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RICHARD JONES OWEN |
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FelRh078aAOGlasRO 31.10.2002 RICHARD JONES OWEN- GLASLYN 1831 – 1909. The family appears to have originated from the Dolwyddelan area, which is between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws y Coed in Gwynedd. Cadwaladr Roberts, a Yeoman living at “Coetmor” farm, which is at Roman Bridge, and his wife Ann had nine children. In 1760 the fifth child, Modlen, baptised 12th April 1734, married Owen Williams, and their first child, Cadwaladr, born that same year at “Coetmor” became known as Cadwaladr Owen. Cadwaladr married Margaret, the daughter of Owen and Catherine Pritchard of “Gelli’r Ynn”, Nantmor near Beddgelert who were weavers by trade. Cadwaladr and Margaret had six sons and one daughter, some born in the Dolwyddelan/Penmachno area and the rest after they moved to “Croesor Fawr” in Cwm Croesor near Llanfrothen, Merionethshire, where they were farming. Their last child, Magdalen, was born in “Croesor Fawr” in 1806, a few weeks after the death of her father Cadwaladr. Their first son, Owen Cadwaladr, went to work at his mothers old home of” Gelli’r Ynn”, married a local girl and “Gelli’r Ynn” remained in his branch of the Owen family until 1999 when the house was sold. The land had been disposed of some years before. The second son of Cadwaladr and Margaret, John, who had been born at “Talarygerwyr,” Penmachno in 1793, became a quarryman in Croesor. On January 11th 1823 he was married in Llanfrothen Church by Rev. Richard Pughe to Elizabeth Williams, the daughter of William and Margaret Lewis of “Cae Glas”, Croesor. The witnesses were William and Griffith Owen, brothers of the groom. Only Griffith could sign his name. Elizabeth’s father, William Lewis, was the son of Lewis Jones Mordecai whose family were weavers in “Tyddyn Gwyn”, Llanfrothen on the slopes of Moelwyn Bach . William and Margaret had been married in St Brothen’s Church, Llanfrothen, on 17th April 1773 by Rev. John Thomas. They had at least thirteen children but many died in infancy, including another Elizabeth born in 1775 who died at two weeks. John and Elizabeth were an ordinary couple and had little or no education. Neither could sign their name on their marriage certificate. They lived in “Llofft y Ty Llaeth”, a room over the dairy on the Parc estate. They had nine children, most of whom died in infancy, including two named William who died in 1826 and 1828 and are buried in Llanfrothen churchyard. But two sons, William and Richard, survived. Richard became the well-known bard, Glaslyn. His elder brother, William, became a mariner. Richard Jones Owen was born 13th April 1831, in “Llofft y Ty Llaeth” at Parc, which is near Croesor. In “The Births Register of the Baptist Church, or congregation meeting at Ramoth, and other places in the county of Merioneth” it says :- “Richard Jones, son of John Owen, by Elizabeth his wife, was born at “Llofft y Ty Llaeth”, y Park, in the parish of Llanfrothen, in the county of Merioneth. At whose birth we were present and Registered by Robert Jones Roberts; Catherine Roberts (midwife), Margaret Jones.” The main village of Llanfrothen was by the old church. Today only the church, the rectory and a few scattered cottages remain. The new village of Garreg Llanfrothen is about three quarters of a mile away with a new church. Richard’s widowed grandmother, Margaret Lewis, died in “Ty Llaeth” in 1833 aged 81 when Richard was nearly two. His grandfather, William Lewis, had started the first local Sunday School in his former home of “Hafodty”, Llanfrothen. Apart from Sunday School Richard had no schooling. He went as a boy servant to “Ynysfor”, an estate owned by the Jones family between Llanfrothen and Prenteg. By the time he was fourteen he was working in the slate quarries at Ffestiniog. When he had managed to save a little money, he went to learn to read and write at Capel Ramoth, on the road to Croesor from Llanfrothen. Here an old lame man called Owen Morus gave daily lessons for half a crown a quarter. Education in those early days of the nineteenth century was very difficult to obtain, and in his “Reminiscences”,written in