W. Jones.
Letter to John from Official Receiver in May 1912 states ' the offer referred to is receiving attention'. I wonder if this was to buy one or more of the uncompleted houses and were these the two houses in Lower Colbren Rd which John did become the owner of, which seem separate from the adjoining builders yard, which was sublet to the Council in 1915 [lease held].
However, letter in 1910 refers to John's purchase of Woodlands from a D Rees.
In a Tax schedule in 1915 John lists two tenants in Woodlands, rent £10 and £9 pa, as well as the council's £10 pa for the yard. He paid ground rent of £2 pa for all 3 properties to 'Williams Vicar of Colbren'.
Have John's death cert, he died 31 Oct 1922 age 63, colliery underground repairer, at 34 Gors St, from pernicious anaemia, informant grandson Johnny Davies.
Headstone at Hen Garmel shows him of "Tirbach Cwmgors,GCG" says he was 63 at death on 31 Oct 1922.
"Profwch a gwelwch mor dda yw yr Arglwydd
Gwyn eifyd y gwr a ymddiriedd ynddo"
Schedule of the estate of the late Mr John Davies, No 34 Gorse Street, Cwmgorse, GCG,
coalminer who died on the 31st October 1922 aged 63 years in the parish of Llanguicke.
Assets
Two L/D houses as agreed with District Valuer
Portion of rent
Clothes
Furniture
Watch and chain
Total assets
£600
£1-13-0
£4
£35
£2
£642-13-0
Schedule of debts
William Davies Boot and shoe maker
Morgan Brothers, builder for repairs.
Benjamin Jones Mason Cwmgorse for repairs
Thomas Howells, Tailor Cwmgorse
W H Jones, Painter GCG
T Williams, grocer,Cwmgors
.......
........
Sub total
£10-11-0
£7-9-0
£14-5-4
£15-18-0
£13-11-0
£12-19-2
£2-8-9
£0-15-0
£77-17-3
Cash lent by William Davies, Gorse St Cwmgorse
Funeral expenses.
£60
£25
Total liabilities £162 17 3
My Comments
- 1.William Davies boot and shoemaker would have been John's 1st cousin [son of Enoch]
- 2.Benjamin Jones, mason, would have been brother to Sarah Jones, John's dau in law. The receipt shows this was for work on roofs, walls and chimneys at Cwmgors.
- 3.The William Davies owed £60 was presumably John's son.
- 4.The 2 L/D houses would have been the two Colbren Rd houses presumably as he had transferred the Cwmgors lease to son William in 1915.
- In fact the receipt for the £13/11/- owed to WH Jones was for work on 61/63 Colbren Rd as well as two houses at Cwmgors. He declared income from all four houses in 1915.
Margaret Davies
The wife of John Davies, she was referred to as Mamgu White by the younger members of the family to distinguish [by the colour of her hair ?] between the two mamgus, when both living at Tirbach terrace.
Have her birth cert., born 5 May 1854 at Velindre, Llansadwrn [nr Pwllyfan]
- On 1861 census with parents, John and Susanna Davies, at Joining House, Felindre Mill, age 8.
See separate pages for details of the Llansadwrn Davies family
- Possibly her on 1871 census at Cwmeilath, Llansadwrn, with Edwards family, general servant, age 19 [Llansadwrn].
Glen Davies says that before marriage she was a maid at Nantygasseg Farm Cwmgors, and of course her husband John was a servant on Cwrt y Bariwns farm not far off on the Gwryd.
She died the year before I was born but, judging by her photographs, she was a very severe lady, and looks quite the Victorian matriarch!
I have the impression that she liked " to rule the roost" at Tirbach terrace !She was a qualified midwife [have her 1905 certificate], she appeared not to start until she was aged 46 !
We have her delivery register showing the detail of the 475 babies [including the seven children from Will to Mick by own daughter in law, Sarah].
She delivered in the area between 1906, and 1927.
The names from the register are listed on Margaret DaviesI am advised that there was training of midwives which started formally in the late 1860s, before that it was 'on the job' training if that.
It was the 1902 Act that recognized the training and Licenced them, but it was still possible to obtain a licence if you could show 'experience', until registration of midwives started around 1924. The Boards of Guardians in different Unions throughout the land had different standards which didn`t alway require even a trained midwife to be employed for the needy as the Union doctor was generally responsible for their care. To keep the costs down for the Union it was often the case that the doctor would pay for the midwife or whoever he trusted out of his midwifery fee, usually about 10 shillings of which the midwife took half.The Register has now [ Nov 2000] been lodged with Swansea Archives
She also ran a 'Coffee Tavern' in the front parlour at 34 Gors St for some time, certainly c 1910.
And let the room to Lloyds Bank later on !
She also took in 'strays'...local orphans, usually older children.
And she put up visiting preachers to Tabernacle for the weekend.
My mam remembered being taken by Mamgu White as a child to visit relatives [ in Merthyr area?] Glen also tells a story of Mamgu White walking all the way to Maesteg, knitting a shawl on the way, and bringing back a baby in it to look after, he also thinks this baby may have been David John Isaac who was shown at Llywnrhidiau on 1891 census aged 5 , Mam also says Margaret brought him up. He was her sister Anne's son, see her notes.
Mam also thought Mamgu White was a Deacon at Tabernacle chapel, Cwmgors [Aneurin Hughes doubts this].
She is shown as "Chwaer hynaf yr Eglwys" in Tabernacle's 'Cyfarfod Cyhoeddus' in 1938.
Also gets a mention in the Tabernacle context on p72 of " Annibynwyr Gwaencaegurwen " by L Hughes in 1942Have a London and Lancashire Insce Co policy in her name dated 1938 covering 34 Gorse St for £500 and 36 Gorse St for £350, premium £0-12/-9d pa.
Mamgu White is buried in the family plot at Hen Garmel, the headstone inscription mistakenly says she died on 28 Sept 1939 aged 85.
"Ar hyn a allodd hon, hi ai gwnaeth "It would appear from the letters of condolences held that she had certainly died by Saturday 23rd September, in fact the doctor's Notice to Informant date could be taken as the 22nd or 28th The death cert not held.
- Also there is a receipt from a J W Davies for £1/5/-for opening the grave, date the 22nd!!
- Receipt for £11 for the oak coffin, refers to 23rd presumably when instructed!
To cap it all, have a letter from D R James, solicitors to Daniel Jones, one of Margaret's executors, in 1963, querying whether death date of 28th Sept was correct, matter had come up re sale of house frontages for road widening.
Will of Margaret Davies.
"This is the last WILL and Testament of me Margaret Davies of 34 Gorse Street Cwmgorse GCG in the county of Glamorgan widow.
I hereby appoint Daniel Jones of Gorse Street Cwmgorse GCG colliery examiner and my grandchildren Johnny Davies of Cwmnanthopkin Farm aforesaid and Rees Davies of Glannant Gelligron Rhydyfro to be the Executors and trustees of this my Will.
I give and bequeath all my estate and effects whether real or personal unto the children of my deceased son William in equal shares absolutely."Margaret [her + mark] Davies
Dated 26th March 1934.
Witnesses to the mark of Margaret Davies...... Rachel Doris Davies of 34 Gorse St and David Morgan of Brynheulog,GCG.###############################################
My comments
1. Interesting that she only made her mark since the midwife's register held is assumed to have been written out by her personally, a possible explanation is that she was too frail at age 80 to write her signature.
2.Also have with the will a separate undated and unsigned or named scrap of paper assumed to refer to Margaret's wishes, stating which grandchild should have various pictures, china and furniture. Also assumed this written as dictated by her "on her death bed ".
Timothy David
Shown as John Davies's father on latter's marriage cert in 1840. Timothy was a smith.
John then living at Green Meadow, Llansadwrn. This John is the father of Margaret Davies [Mamgu White].
- At Green Meadow on the 1841 census is a Lewis family, so John was only a servant there when he married .
On the IGI, the only possible entry in period that looks like John's baptism entry is in Cynwil Gaeo on 28 May1819; John David son of Timothy David and Jane [name of John's dau too]
Have searched Cynwil Gaeo register for the children's baptisms, from 1813 onwards only as many prior pages illegible, there will be others as married in 1800.
- 1. Joseph and William, twins, Timothy/Jane David, smith, Penymine 1814.
- 2. Thomas, Timothy/Jane David, smith, Penmine, 1817
- 3. John, Timothy/Jane David, Penmine, smith, 1819
- 4. Jacob, Timothy/Jane David, Penmine, smith,1822
1891 census at 13, Canal Row, Abercanaid, Merthyr. Jacob Davies, 67yrs, gardner, Catherine, wife, 71yrs and Timothy, nephew, 31yrs, coalmine timberman.
The nephew Timothy was the son of Jacob's brother John Davies- 5. Isaac AND John, Timothy/Jane David,Penymine, smith, 1825
I am confused by the apparent "double baptism" for our John, surely the 1819 one didn't die !
Perhaps baptised twice ? His census age varies between 1819/21.They were married in 1800 in Conwil Caio, Timothy DAVID, Blacksmith to Jane JAMES .
The following IGI entry looks likely for his baptism, Llansadwrn and Cayo are adjacent parishes;
- Llansadwrn; Timothy David 1778, father David William.
On the Llansadrwn register the entry, dated 30 Jan 1778, is only just legible, seems to say "Timothy David William".
The Cayo register is largely illegible c 1780.
Found burial entry in 1834 in Cayo, Timothy David, smith,age 57, Penmine.
This ties in the above children's baptisms and provides his approx birth year of 1777.
On the 1841 census for Cynwil Caio there is only one likely entry for a widowed Jane;
- At Evalfach, Thomas Davies 49, schoolmaster[y], Jane 60, Thomas 10, Anne 9 [all y].
