Bwrdd Neges Archefol - Archived Messageboard 2012
Davies family Carregsawdde/Maes yr helfa
Posted by Anna Thomas on 21/1/2012, 4:57 pm
I'd be very interested in any information on my family. My great grandfather was born in Pencarreg but lived and died in Llangadock. He was John Davies who was born in 1833. He married Elizabeth Rees and children included Morgan 'Elias' who moved to Gelli, Rhondda, Elizabeth who died at Maes yr Helfa in 1946, John, William and David. John, my great grandfather worked on the railways and apparently went out to the US to advise on building railways in curves! He had certainly disappeared from Llangadock in 1891 to reappear in 1901, this time married to a Gwenllian. The family were Welsh speakers and attended chapel. If anyone has information on the family I would be very interested.
Miss Julia Jones' class of 1957 - photograph
Posted by Anne Wall nee Lilly on 27/9/2011, 5:10 pm
The photograph titled Miss Julia Jones' class of 1957 cannot be 1957 as I left Llangadog for Llandovery in 1956!
Reading left to right I am the 4th one in the front row - sandals and big bow in hair! My grandparents, John and Alice Lilly, owned the Sawmills down by the railway tracks.
I now live in the Ottawa Valley in Ontario, Canada.
Anne (Lilly) Wall
Re: Miss Julia Jones' class of 1957 - photograph
Posted by Berwyn Prys Jones on 15/11/2011, 10:51 pm, in reply to "Miss Julia Jones' class of 1957 - photograph"
Anne
The '1957' photo you mentioned must have been taken around 1954. The photo I added to this website in 2006 was taken in 1957/58 and Gwyn Lewis had replaced Mr Pritchard as headteacher (or 'mishtir') some time (two years?) before then.
It's rather a pity that Guto Prys ap Gwynfor didn't refer to that '1957' photo when he posted a message on this website some time ago - he might have been able to give us the exact year.
When I saw your message just now, the name 'Richard Lilly' immediately sprang into my mind, though I've only a very vague recollection of his face. Would he be a brother of yours?
Berwyn Prys Jones, Rhiwbina, Cardiff
Re: Miss Julia Jones' class of 1957 - photograph
Posted by Anne on 27/2/2012, 4:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Miss Julia Jones' class of 1957 - photograph"
Richard Lilly and his brother John are my cousins. They lived in the bungalow opposite what was Dr. Walter's home and surgery.
Anne
Re: Miss Julia Jones' class of 1957 - photograph
Posted by june stait on 21/2/2012, 12:15 am, in reply to "Miss Julia Jones' class of 1957 - photograph"
It's interesting to hear from you. I'M trying to compile Local people's recollections as out collage history. I'd ne interested in any memories you have which I could include. Email me on june.Waite@btopenworld.com please.
Memories
Posted by Rosemary Tully on 7/5/2012, 10:17 am
Hi from New Zealand.
Can anyone remember a house fire in the early 1950's? It was a farm house and my second cousin rescued her mother from the fire and was awarded a medal.
There was a collection and a new farm house was built. When I was a child I stayed there with my parents.
My grandmother was married at the Jerusalum Chapel, Gwynfe and Rev. G. Williams took the service. This was in 1910. If anyone has photos of either the Chapel or the fire etc could they please send them to this email address. Thank you for your time.
Rosemary Tully, (nee Hall)
New Zealand
Re: Memories
Posted by JDR Thomas on 8/5/2012, 7:22 pm, in reply to "Memories"
Yes indeed, we rememeber it well. The house (of Glanrhyd Meilwch, Gwynfe)was rebuilt, and it was only yesterday that I received a photograph (from the daughter of one of my 3rd Cousins, his family having lived at Glanrhyd Meilwch) taken on 2nd May 2012 of the new house and the adjacent block of outbuildings of roof covered with Solar Panels. The award was of MBE (or might have been the BEM - British Empire Medal now subsumed into MBE - Member of the Order of the British Empire). The Medal was presented by Carmarthenshire's Lord Lieutenant, and reported upon at the time in the Carmarthenshire Journal.
But who was your Grandmother?
Regards,
JDR.
Re: Memories
Posted by Mair Evans on 10/5/2012, 11:34 am, in reply to "Re: Memories"
I was at Glanrhyd Meilwch on Wednesday last week & took a few photos of the house. If you like, I can e-mail them to you. My Dad lived there between 1922 and 1930ish & then he moved to Godrewaun, a couple of miles along the road. We try to visit Gwynfe every year as Dad enjoys the trip. He will be 90 in September & remembers all his old haunts.