adulthood, Richard painted a perfect picture of the poor man’s struggle for knowledge. He found time, however, to cultivate his native language, and his reading was very wide. Richard returned to the quarry where his partner was Robert Rowlands of “Plas Isa”, Penmorfa, a village near Porthmadog. Richard became a skilful quarryman. He studied geology and understood the slate seams. From about the age of eighteen he had a melodious tenor voice and he sang with the Llanfrothen choir. He also played wind instruments. Singing and competing with the choir he met his future wife. Elin was the middle child of John Jones and Catrin Williams of Beddgelert. They had five children :- William (Bleddyn) 1828, Elizabeth 1830, Elin 1833, John 1836 and Catherine 1841. John Jones was a miner. He was also the Sexton which meant he was responsible for everything to do with the church – the belongings, the bells and the graves. He was also the Parish Clerk and the Choirmaster of the famous Beddgelert choir.He was a keen and very able fisherman, an interest he shared with his friend the famous author Charles Kingsley. Elin was a charming and clever singer, a member of the choir and well thought of in the area. Her elder brother William (the bard Bleddyn), was a tailor at Llangollen. He was an antiquarian , geologist, local historian and collector of folklore. His essays were the basis of D.E.Jenkins book on Beddgelert. Richard and Elin fell in love and were married in Beddgelert Parish Church on March 22nd 1856 by W.M.Hughes. On the marriage certificate Richard is described as a quarryman of “Ty Isaf”, Llanfrothen . The 1851 Census shows him at home there with his parents and brother William. “Ty Isaf” is on the hillside above a leadmine where his father worked. Elin’s address is given as Church Street, Beddgelert. Both their fathers are described as miners. The witnesses to the marriage were Robert Rowlands (Richard’s quarrying partner) and Elin Jones. The couple lived at “Colwyn”, Beddgelert where they kept a bookshop and lending library. Here visitors could buy or borrow the best of English and Welsh literature. Charles Kingsley’s “Two Years Ago” and George Borrows’s “Wild Wales” were particularly popular. According to D.E.Jenkins (Facts, Fairies and Folklore), Derwent Coleridge used to stay at the “Goat Hotel” in Beddgelert. He was the editor of the complete works of the poet Coleridge, and Jenkins says that he was delighted with an article about the poet that he found in a copy of “Traethodydd” in Richard’s shop. Richard is described by writers of the time as being charming, lively and goodlooking. He studied hard and became a skilful poet. Many of his poems describe the beauty of the scenery around his home. In 1860 he won the prize at the well-known Beddgelert Eisteddfod for a poem about the beauties of Nant Gwynen as viewed from Craig y Llan. Jenkins quotes a few verses as translated by Rev. H.Elvet Lewis :- How varied the scenes that enrapture our eyes! Dark rock and grey precipice ruggedly rise, While the green growing sward, and the bright pebbled beach Lie sheltered below them, each mingling with each. On many a slope, see the wandering flocks, And the firm-footed goats in the ledge of the rocks; While shepherds each other will merrily keep With the skill of a dog, and the trick of a sheep. Pale stretches of grass to the bare heights ascend, And yellowing ferns o’er the dark rocks extend, While over their bosoms flow tiniest streams, Like silvery chains with a thousand bright gleams. Its brow to the heavens yon Snowdon makes bare, Queen of the wandering clouds of the air; How calmly it watches them all through the day, Arranging their places and marking their way. In Jenkins book appear a couple more of Richard’s verses translated by Elvet, this time about Snowdon:- Oh! Mighty Eryri, thy ramparts of old Were often our valiant forefathers’ stronghold: Our princes for refuge sought thee in their woe, While thy stones hurled destruction on many a foe. The precipice bare, the height where clouds meet, The storm-haunted pass, the peaceful retreat- In these are the chronicles written of yore How our forefathers struggled , what those forefathers bore. Richard sang in competitions under