Is this our widowed Jane? Age Ok if she was married c age 20=1780 birth.
The 1841 children probably not hers given her age, who was Thomas age 49 ?
But on the 1851 census there are two Efelfachs [one Erefelfach], at one of them is a David Davies and wife Jane age 77, is she the one there in 1841?
John Davies, Llansadwrn, 1819/21
John Davies is the father of Margaret Davies [Mamgu White].
Probable baptism entry on 28 May 1819 at Penymine, Cynwil Gaeo , John David son of Timothy and Jane David .
Another baptism also seen in 1825, same parents etc , in Cynwil Gaeo, confusing.
Married on 22 Aug 1840 at Llansadwrn church , John Davies, full age, labourer, of Green Meadow, father Timothy Davies, smith, to Susanna Davies, full age, of Parkside, Llansadrwn, father William Davies, farmer, witnesses William and David Price.
Census entries;
- 1841 census at Pantyglyn, [near Pantagawrmill] Llansadwrn, John 20, ag lab, Susannah 19 and William 6 mnths
- 1851 census at Felindre, Llansadwrn. Davies, John 32, labourer, [Cayo] wife Susannah 28 [Llansadwrn], Jane, dau 5, John son 2, Eliza dau 1 [all Llansadwrn]
- 1861 census at Joining house, Felindre Mill, Llansadwrn, John 40, road lab, [Cayo], Susannah 38, Eliza 11, Margaret 8, Timothy 3, Mary 5 [all Llansadwrn]
- 1871 census at Pantygawrmil, Llansadwrn, John 50, lab, [Cayo], Susanah 48, Anne 9, Elinor 6, Sarah 3 [all Llansadwrn]
- 1881 census at Pantygawrmil, John 62, road lab [Cayo], Susanah 58.
- 1891 census at Pantygawrmil, John 71, parish road lab [Cayo] Susan 68 and g/dau Sarah 9 [Llansadwrn].
- 1901 census Penrhiw No 3 Llansadwrn. Susan, widow, 79yrs, living on own means (presume this is where she died in 1913)
Who were the 1891 g'dau Sarah's parents?
- 1891 census - Gellydeg Farm, Llansadwrn. Sarah Davies , servant 23yr
John Davies died on 25 March 1897, aged 78, Susannah on 17 March 1913 age 92.
Gravestone seen in Llansadwrn church cemetery.
Susannah Davies
She was born c 1821 in Llansadwrn parish.
She married John Davies in 1840, she was then living at Parkside, Llansadwrn; her parents were William, a farmer, and Elizabeth Davies.
The following census entries relate to her parents, William & Elizabeth Davies of Parkside
- 1841 census, Parkside, Llansadwrn, William Davies 45 farmer, Elizabeth 40, Mary 20, James 12, Francis 10, John 8 Thomas 6.
- At Parkside on 1851 census was a Williams family.
- 1851 census at Penwayn, Llansadwrn, Elizabeth Davies, mar [doesn't say widowed*] 55, farmer 75 acres [Carms Abergwili] James s 22 [Llansadwrn], Thomas s 15 [Llansadwrn] also Mary Thomas 11 niece and William 10 g/son [both Llansadwrn].
(*I now gather that husband William died in 1842 despite Elizabeth's apparent married status in 1851.)Here are the baptism and other details as now known of William/Elizabeth's children;
- Anne Davies born 5.Jun 1820, Llansadwrn; married William Thomas, Shoe maker in 1842, lived in Llansadwrn Village until 1858 when they moved to Vaynor Merthyr as it is now, but Brecon then. They had 13 Children. In 1841 she is a servant and not living at home.
Looks like the niece Mary Thomas in 1851 was this Anne's dau.- Susannah Davies 6 March 1821 Llansadwrn - see above
The g/son William in 1851 is clearly the first child of dau Susannah/John Davies who was born c 1840 and was not with his parents in 1851.- Margaret Davies 3rd May 1824. Mary on the 1841 census is possibly this Margaret or vice versa
- Elizabeth Davies 28 June 1826 (*see also below)
- James Davies 10 August 1829
- Francis Davies 8 November 1830
- John Davies 2nd March 1832
- Thomas Davies 17th October 1835
*Margaret's (Susanna's dau) son William was born at Glynceirch, Llandeilo and a David Davies of Glynceirch was the informant on the birth cert. In view of christian name and parish of wife Eliza's birth the connection seemed likely to be that this Eliza was Margaret's mother Susanna's sister Elizabeth.
At Glynceirch, on 1871 census are;
- David Davies 45, lab [1826 Llfwr], wife Eliza 44 [1827 Llansadwrn], son David 10 [Llfwr] dau Eliza 2 [ Llfwr]
The children of John and Susannah
William
- Born c 1840, on 1841 census, age 6 months.
- On 1851 census at Penwayn, Llansadwrn with maternal G/mother Elizabeth Davies - age 10 [Llansadwrn]
- 1871 census Glanrhyd Isaf. William, 30, lab, Eliza, 31, Morgan, son, 8, Elizabeth, dau, 6, Letita, dau, 3, Evan, son, 1
- 1881 census - Tir Shinkyn, Llansadwrn,
William DAVIES 41 M Llansadwrn, Drainer & Farm Lab (Ag Lab); Eliza DAVIES 46 Llanybyther, Drainer & Farm Lab Wife; Elizabeth DAVIES M [?] 16 F Llansadwrn, Daur Domestic Servant (Unemployed); Evan DAVIES 11 Llansadwrn, Son Scholar; Phillip DAVIES 8 Llansadwrn, Son Scholar; Margaret Anne DAVIES 5 Llansadwrn, Daur Scholar
- 1891 census - CwmBran Fach, Llansadwrn. William, 50, gardner Eliza, 35, Letita, dau, 23, Margaret. A. dau, 15,.
The son Philip, born 1872 , died on 23/11/1899, aged 27yrs, Battalion Grenadier died in Belmont, South Africa.
Buried with parents in Llansadwrn Church.
Jane
- Born c 1846, on 1851 census, age 5,[Llansadwrn]. Not there on 1861 census.
John
- Born c 1849, on 1851 census, age 2, [Llansadwrn].
- Not there on 1861 census.
On 1881 census index, at Penrallt, Llandeilofawr [next to Old Red Lion, near Cwmifor.
- John Davies 34, ag lab, [Llansadwrn], Mary 36 [Talley], David 9, Ann 6, Susannah 3 Kate 12 m, Sarah, niece, 4m [all Llfwr].
In 1891 at Penrallt
- John Davies (42) head b 1849 Llansadwrn, General Lab; Mary Davies (47) wife b 1844 Talley; Anne Davies (16) dau b 1875 Llandilofawr (now called Anne); Susannah Davies (13) dau b 1878 Llandilofawr; John Davies (10) son b 1885 Llandilofawr
In 1901 at Penrallt
- John Davies (53) head b 1848 Llansadwrn Farm Lab; Mary Davies (58) wife b 1843 Talley; Susannah Davies (24) dau b 1877 Llandilofawr (dressmaker); Elizabeth Davies (6) grand dau b 1895 Llandiolofawr; Anne Jones (1) granddau b 1900 Bettws
See under John Hicks 1788, then Rees/Jonathan, for dialogue re this John Davies's daughter Susannah's marriage to a John Higgs
Elisa
- Born c 1850, on 1851 census age 1 [Llansadwrn].
- On 1861 census ,age 11.
Aneurin Hughes says that Lisa and his mother Sarah were very friendly and visited often.
Seems Lisa lived in a house in Llandeilo town , she was " a good cook and during the weekly market in Llandeilo the farmers would flock to her for their dinners and tea".Unfortunately we have no knowledge of her married name.
Margaret,
Born 1854, see notes on husband's page.
Mary
- Born c 1856, on 1861 census, age 5 [Llansadwrn]. Not there in 1871.
- Probably her on the 1881 census at Glynceirch, serv, um, age 24 [Llansadwrn], head is David Davies, widower, 54, woodman.
William Davies, the son of John/Margaret [Mamgu White] was born there in 1880.
Also probably her as a witness, with the same David Davies, at Margaret's wedding in Cwmgors in 1880.
Have now established that the link to Glynceirch is that David's wife Eliza was probably Margaret's aunt [Eliza was another dau of William/Elizabeth Davies of Parkside, Llansadwrn.] so David would have been Mary's great uncle by marriage, I think
Timothy
- Born c 1858 - on 1861 census , age 3 [Llansadwrn].
- 1871 aged 14yrs at Brownhill Farm, Llansadwrn, a servant.
- 1891 at 13, Canal Row, Abercanaid, Merthyr with his father's brother; Jacob Davies, 67yrs, gardner, Catherine, wife, 71yrs and Timothy, nephew, 31yrs, coalmine timberman,
On the 23rd of Feb, 1892 he married Mary Williams (b, Caio, in about 1865.) at Merthyr Tydfil Registry Office.
They lived at 36, Gethin Street, Abercanaid where on 21st of January 1894 their daughter Elizabeth was born.
In approx 1896, their second daughter Gwenllian was born.
In 1915 they moved to 35, Nightingale street with their daughter Elizabeth who was then married to their lodger Arthur Price.
The latter moved to Gwaun Cae Gurwen in 1922- five children, one being Selwyn.It was at Abercanaid that Timothy died in November 1918 age 55yrs, colliery shotsman.
His wife died in April, 1919 aged 52yrs. Both buried at Ffrwd cemetery, grave F8/31.
Anne
- Born c 1862 , on 1871 census age 9 [Llansadwrn], not there 1881.
Sister of Margaret, mother of David John Isaac who was brought up by Margaret, he was on the 1891 census with Margaret at Llwynrhidiau, Cwmgors.