Re: Memories
Posted by Rosemary Tully on 12/5/2012, 6:29 am, in reply to "Re: Memories"
Thank you so much for replying to my post.
I have now found some of my late Uncles notes.
My Grandmother was Kate Fry and was married by Glyn Griffith Williams who resided at the Manse Gwynfe Cottage. He died in 1952 aged 77, his wife died in 1961 aged 87. I am sure I met her when we visited Aylwin and Eunice Williams.
It was Eunice who was awarded the OBE after rescuing her blind mother when fire destroyed the farm house.
Kate Fry's father was a Sidney Fry born 1856 Banwell, Somerset.(I have failed to find a death for him anywhere)
His wife was an Elizabeth Coles and it is this line that the link is.
Elizabeth father was one Isaiah Coles and Mary Carpenter,they had a lot of children one an Agnes married a David Evans. thier daughter Mary Ann Married the Rev. G.G. Williams.
I would love any photo's or more news. Thank you both so much. Rosemary rosemarytully@clear.net.nz
Gypsies on Llangadog Common
Posted by Daniel Lloyd Evans on 3/7/2012, 10:05 am
Recently S4C have been running a programme detailing the history of the Romany Gypsies in Cardiganshire (Y Sipsiwn). I attach two old postcards showing Romany Gysies camped on Llangadog Common near to the Sawdde Bridge. One of the postcards has a postal date of July 1941 the other is unused. The postal date would suggest that the postcards are depicting scenes in the 1930's/40's. Growing up in Llangadog in the 1950's/60's, I cannot recollect seeing any gypsies camped on the common although I do recall a circus once appearing there in the late 1950's. Do any older residents of Llangadog recall the gypsies or any other unusual events on the common?
Re: Gypsies on Llangadog Common
Posted by J D R THOMAS on 4/7/2012, 8:12 pm, in reply to "Gypsies on Llangadog Common"
Yes, it was quite 'common' to have gypsies (caravans with horses/ponies) staying over at Llangadog Common in the 1930s (my memory doesn't stretch as far as 1920s). The Gypsies parked at the east side of the Common (helping themselves to 'firewood' from Glansawdde/Bryncastell hedges). They weren't at all welcome, and I recall a printed Council Notice having been posted (to warn those the ones there against trespass). This was in the summer of 1939. I was reading the notice along with (the late) Ellis Richards when returning to Gwynfe on our bicycles from Llandovery County School, when one of the Gypsies came along and asked us to read the content of the notice to him - which Ellis did most proficiently. The Gypsy man went away - scratching his head! The site would clear, as the gypsies would move on after a few days and then another lot would appear at that east end of the Common.
JDR.
Re: Gypsies on Llangadog Common
Posted by Lloyd Evans on 5/7/2012, 12:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Gypsies on Llangadog Common"
I am indebted to Prof Thomas for his reminiscences of the gypsies on Llangadog Common. His reply mentions an Ellis Richards. Is this the same Ellis Richards that I knew who I believe was the father in law of Guto ap Gwynfor the son of Gwynfor Evans. Ellis was well known in the locality as a poacher par excellence and was always known as Y Dwrgi (The Otter)and his exploits and runins with the local water baliffs were legendary, a real local character. Can Prof Thomas confirm that this was the same person?
Lloyd Evans
Re: Gypsies on Llangadog Common
Posted by JDR THOMAS on 6/7/2012, 12:51 pm, in reply to "Gypsies on Llangadog Common"
Yes, it is the same ELLIS RICHARDS - a genuine person and an excellent 'tickler' of trout in the Clydach river near Jerusalem, Gwynfe. He served in the RAF (as did his brother RHODI). I wasn't aware of the Guto ap Gwynfor link; but 5 years ago I became aware of Ellis's daughter, named Haulwen Booth who authored the superb account "CAPEL BETHLEHEM (Dyffryn Ceidrych) 1800-2000".
Incidentally re Guto ap Gwynfor: in his brother RHYS's book on his father 'GWYNFOR' is acknowledged the role of GWYNALLT EVANS 1905-1983 getting GWYNFOR to have regard to his Welsh heritage. [Gwynallt, at the time was newly appointed Welsh teacher at Barry County School in succession to GWENALLT, who'd become a Lecturer at Aberystwyth. GWYNALLT EVANS 1905-1983 and I had the same Great Great Grandfather, namely William Evan WATKIN, born 1788 of 'Llwyncelyn' Rhiwfawr. GWYNALLT EVANS went on to the WJEC, being appointed Welsh Language Organiser in 1949, as one of the 4 WJEC appointments made in July 1949 in the Council Chamber of University College Cardiff to support the recently appointed H. WYN JONES as Secretary to the new WJEC.]