the pen-name of Alarch Glaslyn. Eventually Emrys, a well-known adjudicator, persuaded him to take the bardic name of Glaslyn. Glaslyn became a prominent figure in Beddgelert and his name was known throughout Wales as an able bard. He studied English and this opened a new world to him. He read the works of authors and poets and his knowledge grew. He met and made friends with famous Englishmen of the time such as Charles Kingsley. Some came to talk or stay at “Colwyn”. Famous Welshmen were also among his friends. The bard Glasynys was a close acquaintance. He had been born Owen Wynne Jones (1828-70) at Rhostryfan. He had been a quarry worker who had no schooling till he was seventeen. He became a teacher in church schools, eventually under Rev. William Hughes at Beddgelert. Glaslyn taught Sunday School in Beddgelert so they had much in common. They also shared an interest in antiquaries and poetry. In 1870, when Glasynys died, Glaslyn wrote a poem about him - “Glasynys Yn Ei Fedd”. He published his reminiscences of his friend – “Glasynys : Adgofion gan Glaslyn gyda Detholiad o’i Weithau” 1894, and edited his prose and poetical works in “Yr Wyddfa, sef Gwaith Barddonal a Rhyddieithol y Diweddar Barch O.Wynne Jones(Glasynys)”. In the introduction to his book “Straeon Glasynys”, Saunders Lewis makes reference to Glaslyn’s literary connection and friendship with Glasynys. Glaslyn also enjoyed the company of Dr. Edwards, Bala, Parch Edward Morgan, Dyffryn,. Parch D.Lloyd Jones M.A., Ceiriog, Tegidon, Llystyn and others. During this time Glaslyn did not lose touch with quarrying. He surveyed several small quarries and was for some time the manager of a small quarry at Dyffryn Ardudwy in 1869. Whilst living at “Colwyn”, Glaslyn and Elin had a son, John who was born 6th May 1857,and was to become the well-known bard Ap Glaslyn. By the census of 1871, Glaslyn and Elin (Ellen) had moved with John to 6. Church Street. John was now a scholar aged 13. And with them on census night was a niece, Margaret Roberts, aged 6, from Llandecwyn. Glaslyn is recorded as being a Bookseller and Stationer. When John was about 15, his brother Richard was born, and this appears to have caused problems in the family, as John, according to his cousin Bryfdir, ran away to sea for a while. In later years John and his father were reconciled. In 1877 Glaslyn , Elin and Richard moved to “Bryntirion” at Nantmor, near Pont Aberglaslyn. The census of 1881 shows Glaslyn, a quarryman, Elin and Richard aged nine, sharing accommodation at “Bryntirion,” with others with the surnames Jones, Williams, Davis, Parry, Evans and Griffith. The census names Jane Hughes as the Head , aged 68 – Domestic Duties, born Llanfihangel- y – Traethau. D.E.Jenkins in his book of 1899, describes “Bryntirion” as a row of houses. But Ellen Gellrina Jones (nee Owen), who has lived most of her life in Gelli’r Ynn, Nantmor, remembers “Bryntirion” as an area with three pairs of cottages. Today the pair at the rear, farthest from the road, are now one home and known as “Bryntirion”. The other dwellings have different names. After Glaslyn left “Colwyn” it was used for a short while as a private dwelling. Then in 1879 a Mr. Humphrey Jones converted it into a temperance hotel called “The Colwyn Hotel”. Glaslyn was involved with the opening of Cwmcaeth Quarry on behalf of the Welsh Company. In 1884 he lodged with Bryfdir’s widowed mother in Blaenau Ffestiniog when working in the Oakley Quarry. But writing was his first love. He wrote verses in memory of old friends. On two graves in Beddgelert cemetery he is credited with writing the epitaphs to John Roberts of the Lodge, Dolfriog, and David Pierce of Shop Newydd. He wrote articles for newspapers and periodicals such as the Welsh national quarterly “Geninen”, “Traethodydd”, “Llenor”, “Y Genedl Gymreig” and “Yr Herald Gymreig”. He also won many literary competitions. By 1882 Glaslyn , Elin and Richard had moved to “Pen y Groes” a cottage near Pont Aberglaslyn. The cottage was so named because the old road nearby divided at this point. It was a very old single-storied building covered in ivy and provided a home for two families, Glaslyn living at the end nearest Nantmor, with two rooms. It belonged