I don't know the story behind this but see Margaret's notes re the walk to Maesteg to collect DJ.Anne presumably married a Mr Isaac, widowed and remarried, my mam thought so.
Have photographs of Anne and son D J Isaac
Elinor
- Born c 1865, on 1871 census , age 6 [Llansadwrn], not there 1881
Sarah
- Born c 1867, on 1871 census , age 3 [Llansadwrn], not there 1881.
Aneurin [Hughes] says his parents, Ben and Sarah, married in Llangadog.
Also that his mother visited the annual 'Flannel Fair' in Llandeilo to buy material to make shirts for husband Ben to wear underground, also visited sister Lisa who lived there
Ben died in 1930 and Sarah in 1964
They lived at Llwyn Rd Cwmgors [same house that Bessie Tirbach lived in afterwards].
William Davies 1880
William was the only child of John and Margaret Davies, he was born on 9th June 1880 at Glynceirch, Llandeilo.
That was the home of David Davies who I believe was the widower of Margaret's aunt Eliza.The birth cert shows mother as Margaret Davies, formerly Davies, and father as William (!!) Davies, farm labourer, should have said John, of course........
I have queried with Registrar and seen actual entry which does say William.
The informant was the same David DAVIES, occupier of Glynceirch, Llandeilofawr, who presumably misunderstood the question re the father, or is there another explanation ??
- Shown on 1881 and 1891 censuses, in Cwmgors aged 1 and 10.
1901 census at Cwmgorse.
- William Davies, 20, coal miner, (CMN Llandilo), spoke both
- Sarah, 22, (CMN Llanybyther), spoke both
- Johnny, 10 months
1911 census at Gorse St, Cwmgorse
- DAVIES, WILLIAM HEAD MARRIED M 30 COAL MINER RIPPER UNDERGROUND LLANDILO CARMARTHEN
- DAVIES, SARAH WIFE MARRIED 11 (years married) F 32 LLANYBYTHER CARMARTHEN
- DAVIES, BESSIE DAUGHTER F 9 CWMGORSE GLAMORGAN
- DAVIES, REES SON M 7 CWMGORSE GLAMORGAN
- DAVIES, WILLIE SON M 5 CWMGORSE GLAMORGAN
- DAVIES, MAGGIE DAUGHTER F 3 CWMGORSE GLAMORGAN
- DAVIES, DAVID SON M 8 MONTHS CWMGORSE GLAMORGAN
- JONES, MARGARET SISTER IN LAW F 15 SERVANT HOUSE WORK GORSCINON GLAMORGAN
From the above it would seem that son Johnny, aged 11, was already working away, on a local farm perhaps?
The Margaret Jones above must be Sarah's sister, shown as Margaret Jane with her father in 1901 in Garnant
William Davies said to be a "Colliery Examiner below ground" on dau Rae's birth cert in 1918.
He married Sarah Jones on the 9th December 1899 at Pontardawe Registry Office. He was aged 21[?], coalminer, father John Davies, coalminer; Sarah was 22, father Rees Jones, master mason.Witnesses were John Davies and Rees Jones.
We have a license dated 1915 from the Llwynrhidiau estate permittting the transfer from John Davies of 34 Gors St to son William of 38 Gors St all that land contained in the lease dated 1888.
Shown under Cousins on the 1925 funeral report of his aunt Elizabeth Davies (Tirbach) - Mr William Davies, Cwmgors;
Death cert held, died 2 Nov 1930 at 38 Gors St, age 50, colliery underground examiner, cause was 'carcinoma pyloric end stomach', informant son Johnny.
Buried in family plot at Hen Garmel ;
" Mi a ymdrechais ymdrech deg "
Have letter of condolence to his wife dated 5th Nov 1930 from Manager and chief clerk of Cwmgorse Colliery. See Cwmgors & Gwauncaegurwen
Also a letter William and Sarah wrote to 'Dear sisters' c 1917/18.
Newspaper cutting of his death on file;
"Cwmgors mourns the loss of a highly respected inhabitant, in the person of Mr Wm Davies, Gorse Street.
Deceased leaves a widow and many children with whom the deepest sympathy is felt in their bereavement.
The late Mr Davies,who was about 50 years of age, suffered a most trying illness.
He was the son of the late Mr John Davies[Tirbach] and Mrs Davies who resides in the vicinity.
He was a man of fine character, and was noted for his wide reading.
He had been employed as a fireman at the Cwmgorse Colliery.
His mortal remains were interred at Carmel cemetery on Thursday."
See separate page for their children
Sarah Jones
Born 4th September 1878 at Ivy Bush, Glan Duar, Llanybyther.
Her parents were Rees and Elizabeth Jones.
- Shown with parents on the 1881 census at Ivy Bush, aged 2.
- And with father and step mother on 1891 census in Gorseinon - Sarah aged 12 (Llanybydder)
Before her marriage in 1899 Sarah worked at Howells' shop opposite 34 Gors St.
My mam said Mamgu rarely went out of the house, not even to chapel.
She was called Sal by siblings.
Aneurin Hughes makes comment in letter sending me a copy of Mamgu's photograph " there was a lady, if ever there was one".
See separate page for Jones family
Have on file two letters Mamgu wrote to my mam in 1956, the second one was after she visited us in Shoreditch. In it she says " Tell Allan Uncle Ike has bought Auntie Het a budgie and Auntie bought Uncle Ike a cuckoo clock instead of a television....so there is plenty of talking here!"
[Perhaps you had to have known them both to really see the funny side of this !]Have a London and Lancashire Insce co policy in her name dated 1938 covering 38 Gorse St for £500, 59 Coelbren Rd GCG for £500 and shed at rear of latter, £nil. Premium £0-15/-pa.
We have a register showing that Mamgu White, who was a qualified midwife, actually delivered Mamgu of 7 of her children from Will to Mick.
Buried in family plot at Hen Garmel, she died on the 13 May 1960 aged 81
"Y llygad am gwelodd, nim gwel mwyach
Dy lygad sydd arnaf, ac nid ydwyf"Have receipt dated 17 May 1960 from DA Morgan for funeral £31/5/0. Panelled coffin £25 with silvered fittings, best quality shroud £1 extra.
Son Rees dealt with the estate, after total funeral costs £34/5/0 there was £14/5/-outstanding after £20 insurance policy, his scrap of paper [Mother's Funeral Expenses] shows calculation of £1/8/6 each to share out [10 siblings].
VALUATION of the estate of the late Mr William Davies, 38 Gorse St Cwmgorse, colliery examiner,
who died 22 Nov 1930 age 30. [dated 23 Jan 1931.]Assets
- Leasehold house ..38 Gorse St aforesaid in the occupation of the deceased Area 19 perches, ground rent pa 19/- unexpired term 56 years, RV £10
£370- Ditto at Lower Colbren Rd GCG in occupation of Mr Thomas Williams Known as Woodlands,unexpired term 71yrs GR £1/9/-, rent received £2/8/- per lunar month landlord paying rates
£375- Cash in Lloyds Bank,GCG
262 17 8- Furniture.
40- Clothes
5- Watch &chain.
2 10 0
- Total assets £1055 7 8
Debts
- Proportion of rates to Pontardawe RO
3- Messrs T Williams & son for grocery goods.
115 13 2- Promisory notes;
- Johnny Davies Aug 20/30, Cwmnanthopkin,Cwmgorse.
20- Mrs Margaret Davies June 1 /30, 34 Gorse St Cwmgorse.
20
- Lewis Bros, hire of car to hospital.
3- David Thomas, for meat a/c
27 13 9- Nursing Fees.
32 5 0- Funeral expenses.
25
- Total debts £221 11 11
Comments
- 1. The promissory notes and outstanding trade bills imply that he was short of cash although he did have enough on his Lloyds a/c to cover these.
- 2. Receipt for 10/6 dated 27th August 1930 'for making wills'.
- 3. Will went to probate, fees £6 plus estate duty £16/6/6.
.
The children of William and Sarah Davies
Johnny (1900 - 1968)
Bessie (1901 - 1981)
Rees (1904 - 1972)
- See under Pontardawe Operatic Society on Cwmgors/Waun
Will (1906 - 1978)
- See Cwmgors/Waun site (under Rugby)
Maggie (1908 - 1979)
Dai (1910 - 1966)
- See also Cwmgors /Waun
Hetty (1913 - 1987)
Sue (1914 -1982)
Rae (1918 - 1995)
Mick (1919 - 1983)
Rees Jones (2) 1849
This Rees Jones was the father of Sarah Jones who married William Davies of the Cwmgors Tirbach family.
He was born c 1849 in the parish of Llanfiangel, or Llanwenog, in Cardiganshire, I have not yet found the correct St Caths index entry for his birth.
His father was another Rees Jones, and given the preponderance of Joneses in the area, it is not surprising that I found two similarly aged sets of Rees Jones, father and son, in Llanwenog at the same time and separating them has been something of a problem. I think I am on the right line now however!
The key is that one father is a farmer [marriage cert] and the other a mason, plus his Ffynonrhydderch marriage abode. His birth parish could be Llanfiangel or Llanwenog as census details are contradictory.
I will refer to our son Rees as Rees Jones 2 the first sighting of him is;
1851 census in district of Llanwenog, CGN, at Tanyfron Ty Isaf, [nr Ffynonrhydderch]
- Rees Jones 35 ag lab, [Card Bangor], Esther 30 [Llandysul], Sarah 10 [Llandysul], Margaret 8, David 6, Rees 3 [all rest Llanfiangel, presumably Llanfihamgel-ar-arth which is just across the county line (river) in CMN].
He was first married on 24 Oct 1877 at Aberduar Chapel [Baptist], Llanybyther.