Maybe this 'tit bit of history' will be of wider interest.
Best Wishes. JDR
Llwyndu farm Bethlehem, Thomas, Jones or Williams family
Posted by M K (Kate) Rogers on 3/8/2012, 1:48 am
Hello, I would like to hear from anyone that has any information on the Thomas, Jones, or Williams family that lived at Llwyndu farm just out of Bethlehem in the early 1800's. William Thomas & wife Elizabeth nee Jones farmed the 99 acre farm of Llywndu. They had severl children. William died in 1863. He has a very grand tombstome at Bethlehem Chapel where two of his daughters are also buried. Elizabeth imigrated to the USA with some of her children. She died in Emporia Kansas, USA and there is a exact replica of Williams tombstone for herin a Welsh cemetary. So if anyone can help me I would be glad to hear from you. I do have some church records and census records. Thank you, Pace & Prayers Kate
Re: Llwyndu farm Bethlehem, Thomas, Jones or Williams family
Posted by J D R Thomas on 3/8/2012, 1:03 pm, in reply to "Llwyndu farm Bethlehem, Thomas, Jones or Williams family"
Hi. I have a note of a Marriage on 10 Nov 1848 at Bethlehem Chapel of REES WILLIAMS (of Gurnos) to MARY THOMAS of LLWYNDU.
Re: Llwyndu farm Bethlehem, Thomas, Jones or Williams family
Posted by Mary K Rogers on 5/8/2012, 3:03 am, in reply to "Re: Llwyndu farm Bethlehem, Thomas, Jones or Williams family"
J D R Thomas, Do you have any other information? William & Elizabeth did have a daughter that would have been 21 for date of marriage you gave me. Are you a decendent of this Thomas family?
Look forward to hearing from you. I am coming to this area of Wales in early Sept. this year.
Peace & Prayers
Kate
Re: Llwyndu farm Bethlehem, Thomas, Jones or Williams family
Posted by J D R Thomas on 5/8/2012, 6:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Llwyndu farm Bethlehem, Thomas, Jones or Williams family"
You say you have Census data. MARY was at Gurnos in 1851 Census, while the rest of her pre-marriage family were at Llwyndu (95 acres).
Regards,
JDR
Williams family
Posted by Rosemary Tully on 16/5/2012, 7:22 am
Thank you for the information regarding the fire at the farmhouse in the post - memories. Would anyone know what happened to Eric and Iris who lived in the new house after the fire? They were the children of Eunice (Elizabeth) and Aylwin Williams. cheers Rosemary
Re: Williams family
Posted by Rosemary Tully on 24/8/2012, 5:05 am, in reply to "Williams family"
Thank you to whoever past the message on, I am now in contact with Eric's son. Rosemary
John Davies
Posted by john glyndwr james Davies on 26/4/2012, 7:32 pm
Message modified by board administrator 27/4/2012, 9:12 am
i was born in the village in 1938. is there thare any one that remembers me? my mum and dad kept the Providence chapel before that it was 5 penygraig villas and after providence it was Rhydyfro. you all have my email. you will always be welcome to contact me. Diolch yn Fawr John
Re: John Davies
Posted by JDR THOMAS on 27/4/2012, 4:50 pm, in reply to "John Davies"
Interesting. Your parents must have been among the first 'Conucil' Tenants to Penygraig Villas (pity it wasn't 'Bwthynod Penygraig'. The land on which they were built was compulsorily purchased from my Grandfather who owned it (and adjacent fields that he called 'Caeau'r CASTLE' as he'd bought them from the Castle Hotel. My Grandfather lived at Penygraig, Llanddeusant, and he sold the 'Caeau Castle' shortly after the Penygraig Villas were built. Meanwhile he had the land for the summer 'haycrop' taken by horsedrawn carts to Penygraig for winter feed (and I recall that in about 1937). Also the land was for grazing cattle and maybe sheep.
So, that's a little bit of history for you - as to how they came to be known as 'Penygraig Villas' - built on a field that originally belonged to the Castle Hotel.
(Singed) JDR.