Rees Jones age 28, mason, of Ffynonrytherch , Llanwenog, father Rees Jones, farmer, to Elizabeth Evans age 26, of Ivy Bush Llanybyther, father Benjamin Evans, accountant.Witnesses John Evans and David Griffiths. This John Evans probably her brotherA vital factor to tie in to Ffynonrhydderch is the following entry for Rees Jones 2's parents;
- 1871 census at Ffynonrhydderch, Rees Jones 56, farmer, Esther 50 [Llandysul], Esther 12, David 6 g/son [both Llanwenog].
Have failed to find a Rees Jones 2 born Llanfiangel on the 1861 and 1871 census in Llanwenog.
But possibly him, but born Llanwenog, on the 1871 census at Coedlanfach, age not exact.
- Daniel Jones age 57 [Card, Cilugaron] and Eleanor 52 [ Llanwenog], REES age 19 [1852] Farm serv [Llanwenog].
Have not established any family link to this Daniel Jones.
Picked him up again after his marriage;
- 1881 census at Ivy Bush, Llanybyther, Rees Jones 32 [CGN Llanwenog] stonemason, wife Elizabeth 29 [Carms, Llanybydder], dressmaker, Sarah 2, Benjamin 1, also Rachel Evans, ma in law, 72,W, [Llanwenog] formerly dressmaker.
The house Ivy Bush is in Glanduar, possibly once a separate hamlet, on the southern outskirts of Llanybydder town.
It may have been just opposite Aberduar chapel although I could see no house of that name when I visited in 1995.Ivy Bush is placed on the 1841 census as follows; Red Lion, Glanduar shop, Carpenters Arms, Penybont, Ivy Bush, ? Water St, Penygraig, Abernant.
They were still in Llanybyther in Dec 1887 when first wife died.
It is his second wife Elizabeth shown on the 1891 census below.
They married on April 5th 1890 by banns at Llanelly Parish Church. Rees Jones, mason, age 38, living at Wern/Llanelly, father Rees Jones deceased, labourer.
Elizabeth Collin, spinster, age 27, living at 25 Marble Hall Road, Llanelly, father Joseph Collin, potter-man
Witnesses Joseph and Alice Collin.
If latter was her mother/sister then that links in to one of her own children called Alice.
Can't see her parents on the 1881 census in the area.1891 census in Gorseinon, Gla, Registration District Llanelly, Sub Reg district Loughor , R12/4491 ,
Folio 71, P 57, Civil Parish Loughor , Ecc Parish St Davids
- Rees Jones 40 head Llanybydder (?)
- Elizabeth " 28 Llanelly wife
- Sarah " 12 Llanybydder dau
- Benjamin " 11 Llanybydder son
- Esther " 7 Llanybydder dau
- Rachel " 5 " dau
- Alice " 4.12 (4 months?) Gorslinon(!) dau
Now obvious from his absence above that son Rees aged 9 is the visitor with his grandmother Esther Jones at Ffynonrhydderch in Llanwenog.
So this family's movements can be summarised as follows;
- 1887 first wife dies in Llanybyther
- 1890 marriage in Llanelly
- 1891 in Gorseinon - census
- 1896 still Gorseinon - Mrgt Jane born there
- 1897 in Llangiwg (where ?) - Thomas born there
- 1899 in Garnant - Hannah born there
- 1901 in Garnant - census
- 1903 in Garnant - second wife dies there
- 1910 in Garnant - trade directory entry for Rees snr
- 1915 possibly at Woodlands, Lower Colbren Rd, GCG as John Davies Tirbach shows a tenant Rees Jones there on his Income Tax Declaration of that year.
Also Rees separately thought to have lived in Lower Colbren Rd at some time.- 1920 Rees died at 38 Gors St, his daughter Sarah's house.
Where were they between 1887 and 1890, where did Rees meet second wife who whilst born in Llanelly was in Pontardulais in 1881 ?
It now seems possible that the strong Llwynyreos connection stems from a time when in 1887 Rees had very young children on his hands without a wife, he would have surely leant on his family, his elderly parents at Ffynonrhydderch, with his uncle at nearby Llwynyreos ?1901 census.
- Station Rd Cot., Garnant
- Rees Jones, 52, stone mason, (CMN Llanybyther), Welsh
- Elizabeth, 40, (CMN Llanelly) both
- Rees, 19, mason, (CMN Llanybyther), Welsh
- Alice A, 10, dau, (Gorseynon), both
- David J, son, 9, (Gorseynon), both
- William A, son, 7, (Gorseynon), both
- Magt Jane, dau, 5, (Gorseynon), Welsh
- Thomas, son, 4, (Llanguicke), Welsh
- Hannah M, dau, 2, (CMN Bettws)
- James, son,. 1, (CMN Bettws)
- James Collier, boarder, 35, mason labourer, (CMN Llanelly), both
Have the birth cert for Edith Maud , dau of Rees Jones and Elizabeth formerly Collins, born in August 1901 at Station Row, Garnant, Bettws RD [Llandebie sub dist, Llfwr].
Searched for Rees Jones's death in Glanamman Tabernacle Burial register but no sign in period 1900/1945.
Now have his death certificate, he died on 15 May 1920 at 38 Gorse St, Cwmgorse [the home of his daughter, Sarah].
He was aged 71, a stonemason [journeyman]. Informant was son Benjamin.At Aberduar Chapel cemetery, Llanybydder is a gravestone with the following inscriptions, I assume that that of Rees Jones, the son, who died in Salonika in WWI is a memorial only, I also wonder about the father's entry who died in Cwmgors, Llangiwg.
There is a photograph of the headstone under Jones 2 in the Picture Gallery" Er cof am Elizabeth gwraig Rees Jones Ivy Bush, Glanduar.
Bu farw Rhagfyr14eg 1887 yn 36 oed.
Gwyliwch am hynn am na wyddoch na'r dydd na'r awr y daw mab y dyn.""Hefyd am y dywededig Rees Jones, bu farw Mai 15ed, 1920 yn 72 oed."
"Hefyd ei mab Rees Jones. Bu farw yn Salonika, Hydref 6ed 1918 yn 37 oed."
Elizabeth Evans
The first wife of Rees Jones 2.
Born c 1852 in Llanybyther.
Her name shown as Eliza on dau Sarah's birth cert in 1878.
From her marriage cert in 1877, she was then aged 26, her father was Benjamin Evans, accountant, of Ivy Bush, Llanybyther.
- Shown with parents at Ivy Bush on 1871 census age19, dressmaker, born Llanybyther.
Her mother's name was Rachel.
Have her death cert, she died 14 Dec 1887 at Ivy Bush, Glanduar, Llanybyther, aged 36. Informant was her brother Evan Evans, Emporium, Llanybyther.
Elizabeth Collins
The second wife of Rees Jones (2)
I have little information about Elizabeth Collins's background (apart from the census birth place of Llanelly), and a probable 1881 census sighting of her as Lizzie Collins, a lodger, in Pontardulais.
I have her death cert, she died on 19 March 1903 at Station Rd, Garnant, aged 40.
The children of Rees Jones and first wife Elizabeth [Evans]
Sarah
Born 1878, see husband William Davies's page.
Benjamin
Born c 1880 at Ivy Bush.
- Shown on 1881 census at Ivy Bush age 1; also with father at Gorseinon in 1891, but not in 1901 at Garnant - he married later that year.
He married Martha Jane Thomas in 1901.
Their children were Charley, Johnny [1907-1988], David Edward [1905-1983], Lizzie Mary [1902?-1982].He died in Feb 1943.
Likely to be him shown on John Davies's estate in 1922 as being owed £14/5/4 for work done as a mason on the Cwmgors properties.
His own address on the receipt is shown as Penybryniau,Cwmgorse.He was a co trustee of the will of William Davies, his brother in law who died in 1930, Benjamin's address on bank passbook in 1931 was 23 Colbren Square GCG.
He is included in the wedding photograph of his sister Hettie in 1919, see Jones 2 in Picture Gallery.
Rees
Born 1882 according to the family bible (and 1901 census)
- With his grandmother Esther at Ffynonrhydderch on 1891 census, aged 9; with father and second wife on 1901 census at Garnant, aged 19, a mason, born CMN Llanybyther
Private Rees Jones 203373 was killed in action very late in the 1914/18 war, he was with the 11th Welch, A co, 4th platoon, attached to 67th Bn., Machine Gun Corps (Inf), fighting with the Salonica Forces.
See also Cwmgors & Gwauncaegurwen for full details
Hettie
Born in 1884 according to family bible.
- With father in Gorseinon on 1891 census, aged 7. Not with family on 1901 census in Garnant.
She married John Jones [Penhow] in 1919, lived in Llwynhen road, Cwmgors, see Jones 2 in the Picture Gallery for a photograph..
Rachel (Ray)
Born in 1886 at Ivy Bush, Llanybydder.
- With father on 1891 census at Gorseion aged 5, not with family in Garnant on 1901 census.
She married ? Amer in London, had a dairy business with husband in World's End, Chelsea.
Widowed for many years, came back to Cwmgors and ran a small general shop near the Abernant Inn.She died in Cwmgors in 1971.
The children of Rees Jones and second wife Elizabeth [Collins]
Alice
Born 1890.
I understand she lived in Toronto, previously in service in London, married late in life
Betty Radley in Seattle tells me - Alice was working in London and use to stay with us, I remember her so well, I used to go with her to Llanybyther on holiday and she came and stayed with us in Seattle in 1948. I don't know when she passed away but I remember it was quite sudden, and I do believe her married name was HallDavid Joseph
Born 1892.
Family bible says " D.J.Jones and Mary Jane Jones were married [no date]" . Emigrated to Australia , Glen says that his son Benjamin showed up in Cwmgors as an Australian soldier about 1941, remembers seeing him in full regalia at Mamgu's. He was nicknamed 'Buck', possibly because he made his living breaking in horses before the army.
William Henry [Billy]
Born 1893.
Family bible says "W.H.Jones and Margaret White were married 8th October 1919 at St Barnabas Ch. London"
I'm not at all sure but think she was called ' Auntie Peg' by my mam.
There is a photo of her and Auntie Ray Amer dated 1918 on file.
May have lived in Wallington, Surrey.
I am told "they had one son named Richard, who was known as Dick. He was killed in the war. He was air crew.
They had lived in London but Will and Peggy retired to Tenby, I have seen his name on the R.A.F. War Memorial at Runnymede."
There is a photograph of Dick in uniform in the photographs gallery
Margaret Jane
Born 1895.
Family bible says "M.J. Jones and Griffith Jones married 19th November 1920 ".
Lived in Abernant Rd, Cwmgors, she was widowed and remarried a widower.
I believe there were 8 children of 2 (3?) marriages including Katie Llewellyn who died in May 1990 aged 72, her husband, John Llewellyn died in 1996, they had four children.
Thomas
Born 1897.
Family bible says "Thomas and James Jones buried on the 6th April 1901"
[Hannah] Mary
Born 1898.
Known by my mam as 'Auntie Mary Canada'.
On file is a Xmas Card from 273 Wildwood Ave, Victoria , BC, signed May and addressed to Sarah [her half sister]. This includes an undated letter, refers to having been in Canada for 5 years, she was living with Lizzie and Rhys.
Also refers to Kathleen and Eddy who visit every summer, apparently from New York. Says Lizzie's children are all married, except Mervyn her eldest son.
Asks about "'DR and Bessie and the boys, and Maggie and dau Elizabeth "who is a big girl now" This dates the letter post 1938, but by the omissions of other children, probably pre 1940. Also asks " does Auntie Esther live in GCG now? And how are Hettie and Will [Factory]? "
I am informed that Mary was either adopted or raised by family in Sunderland, England and went to Canada with a or to a family in Toronto, she married late in life and her married name was Swinscoe and lived in Willowdale Toronto.
James
Born 1899.
Family bible says "Thomas and James Jones buried on the 6th April 1901"
Edith Maud
Born 1901 in Garnant.
Married Jack ?, she was many years in a nursing home in the Swansea area, died in 2001 just before her 100th birthday.
Trevor
Know nothing at all about him, my mam simply thought she remembered the name as a child of her grandfather's second marriage.
In fact I now wonder whether he existed at all since he is the only one not shown on the family bible or the 1901 census.
..............end of children of Rees Jones and Elizabeth Collins..............
Benjamin [2] Evans
The father of Elizabeth Evans, first wife of Rees Jones (2).
Born c 1810 in Llanybyther, failed to find his baptism in Llanybyther records in period 1808/17
Married on 15 May 1839, he was living at Penhewl, a schoolmaster, father Benjamin Evans, Labourer, to Rachel Evans.
From the census returns his occupations varied from schoolmaster to asst overseer [Poor House ?] with a spot of census enumerating on the side !
- 1841 census at Ivy Bush,Glanduar, Benjamin Evans 30, schoolmaster[same cty], Rachel 30 [not same cty], Evan 1 [y] and Margaret Evans 15 FS [n].
- 1851 census at Ivy Bush, Benjamin Evans [looks like he was also the census enumerator] 41, schoolmaster [Llanybyther], Rachel 42, dressmaker [Card, Llanwenog], Evan 11, Sarah ? 9, Mary 6, David 4, John 2 [all Llanybyther] and Jane Magicks 14 , appr dressmaker [Lampeter].
- 1871 census at Ivy Bush, Benjamin Evans 61, asst overseer, Rachel 62, John 22, carpenter, Elizabeth 19 dau um, dressmaker [Llanybyther] and Evan Bowen, 5 , g/son.
They are both buried at Aberduar Chapel cemetery in Llanybydder, the headstone inscription says;.
"Er cof am Benjamin Evans, Ivy-Bush Glanduar.
Bu farw 1af (?) m 1878 yn 69 (?) oed.
Hefyd am Rachel ei wraig bu farw Ebrill 22ain 1895 yn 87."Alongside this was the headstone relating to their daughter Sarah;
"Coffadwriaeth (in memory) am Sarah Evans merch Benjamin a Rachel Evans o'r Ivy Bush, Glanduar,
yr hon a fu farw Ionawr 23, 1863 yn 21 oed.
Coffadwriaeth y cyfaiwn sydd fendigedig."Here are the 1881 census entries for each of the known children of Benjamin Evans (2) and Rachel Evans - and their families;
Evan
New Elvet House, Llanbyther
- Evan EVANS, M, 41 M, Llanybyther, Head, Master Builder Em 2 Men
- Elizabeth EVANS, M 38 , F, Llanybyther, Wife
- Joshua EVANS, 12 M, Llanybyther, Son, Scholar
- Sarah EVANS, 11, F, Llanybyther, Daur, Scholar
- Anne EVANS, 9, F, Llanybyther, Daur, Scholar
- Rachel EVANS, 8, F, Llanybyther, Daur, Scholar
- Benjamin EVANS, 7, M, Llanybyther, Son, Scholar
- Evan EVANS, 5, M, Llanybyther, Son, Scholar
- Thomas EVANS, 4, M, Llanybyther, Son, Scholar
- David John EVANS 2 , M, Llanybyther, Son
Mary
Railway Cot. Llanybyther.
- Thomas Bowen, 38, stonemason [Llanybyther]
- Mary Bowen, wife, 36 [Llanybyther]
- Evan Bowen, son, scholar, 14 [Llanybyther]
- Thomas Bowen, son, 12, scholar[Llanybyther]
- Benjamin Bowen, son 10, scholar [Llanybyther]
David
Troedyrhiw, Llanybyther.
- David Evans, 34, stone mason [Llanybyther]
- Anne Evans, wife, 33 [Pencarreg]
- Gwenllian Evans, dau, 2 [Llanybyther]
- Benjamin Evans, son, 8 mnths [Llanybyther]
John
3 Station Row, Llanybyther.
- John Evans, 32, carpenter & master builder, emp 2 men [Llanybyther]
- Eleanor Evans, 36, wife [ Llanwnen]
- Mary Evans, dau, 2 [Llanybyther]
- Sarah Evans, dau, 5 mnths [Llanybyther]
- Mary Jones, wid, ma in law, 66 [Llandyssyl,CGN.]
Elizabeth
See under Rees Jones (2)
.................end of children of Benjamin Evans (2) and Rachel Evans .................
Rachel Evans, wife of Benjamin Evans (2)
- On 1881 census Rachel was a widow at Ivy Bush, age 72, [Llanwenog] with dau Elizabeth and family.
- And was still at Ivy Bush in 1891, with Evan Bowen 25, grandson, stonemason, born Llanybydder.
On her marriage in Llanwenog in1839 she was living at Tynyfron and on the cert shown as Rachel Evans with her father as 'Evan Milers', a mason.
Were parents unmarried, and mother called Evans ? Or more likely, is the patronymic system at work, with father named Evan?
And, on the 1841 census for Llanwenog the entry for Tynyfron is;
- James Evans 55 farmer,Rachel 50,Sarah 15 ?, Hannah 15, John 10, John Jones m.s 15 [ all y]
No sign there of an Evan Milers .
Interestingly, also on the Llanwenog marriage register, also in 1839, is Mary Evans, also of Tynyfron, father James Evans, she married Griffith Rees.
And in 1866 an Eliza Miles, of Highmead, daughter of Evan Miles, Mason married a William Betts.
Benjamin Evans (1)
The father of Benjain Evans (2) and grandfather of Rees Jones's wife Elizabeth.
On the Llanybyther records is a marriage entry for Benjamin Evans and Hannah Jenkins, both of this parish, on 27 May 1808, his fits in with Benjamin 2's birth date of c 1810.
Benjamin 2's marriage entry in 1839 shows him living at Penhewl [Presumably Llanwenog ? or was it Llanybyther ??] and his father is Benjamin Evans, a labourer.
No Benjamin (1) on the Llanybyther 1841 census [apart from the 'wrong one' who was at Glanduar Mill.], or in Llanwenog, although one or two Hannah s alone , but ........
No sign of a Penhewl in either parish in 1841, there is a Penheol in Llanybyther with a David Evans family in!
In " History of Llansawel " by Fred Price there are some Parish register extracts and one in 1793 says " Agreed with Ben Evans, Llanybyther to mend church steeple, £7.7." - is this ours or the 'other Benjamin', the miller ?
Rees Jones (1) 1813/16
Shown on son Rees (2)'s marriage cert in 1877, a farmer - son then living at Ffynonrhydderch, Llanwenog.
This Rees now referred to as Rees Jones (1).
According to the censuses/death age he was born c 1813/16 in Bangor Teifi parish.
In the Bangor Teifi records is a baptism on 21 Oct 1813 for a Rees to David/Prisila Jones, farmer of Uron. [See below]
Marriage in Llandysul on 22 Dec 1840, Rees Jones, of full age, bachelor, labourer, living at Nantygwydau, father David Jones, farmer;
To Esther Rees, minor, spinster, of Rhiwfele, father Rees James, farmer.
By banns, both made their mark. Witnesses were Rees Evans, Lanvaughan and Evan Evans, Babegwyn.At above Nantygwydau on 1841 Llandysul census [Glandysilved hamlet] were;
- David Thomas 45, Mary 30, Sarah 12, Evan 10, Anne 7, Enoch 5, David 2, Mary Davies 20 fs[all y]. Outhouse, Thomas Evans 20 ms[y]
No obvious connection to Rees Jones although people often worked on farms of relatives.
1841 census Llanfihangel ar Arth, CMN, Cathinog hundred
- Rees Jones 25 farmer, Esther 20, Sarah 4 months, Debora Rees 12 fs[ all N].