Re: John Davies
Posted by J D R Thomas on 29/4/2012, 9:26 am, in reply to "Re: John Davies"
POST-SCRIPT:
Of course, the 'CASTLE FIELDS' - on one of which
the three pairs of 'Penygraig Villas' were built would probably have been named after the nearby fascinating 'Llangadog Castle'.
Best Wishes to all at Llangadog - where my late father was 'schooled' by Headteacher 'MORGAN SCHOOL' towards the end of the first decade of the 20th Century. Mrs Gravelle of Queens Square was daughter of MORGAN SCHOOL.
JDR.
Re: John Davies
Posted by edwina allaway on 14/9/2012, 6:16 pm, in reply to "John Davies"
Hi,
Not sure if i have the right person but dates and village are correct.
Been trying to contact my dad who upto a number of years ago lived in portsmouth.lost contact when he moved.i was born in changi,singapore 30th dec 1964 and had a older sister tracey who passed away many years ago.
I would like to get in contact again as life is to short.i live in Arundel now with my new partner Scott and youngest daughter Sophie.
If you would like to get in contact please email me on edwina.allaway@yahoo.co.uk
Glansevin Mill, Llangadog
Posted by Lloyd Evans on 18/9/2012, 11:57 am
This is a message for a Mr Ian Jackson who last posted on this site on 1st. January 2008 regarding his family links with Glansevin Mill, Llangadog during the years 1864 to 1890. It would appear that we share a common ancestry and I have information which I'm sure would add to his researches. I can be contacted at daniel@daniellloyd25.freeserve.co.uk
Llangadog School
Posted by Lloyd Evans on 4/10/2012, 11:35 am
The article in the 'News' section re the garden at Llangadog Primary School brings back memories of a garden at the school when I attended the school in the 1950's. The garden was situated alongside the school playing field on land that now forms the playing area of Llangadog RFC. Schoolchildren of both sexes of my era were encouraged to get involved in the garden under the watchful tutoring and encouragement of Mr Rees a teacher at the school. I cannot recall what happened to the produce from the garden which, if memory serves was quite varied and extensive. It's good to see that so called 'old fashioned' teaching methods are being revived. Do other ex pupils have memories of Mr Rees and his garden?
Harris of Llangadog
Posted by Kieran Owens on 17/1/2011, 12:10 am
I have in my family papers the following statement about my maternal family line:
"John Harris of Llangadog married Anne Stephens in November 1774 in the wooden chapel on the river Twyi, at Llangadog. His original family name was Ris, one of the family being a Peer. Anne Stephens was Norman / Welsh or pure Norman. The Stephens were followers of the Earl of Vallance, Earl of Pembroke. The Stephens intermarried with the Vallance family and the Marshals (also Earls of Pembroke). The Harris family have the right on their grandmother's side to the Boar's head (as a crest) and the motto 'I Will Defend'."
Whatever about the possibly extravagant claims in the latter part of the above statement, is there a possibility that in Llangadog today there still exits any church or civil records of the marriage in November 1774 of John Harris and Anne Stephens? This couple had a son, Richard, who was born in Llangadog in 1775, as well as several other children including Thomas Harris; a daughter who died as an infant (possibly in Llangadog); and Henry Harris.
Also, if the Harris family does indeed originate from Llangadog, is there any local historian or history society that might know a little more of their history?
Best wishes,
Kieran Owens
copy@eventguide.ie
Re: Harris of Llangadog
Posted by June Stait on 2/2/2011, 9:46 am, in reply to "Harris of Llangadog"
I can find reference to Harries in the village.
1.
1852 gravestone "... and Carolline Martha Harries the disconsolate widow of the late David Lloyd Harries of Llandingad House, Llandovery"
2.
A war memorial in the church which mentions Pte Rees Harries, the son of Rees and Anne Harries of Currey Cottage, Llangadock. He died in 1917 of wounds sustained i the battle of Cambrai.
3.
The Court Leet minutes of Felindre Sawdde Court Leet (The Grazing Commoners meetings) mentions in January 1833 Rees Harries attended the meeting. and in July 1833 Rees Harry of Velindre attended.
4.
In "A History of Carmarthenshire" published 1935/9 by the London Carmarthenshire Society there is menton of two people having the surname Harry/Harries.
Does this help?
Re: Harris of Llangadog
Posted by Lucille on 16/10/2012, 2:29 pm, in reply to "Harris of Llangadog"
I know of a Walter Harris Wilson, living in Dublin and working in the Land Registry in 1911; I wonder if he may be some connection?