This un-named place was between the entry for Llanfihangel Church and Penypark, I can see the latter on the map just outside the village.
The Debora Rees may well be a related to Esther, helping her look after the baby ?
There was a Deborah Rees, sister to Esther's mother Sarah, aged 30 in 1841, um.Have birth cert for dau Sarah, born 8 Feb 1841 at Rhiwfelen, Llandysul, Rees/Esther not there 2 months later, Rhiwfelen had Esther's probable mother Sarah there though.
1851 census Tanyfron Ty Isaf, [nr Ffynonrhydderch]
- Rees Jones 35 ag lab, [Card Bangor], Esther 30 [Llandysul], Sarah 10 [Llandysul], Margaret 8, David 6, Rees 3 [all Llanfihangel ]
At dau Ester's birth in 1859 they were already living at Blaenwayn, Llanwenog.
1861 census at Blaenwaun Isaf?,
- Rees Jones 45 , ag lab [Card Bangor], Esther 40 [ Llandysul], Hannah 9,Esther 1 [ both Llanwenog].
1871 census at Ffynonrhydderch
- Rees Jones 56, farmer [?], Esther 50 [Llandysul], Esther 12, David 6 g/son [both Llanwenog].
Which son is g/son David's father? - Not Rees 2 (b1849) .
Can't be David's by Elizabeth [she was born 1855], he was aged c 30 by 1875, possibly his son by previous marriage ?
That might explain why he was still with grandparents in 1881 below
Unless the son of a dau who married a Jones of course - Possibly Margaret.1881 census at Ffynonrhydderch
Rees Jones 67, farmer 20 a [Cgn Bangor], Esther 61 [Llandysul], David 17 g/son [Llanwenog].1891 census at Ffynonrhydderch
Esther Jones, widow, 70, farmer [Llandysul], Rees [Jones] 9, visitor [Llanybyther].Now clear that this Rees aged 9 was Esther's grandson, the son of Rees 2, who was not with his father in Gorseinon.
Burial of Rees Jones(1) in Llanwenog on 10 Sept 1889 age 76 [1813] at Ffynonrhydderch.
Esther Rees, wife of Rees Jones (1)
Census entries show Esther as born in Llandysul in c 1820, her maiden surname as Rees taken from dau Sarah and Ester's birth certs.
From marriage cert her father was Rees JAMES, farmer , a late example of patronymics at work?
She then lived at Rhiwfele [see below] in Llandysul parish.No baptism entry in the Llandysul register c 1820 but on the IGI is a bapt for Esther JAMES to Rees James and Sarah REES on 13 Nov 1820 at Llandysul, Horeb Independent chapel.
This entry also found on the Horeb Chapel register itself, Esther, born 10 Oct 1820, dau of Rees James and Sarah JAMES, at Llaine ? in Llandysul.
Also entries for a David in 1822 and Martha in 1824, the places varying from Blanllaire? to Blanllan in Llandysul.There is an index marriage entry in Llandysul on 31 May 1815 for Rees James and Sarah Rees, not on P/reg though which defeats me .
On the 1841 Llandysul census [Borthin hamlet] are the following entries;
- Rhiwfelen, Sarah Rees 45, farmer, / Anna 10 fs , Mary 8 fs ,John 4[all y]
This Sarah must be Esther's mother, at least the house name says yes, she was either widowed or Rees James was not at home that night.
She is shown as a widow on the 1851 census below.
Interesting she gives her name as Sarah Rees, it was the "old Welsh way" for women to keep their own names after marriage, but more so in North Wales.
Her age suggests a birth date c 1792-1796. The / after her name, before the children, puts a little doubt on whether they were hers as / was meant to mean a separate household in same building.
But a John Rees died in 1897, aged 61 [1836], son of Rees and Sarah Rees of Rhiwfelen, right age for the John aged 4 in 1841 above.Sarah, dau of Esther, was born at Rhiwfelen in Feb 1841, her mother lived there when married to Rees Jones in Dec 1840.
Next entry on 1841 census;
- Fronfelen, James Rees 74 , farmer [N], Esther 75, Deborah 30 [both y].//
Outhouse, Evan Davies 45 ms, Thomas Rees 35, ms[y].Looks likely that this James/Esther Rees are the parents of Sarah Rees.
Latter's dau also called Esther.Also a Debora aged 12 with Sarah's dau Esther in 1841.
- In 1851 a couple called John /Lydia Davies at Bronfelen, a farm of 60 acres.
Have details of James's will in 1843.
James Rees of Fronfelen, Llandysul,farmer.
Left following bequests;
- £4 each to sons Rees [eldest], Joshua, David.
- Also £4 to dau Deborah, plus clock and feather bed.
- All goods, cattles, chattels left to his wife [unnamed] and son Thomas, after her death Thomas was the residual legatee.
Both James and Thomas could sign their names.
Winesses ; Enoch Jones of ?, John Griffiths of Blaenberthyn.
Effects under £50.
He died the same day he made the will, i.e 30 Oct 1843.
Why didn't assumed dau Sarah get anything, she likely had her "share" when she was married in 1815 ?
Her sister Deborah presumably did get a share because she had apparently stayed at home to look after her parents.
1851 census, Llandysul, at Rhiwfelen;
- Sarah James, head, widow, 58 [ 1793] , spinster [Llandysul].
Spinster here probably refers to the work of spinning (?)
1861 census Llandysul, Rhiwfilen,
- Sarah Rees, head, widow 69, late carrier wife widow[Llandysul], Sarah Davies g/dau 7.
The following burial entries [in adjoining graves] seen in Bethel, Capel Dewi[Methodist],
- Sarah, dau of Rees/Sarah Rees, Rhiwfelen in 1878 age 52. [1826]. Esther's sister ?
- John son of Rees/Sarah Rees, Rhiwfelen in 1897 age 61.[1836]. Esther's brother ? The one age 4 on 1841 census ?
- Margaret Rees , 7 Marble Terrace, Llandyssul in 1939 age 79.[1860]. John's dau ?
Another son for this couple given the marriage details ?
1851 census at Rhiwfelen;
- James Rees 35 carrier, Elizabeth 30, Rees 2 [ all Llandysul]
On Capel Dewi marriage registers is the following entry;
- 1 Nov 1847 James Rees, full age, bachelor, labourer, Rhiwfelen, son of Rees James, farmer to Eliza Jones, full age,spinster, Dolfor Mill, father David Jones, miller. By banns by Enoch James vicar of Llandyssil. Both made mark. Witnessses Thomas Jones,Cefnllanvawr ? and David Evans, Dolwalter.
Burial of Esther Jones in Llanwenog on 7 Sept 1896 age 76 [1820] at Llwynyreos.
David and Prisila Jones
Now certain they are the parents of Rees Jones (1) [of Blaenywaun] who was the informant at David Jones's death in 1858
The only baptism in period on the IGI in Bangor is in 1813, Rees to David/Prisila Jones, farmer of Uron.
Now also seen in P/register 21 Oct 1813 but house name is of course Vron, or Fron.
No alternative bapt for Rees found in Bangor Teifi registers.
We know from marriage entry that Rees's father was a David Jones , farmer.Also a Hannah shown in 1816 baptised by same couple.
There are also bapts in 1805 and 1811 in Bangor Teifi for a Margaret and a David, both to David John and Priscilla, of Troerhiwyrhwch.
The name Priscilla is not very common place.By 1835 another couple baptising at Fron, they were Thomas and Rachel Jones.
No marriage entry found for them in Bangor Teifi in period 1804-1812, critical gaps in Prs and Bts before that period unfortunately..
1841 census Llandysul, Capel Ddewi hamlet, at place opposite Rhyg????
- David Jones 65 ag lab, Prisila 60, Hannah 20 [ all y]
1851 census place called Rhydgeyron
- David Davies head 37 f 9 acres, Hannah 32 wife, Nancy 2, Margaret, under 1 mnth, David Jones, visitor, widr 79, labourer [all CGN, no parish given]]
This has to be David living with his daughter Hannah.
Both ages could fit with 1841 although she was bapt in 1816.1861 census, Llandysul, at Rhydygeyron
- David Davies 47 coal and lime carrier, Hannah 43 [Bangor], Margaret 10, David 7, Hannah 4, Mary 1.
Hannah's birth parish indicates that she is indeed the dau of David/Priscilla.
There is also a marriage entry in 1847 in Llandysul, David Davies to ANNE Jones of Rhydygeiron, dau of David Jones, lab. Looks like them despite the Anne/Hannah name variation
Burial entries seen in Capel Dewi for David Davies in 1886 aged 72, Hannah in 1902 age 85 and dau Margaret in 1878 age 27.
Now have death cert for David Jones, died age 87, a farmer, on 3 May 1858 at Rhydceiron, from "debility and old age", informant Rees Jones of Blanywaun, Llanwenog, but still no trace of a burial entry for either of them.
Also have Prisila's death cert, on 10 May 1845 at Rhydceyron, age 67, from consumption, informant a David Evans [?].No baptisms seen on the IGI in Bangor Teifi for a David Jones, the name John not yet searched.
But no extant Prs or Bts for Bangor Teifi for likely birth date of 1771.
The children of Rees (1) and Esther Jones and the Llywnyreos connection
Llwynyreos farm is a place in Llanwenog parish [in CGN], but not too far from Llanybyther town [in CMN], that my mam and others, associated with her mother's Jones family.
It is a farm they were taken to on visits as children.My initial confusion was that, although Esther Jones died there in 1896, I still could not see exactly why relatives went there from as far away as Cwmgors and Swansea in the 1920s?
Obviously, the link to Ffynonrhydderch is clear enough.
Despite the fact that Llwynyreos is very near to Dorset Cottage, see below, Ffynonrhydderch seems not to have been renamed Llwynyreos as both shown on 1891 census with David/Eliz Jones at Llwynyreos and Esther Jones at Ffynonrhydderch.
But Llwynyreos is not shown as such on the 1881 census the exact order of listing is;
- Pengraig [David Jones]
- Pwllybilwg [ John Thomas]
- Ffynonrhydderch [Rees Jones]
- Dorset Cottage [Amelia Tarraway]
- Llanvaughan [Thomas Lloyd]
- Tanfron [Mary Davies]
I now wonder whether the Pengraig of 1881 became the Llwynereos of 1891 ?
Interesting to see Llwynyreos existed in 1865, I failed to spot it in 1871 as well as 1881. It has to be the same place as presumably near to Llanvaughan .
On the Llanwenog marriage Prs index is the marriage entry;
- 8/02/1865 Hannah, Jones, of Llwynyreos, father Evan Jones, Labourer
To David, Davies, labourer, Llanvaughan, John Davies, labourer.The answer to my "what is the connection to Llwynyreos? " question seems to be simply that Sarah Jones, my grandmother, was a niece of the David Jones who was at Llwynyreos in 1891 and a first cousin to "Mary Llwynyreos" who was the latter's daughter.
However, a better theory has latterly emerged, see Rees 2 (1849)I have still not got the "complete Jones family " picture as clear cut as I would like but the following details of the children of Rees (1) and Esther Jones goes some way towards that ideal !
Children of Rees (1) and Esther Jones
Unknown child?
This first child may not exist at all, and if he/she does his name could be Thomas or Evan !
There are two, apparently related, problems here.
The first is the grandson David ages 6/17 on the 1871/81 censuses with his grandparents, Rees/Esther Jones. Was he the son of a so far unseen son of Rees/Esther, or of one of their daughters, Sarah and Margaret, who could very easily have married a Jones in this area!
Can't be son David's by Elizabeth [she wasn't born until 1855], David was aged c 30 by time Esther was 20 in 1875, possibly his son by previous marriage ?
That might explain why he was still with grandparents in 1881 ?Unless g/son David is the son of a daughter who married a Jones of course !
The second question, is this g/son David Jones the David of the David / Mary couple who lived at Cefnrhuddlan ucha and whose children were;
- 1. Hannah 1885, she married John Thomas in 1913 and they are certainly the parents of Sal Lloyd who does have a " Llwynyreos " connection. somewhere, somehow.
- 2. Thomas 1886
- 3. Mary 1888
- 4. Eliz 1890
- 5. Jane 1892
- 6. Magdalen 1894
- 7. Mary Anne 1895
The only David /Mary marriage c 1884 on Llanwenog list is;
- David Jones, farmer, Henbast Llantisiliogogo, father Thomas Jones, farmer to...Mary Evans of Cefnrhuddlan ucha , father Rees Evans, farmer, no ages, both single.
I don't know how Henbast Llantisiliogogo might come into it but if not father Thomas Jones's place, and David was only working there for someone else, would he have been called a farmer
[ as opposed to serv etc] ?On 1881 Census Index at Cefnrhuddlan ucha ,
- Rees Evans 52 farmer 147 a [Llanwenog], Hannah 51 [Llantisiliogogo] David 22, MARY 21, Jane 19, Sarah 17, Hannah 15, Rees 12 [all Llanwenog].
There is a possible Thomas Jones on the 1881 census index at
- Ffinant ucha, age 43, farmer, 55 a [Llandysul] and wife Margaret 38 [ Llanarth].
This Thomas would have been born c 1838, he was also born in Llandysul [as was Sarah in c 1841] which fits in very well with "an older son" theory, Esther would have been age 17 then. She was born in Llandysul and their marriage might turn up there yet.
Just to make this really difficult ...... another possible father for the 1871 grandson David [and a candidate for the unseen son theory] is an Evan Jones;
- There is a baptism in 1865 in Llanwenog for a David Jones to Evan/Margaret Jones, of Pantygravel.
See below under Margaret Jones for another Pantygravel reference !
This is very confusing ..................apart from the fact there was a number 1 and a number 2 Pantygravel on the 1881 census, i.e two separate houses.
It is extraordinary that his David's age matches the David grandson of Rees/Esther, age 6 in 1871 at Ffynonrhydderch.
No marriage for an Evan Jones/Margaret in period on Llanwenog list.
Of course, all might be revealed if I find Rees and Esther on the 1841 census, probably in Llandysul.
Rees (2)
See separate entry
Sarah
- On 1851 census Llanwenog at Tanyfron ty isaf with parents, age 10, born Llanfiangel.
On IGI no baptism for her c 1840 anywhere.
No marriage for her on Llanwenog list 1859/68.
Margaret
- On 1851 census Llanwenog, at Tanyfron Ty isaf with parents age 8, born Llanfiangel.
On IGI no baptism for her c 1843 anywhere.
On Llanwenog list in 1868 is the marriage of Margaret Jones [single, no age] dau of Rees Jones, lab, living at Pantygravel to a Thomas Rees.
This could be her despite fact that parents never at Pantygravel on censuses, she may have just worked there .
- On 1881 census index at 1 Pantygravel is Margaret Rees widow age 36 [ 1845] stocking knit, Mary 11, Esther 9, Rees 7, Thomas 5, Margaret 3.[all Llanwenog]
Her children's names and her age strongly suggest that this is the dau of Rees/Esther who married a Thomas Rees.
Hannah
- On 1861 census Llanwenog at Blaenwaun Isaf with parents, age 9, born Llanwenog.
My mam thought her g/father Rees had a sister Hannah who at sometime lived in St Helens Rd /Ave Swansea.
Sal Lloyd refers to visiting her Aunt Hannah in St Helen's Rd.
These two comments persuade me that this is the right Hannah.Hannah had 4 children who Sal Lloyd details as....
- Hettie [m.Phil Rees],
- Evan [ m Lily],
- Archie [ m Edith]
- Rhys [um].
Still don't know this Hannah's married name. No possible marriage on Llanwenog list any period.
Is this son Rhys the Rhys Davies of Maesteg at Mari Llwynyreos's funeral, he was a cousin?
Are Hettie and Phil Rees the Mr/Mrs Rees from Sketty listed as cousins at funeral too ?
Esther
- On 1861 census Llanwenog at Blaenwaun Isaf with parents age 1, born Llanwenog.
Likely burial entry on Llanwenog list at Bryncledlyn, 1946 age 87 [1860], age agrees with census.
Sal Lloyd of Swansea remembers visiting her mother's [Hannah] aunt Hettie at Bryncledlyn, Drefach, presumably this Esther is she.
David
- Shown with parents Rees/Esther Jones age 6 on 1851 census ,[born Llanfiangel].
Burial entry Llanwenog in 1915, age 70 , at Llwynyreos.
1881 census Llanwenog, at Pengraig [ between Pwllbilwg and Tytelp]
- David Jones 35, [1846] mason [Llanwenog], Elizabeth 26 [Llanwenog], Het 5 [ Llanybyther].
No marriage entry on Llanwenog list c 1875 when she would have been c 20.
David was age c 30 on marriage, had he been married before ?
Not on Llanwenog list in period.
- 1891 census at Llwynyreos, David Jones 45 [Llanwenog], Elizabeth 36 [Llanwenog], Esther 15 [ Llanybyther], Mary 4 [1887] [Llanwenog].
This latter Mary must be the " Mari Llwynyreos " who was born in 1887 by her age at death in 1953 , see her funeral report below.
Children of David Jones and Elizabeth of Llwynyreos;
Esther
- On 1881 census at Pengraig with parents age 5 born Llanybyther, named Het.
- Also at Llwynyreos in 1891 with them, age 15, named Esther.
Keith Lewin [Hicks connection] provided local information as follows;
Hettie [Esther], sister of Marie Llwynyreos, married a John Davies
They had 5 children as follows;
- Sarah Ann Davies [1905/97] who married Evan Llewellyn Evans [1907/68].
KL has given me the latter's tree back to a Rev Thomas Grey born 1733 in Llangyfelach], their children ;
- --Rachel Valerie Evans
- --Mary Anne born
- --James Peter born
- --David Elgan born c 1933, died 1966.
- --Hannah Elizabeth Esther
KL also says Sarah Ann Davies had another son called John Ronald [1931/42] but father's name unknown.
- Elizabeth Davies [ 1900/52], husband unknown, son David John Ansell Davies [?] married Sarah Lorraine and their children ...Brenda Mary, David Andrew Lyn, Margaret Lilian, Sarah Christine.
- Mary Davies
- John Henry Davies, married Rachel E Mary , their children..Peter, Janet Rose [m. Euros Davies, dau Carys Mai], Hefin, Hywel, Eleri may [m. John Iorweth, son Barry John]
- David Davies.
Mary
Born c 1887 in Llanwenog.
- On 1891 census at Llwynyreos with parents, Mary 4 [1887] [Llanwenog].
She is the " Mari Llwynyreos " born 1887 [by age at death in 1953] husband David Jones [born 1889 by age at death in 1974] - her 1953 funeral report extract is shown below .
It seems that her parents only had the two daughters, no sons, and that Mary, who confusingly, married a David Jones , inherited the Llwynyreos farm, despite the fact Hettie, her sister, was 11 years older. Perhaps because her father died in 1915 [mother 1933] and Mari still lived at home?
Have her marriage cert, on 14 May 1910, at Lampeter RO, she was 23, father David Jones, mason, of Llwynyreos.
Husband David was 21, an underground labourer, father John Jones, gen lab., living at Pantyronen, Llanwenog.I have extended her children as extracted from her funeral report plus other details provided by KL from local contacts.
Also on the Llanwenog burial list in 1930 is Elizabeth Jones, Llwynyreos age 2 hours, was she the daughter of Mari who would have been age 43,or one of her daughters ?
Their other children;
- Heulwen, said to be a daughter of Mari Llwynyreos on latter's funeral report in 1953.
Buried 1995 in Llanwenog Church, died at Llwynyreos age 69, [1926] full name Sarah Heulwen Jones.
- Elsie, said to be a daughter of Mari Llwynyreos on latter's funeral report in 1953.
Buried 1991 in Llanwenog, died at Llwynyreos, age 74, [1917] unmarried [KL].
- Dewi, said to be a son of Mari Llwynyreos on latter's funeral report in 1953.
No other sighting, not on Llanwenog burial list.
- Maggie, a Mrs Evans of Cefn Rhuddian Isaf said to be a daughter of Mari Llwynyreos on latter's funeral report in 1953. KL says she was Maggie Evans of Cefnrhuddlan Isaf
- Bessie, a Mrs Lloyd of Wrexham said to be a daughter of Mari Llwynyreos on latter's funeral report in 1953. KL says she was Bessie Lloyd of Wrexham
- Blodwen, a Mrs Morgans of Brynfa said to be a daughter of Mari Llwynyreos on latter's funeral report in 1953. KL says she was Blodwen Morgans of Alltblacca.
- Dilys, a Mrs Williams of Bryncledlyn said to be a daughter of Mari Llwynyreos on latter's funeral report in 1953. KL says she was Dilys Jones before marriage, now dead, he was uncertain of exact Llwynyreos relationship. She had 2 daughters, Enfys [Williams] and Jennifer.
Funeral report of Mari Llwynyreos in 1953
Her husband was David Jones, the children there were Elsie, Dewi, Haulwen.
Also listed as married daughters were;
- Mrs Evans of Cefn Rhuddian Isaf,
- Mrs Lloyd Wrexham,
- Mrs Morgans Brynfa,
- Mrs Williams Bryncledlyn
- Listed as sisters were ;
- Mrs Morris Penygroes
- Mrs Jones Pantteg.
Listed as cousins were;
- Mr/Mrs Jones, Glynfaes [ KL says they lived next door to him in Drefach].
- Hetty Jones, Caellan [KL says spinster, dec'd].
On Llanwenog burial list 1982 age 86, [1896] at Caellan.
On 1881 census index at Caellan are Sarah Thomas 46 farmer 61 a, David 20, Hannah 15
- Mrs Roberts,Tynyporth
On 1881 census index at Tynporth are, Thomas Williams 35 carrier, Mary sister 60, Mary sister 32 [all Llanwenog]
- Rhys Davies, Maesteg [is this the Caerau link to the William Davies Memorial Card 1916 from the Tirbach house ?]
Or Is he Rhys, son of Hannah ? of St Helens Ave Swansea?
- Mrs Thomas, Dunvant [Sal Lloyd's [Dunvant] mother].
- Mr/Mrs Rees, Sketty [ is this Sal Lloyds's Aunt Hannah's dau Hettie who married Phil Rees?]
- Mrs Jones,Cwmgors [possibly Hettie [Jones/Penhow]
- Mrs Evans, Bryngwalia.
- Mrs Lewis and Evans, Pontshaen.
- Mrs Farrell and Mrs Davies, Landre
Also several nephews and nieces [?] listed including Sal Lloyd who I work out to be a 1R*1st cousin of dec'd.
Flowers donations included ' from Sarah, Hetty [my mamgu Sarah Davies/Jones and aunt Hettie Thomas] and all at Cwmgors.'
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Keith Lewin,who lives in Drefach, says the Llwynyreos family were members of Bethel Chapel, Drefach, and members were usually buried in Llanwenog Churchyard or Rhydybont Chapel cemetery, Llanybyther.
Presumably this is why so many baptisms/marriages are not on the Llanwenog church register.
Elizabeth Davies (Tirbach). Died 1925
Funeral report from 'The Llais'.
[Notes marked * added to aid identification]
A large assembly of sympathisers from far and near accompanied the remains to Siloam Cemetery, Brynamman on Saturday last of the late Mrs Elizabeth Davies , Gron rd.
The deceased lady died at the Swansea Hospital on Tuesday of last week following her admission the previous day suffered from internal complications. Of an affectionate nature, Mrs Davies, who was 62 years of age, had won the highest regard of the neighbours and all who had come in contact with her.
She was the oldest member at Sion Church, Cwmgors, and was a faithful adherent of the cause. Her husband predeceased her 22 years ago.
There survive two sons and two daughters. The officiating ministers at the funeral were the Revs. S J Leeke, T M Roderick, B D Davies and R G James.
The chief mourners were -
- Messrs Benjamin and William Davies (sons);
- Mr & Mrs Aeron Evans (daughter and son in law); (*daughter Elizabeth)
- Mr & Mrs J W Pedrick (daughter and son in law);(*daughter Hettie)
- Miss Betty Pedrick (grandchild);
Brothers and sister;-
- Mrs Mary Edwards, Ammanford;
- Mr & Mrs Dd Davies, Caerau; (*brother Dafydd )
- Mrs John Davies, Cwmgorse; (*Margaret Davies, brother John's widow)
- Mr & Mrs James Davies, Caerau;
- Mr & Mrs Henry Davies, Pontardulais;
- Mr & Mrs William S Jones, Landore; (*Is this Esther Jones/Davies who was adopted by Elizabeth's parents? And married a Samuel Jones)
Brothers and sister in law;-
- Mr & Mrs John Davies, Porthyrhyd; (*This is Elizabeth's deceased husband Daniel's brother)
Cousins;-
- Mr William Davies, Cwmgors; (*Possibly the son of Enoch, latter was Elizabeth's uncle)
- Mr & Mrs Dd Jones, Cwmgorse; (*Probably Jane Davies (Dau of Enoch), cousin to Elizabeth, who married a Dafydd Jones and lived in Cwmgors)
- Mr John Thomas, Ystalyfera;
- Mr & Mrs John Davies, Cwmllynfell;
- |Mr & Mrs John Price, Pontardulais;
- Mr William Evans, Ammanford;
- Mr Wm Davies, Ammanford;
- Mrs John Thomas, Ammanford;
- Mr & Mrs Henry Davies, Ammanford;
Nephews and Nieces;-
- Mr & Mrs William Davies, Cwmgorse; (*Probably the son of John Davies, Elizabeth's brother - with his wife Sarah)
- Mr John Henry Davies, M.E., Ystalyfera; (*Elizabeth's 2nd cousin - son of William Davies (son of Enoch), )
- Mr & Mrs David Harries, Caerau; (*Mary the dau of Dafydd - Elizabeth's brother)
- Mr William Davies, Maesteg;(*son of Dafydd - Elizabeth's brother)
- Mr P Davies, Caerau; (*Philip, son of Dafydd - Elizabeth's brother)
- Mr & Mrs Owen Humphreys, Caerau; (*Margaret Humphreys was the dau of Dafydd, Elizabeth's brother who lived in Caerau)
- Mr Benjamin Garnon, Maesteg; (*son of Esther who was a dau of Dafydd - Elizabeth's brother)
- Mr Llynfi Davies, Caerau; (*son of Dafydd - Elizabeth's brother)
- Miss Edith Davies, Mr & Mrs Griff Roberts, Caerau; (*Edith is possibly the dau of James, Elizabeth's brother and Mrs Griff Roberts would be Winifred, Edith's sister)
- Mr Rees Jones, Ammanford; (*Husband of Mary Ann who was the dau of Mary Edwards, Elizabeth's sister?)
- Mr David Sims, Morriston; (*presumably connected to the Mrs Linda Sims listed as a cousin in the funeral report of Bessie Evans - Elizabeth's dau. Linda being a dau of Esther Jones, Elizabeth's adopted sister)
- Rev William Davies, Sketty;
- Mr Ben Thomas, Neath; (*son of Elizabeth's deceased husband Daniel's sister Elizabeth)
- Mr David John Thomas, Neath; (*son of Elizabeth's deceased husband Daniel's sister Elizabeth)
- Mr B Davies, Mr John Davies, Mr & Mrs Thomas Evans, Porthyrhyd; (*These are presumably connected to Elizabeth's deceased husband Daniel's brother John, see above, also of Porthyrhyd)
- Mrs J Roberts, Tylorstown;
- Mr & Mrs Evans, Llangyfelach;
- Mr & Mrs Charles Davies, Skewen;
- Mr David Edwards, Abertillery; (*son of Mary Edwards, Elizabeth's sister)
- Mr & Mrs Harry Haines, Mrs Tom Hughes, Ammanford; (*Harry is the son of Elizabeth's deceased husband Daniel's sister Margaret)
- Mr & Mrs David Spencer, Cwmgorse;
- Mrs Evan Williams, Ystalyfera;
- Mr David R Thomas, Ystalyfera;
Friends;-
- Mr & Mrs William Pedrick, Cwmllynfell;
- Mr Sims, Morriston;
- Mrs E Fowler, Ammanford;
- Mr & Mrs T Morgans, Garnant;
- Mr & Mrs Dd Jones, Gwauncaegurwen; (*Pwllywrach Farm ?)
Beautiful wreaths were received from ;-
- Children;
- Margaret and family, Cwmgorse; (*Margaret Davies, widow of brother John?)
- Mr & Mrs Morgans, Garnant;
- Mr David Jones and family
- Brother and sister;- William and Esther; (*?? Is this brother William who didn't attend the funeral? And adopted sister Esther?)
- Neighbours and Friends;
- Brother David and family, Caerau;
- Betty Pedrick (grandchild)
The undertaker was Mr Roger R Walters.
The children of the departed wish to thank all kind friends for their expressions of sympathy and floral tributes in their sad bereavement.