to Sir Clough Williams Ellis’s family. In the late 1920’s he gave a perpetual lease on it to a Mrs.Gould as a 21st present, and her son has now inherited it from her. Ownership is by the Trustees of the Portmeirion Foundation. The census of 1891 shows Glaslyn and Elin with their son Richard, now eighteen and a quarryman, and their granddaughter Jane aged twelve, ( the second child of John and his wife Elizabeth who lived at Clegir near Llanberis ), living in “Pen y Groes”. Richard married and had a son named Henry Richard. Richard’s wife left him and he raised his son on his own , living at “Llain yr Eglwys”, Llandwrog near Caernarfon. In later life Richard married again, a widow from Liverpool with a daughter called Mollie, and is believed to have had two more children. Here in “Pen y Groes” Glaslyn was in his glory. He did some quarry work at first at Ffestiniog, and Glan’r Afon quarry opposite Rhyd Ddu, and helped survey the copper mine up Cwm Bychan at the back of his home. But soon he concentrated exclusively and seriously on his writing. Here he produced his best works and most of his articles. Surrounded by books and periodicals he worked day and night, writing and re-writing until he was happy with his work. Elin helped by keeping a peaceful and quiet atmosphere in their little home, and finding papers and books as her husband required them. Glaslyn continued to enter competitions and had a winning poem at the Eisteddfod Porthmadog in August 1887, among other successes. He studied old Welsh books, read periodicals such as the “Edinburgh Review” and “The Gentlemans Magazine”, and studied the works of Shakespeare, Dickins, Ruskin, Emerson, Carlyle and others. Glaslyn also corresponded with famous men on antiquaries and historical matters. He collected old china. In 1882 a baby was born in the other half of “Pen y Groes” cottage. Glaslyn gave the baby a present of a miniature china castle which has been cherished and passed down through that family ever since. The lucky baby was Jane, the daughter of William and Ellen Davies. Ellen gave birth to Jane at the home of her parents, Owen and Jane Parry who lived next door to Glaslyn in “Pen y Groes”. Glaslyn also had an interest in politics. He was a Liberal, and was himself an excellent and natural public speaker. He had a rapport with quarrymen and farm labourers and helped start the Union of Quarrymen of North Wales. He was a staunch Methodist and knew the Bible well. He taught in the Sunday School at Peniel Chapel, Nantmor. He had a talent for prayer and a memorable voice. He taught singing and playing and was very moral and patriotic. All this showed in his works. His articles are considered by many to be greater than his poetry. He received praise all the time from Pantycelyn and John Jones, Talysarn. D.E.Jenkins in his book “Beddgelert- Facts, Fairies and Folklore” recalls meeting Glaslyn and his wife at their cottage. He tells how he found Glaslyn in poor health but still writing poems and articles for monthly magazines. Jenkins states that Glaslyn had a great knowledge about his country and countrymen, and he and Elin had fresh and vivid memories of old Beddgelert. Jenkins book was published in 1899, and has been republished to celebrate its centenary in 1999 by The Friends of St. Mary’s Church, Beddgelert. Glaslyn became friendly with a young farmer called Richard Griffith who lived nearby at “Carneddi”. Richard is better known by his bardic name of Carneddog. His wife was Catherine Owen and her father Cadwaladr Owen of “Gelli’r Ynn” was a cousin to Glaslyn. They had six children, four of whom died in childhood. Glaslyn wrote a poem entitled “Dyhuddiant Carneddog”, (“Consolation”), in memory of the death in infancy of the first child , Mary Ceridwen, who died March 2nd, 1890. Glaslyn helped Carneddog to develop his literary talents and encouraged him to explore the world of books, and later introduced him to O.M.Edwards, Bala. By now Glaslyn had a big white beard and wore glasses. His health was not too good at times and his hands were shaky. Carneddog became like a private secretary and wrote out many of Glaslyn’s chief works. O.M.Edwards paid Glaslyn a guinea a time for nearly fifty articles to publish in “Cymru”, a national monthly, many between 1893 and 1907. O.M. knew that much of the money went on drink but he never criticised Glaslyn and remained his benefactor for the last twelve years of Glaslyn’s life. Glaslyn was lucky to have the support of such an important man as Sir O.M.Edwards, M.P., a Professor of History, and editor of several Welsh publications and books, who gave great support and encouragement to many aspiring writers. The census of 1901 shows Glaslyn and Elin still together in “Pen y Groes”, now aged 70 and 68, with Glaslyn recorded as a slate quarryman. Next door, in the other half of the property were living Lewis Jones, 45, a slate quarryman from Four Crosses and his wife Catherine, 43, from Beddgelert and their eighteen year old son Henry Parry, also a slate quarryman. On 17th May 1902, Glaslyn’s beloved wife Elin died and was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining Beddgelert churchyard. Glaslyn was heartbroken. He became depressed and his health deteriorated still further. He was unable to continue living in the home he loved so much. Against his will and prompted by his son John (Ap Glaslyn), he disposed of his home, and went to live with John and his family at “Foty”, Clegir, near Llanberis in the August of 1902. On August 3rd he wrote to his friend Isallt “I go to Ap Glaslyn in Llanberis not to live but to die”. Unhappy at Clegir, Glaslyn went to lodge with friends at Penrhyndeudraeth. Carneddog continued to help him with his writings. Glaslyn’s work reflects his feelings at this time. He wrote a poem on loneliness, and articles on loneliness, poverty and old age. His work was full of true religious and moral truths - not a line in bad taste. Soon abject poverty forced him to move into the Workhouse, “Llys Ednyfed” at Penrhyndeudraeth, which today is a hospital called Bron y Garth. The Guardians paid him 5/- a week. The Guardians were people in England and Wales who were elected to administer the Poor Law. Each group of Parishes had a Board of Guardians. It was all abolished in 1929 and replaced by Public Assistance. An effort was made to obtain a Government Pension for Glaslyn for his services to Literature, but it came to nought. A press cutting of the time reports that the Prime Minister was arranging a grant of £100 from the Royal Bounty Fund. This would have been either Campbell Bannerman, or Asquith who took over from him in 1908. Both were Liberals and close friends of Lloyd George who knew Glaslyn. But it all came too late. In February 1909, on his sickbed, Glaslyn wrote his last poem “Pob Peth Yn Dda”. He died in the Workhouse in the afternoon of Sunday 13th March, aged 78. There was snow on Snowdon. He was buried with Elin on Friday 18th March in Beddgelert cemetery. The late Edith Evans, a famous Beddgelert harpist, remembered the funeral day. Apparently there was a great storm and a child was drowned in the river. The service was taken by the Rev. Robert Roberts in Gorphwysfa Chapel on the main road in Penrhyndeudraeth “in an efficient manner “.Several hymns were sung and “Mae nghyfeillion adre’n myned” was rendered quietly. Many prominent people of Penrhyndeudraeth were present. All the houses along the road had their curtains closed whilst the funeral passed, and also right through Beddgelert. In the first carriage were Bryfdir (cousin), Carneddog, Llysfoel, Mr Owen Cadwaladr Owen, “Gelli’r Ynn Uchaf “(cousin), Miss Jones,” Tanlan,” Llanfrothen and Ap Glaslyn(son). The second carriage carried Mr. Jones, “Llys Ednyfed “(Workhouse), Nurse Morris and others. The funeral was met in Beddgelert by Mr. Richard Glaslyn Owen (son) and Mrs. Owen, Mrs.Ap Glaslyn and three of her daughters ( Jane, Lizzie and Mary), and many others of the family, and Superintendant Roberts, Pentraeth. The service at the graveside was taken by the Rev. Robert Roberts and the Rev. R.Pryse-Ellis. Miss Jones, “Tanlan”, spoke of the sad occasion. A letter was read from Mr. Lloyd Rhagatt expressing sympathy with the family. Another old acquaintance, Mr. T.E.Roberts, “Plasybryn”, brought this part of the funeral to an end. And so Glaslyn was laid to rest in the land he loved so passionately. The Press reported :- “That one of the sweetest writers of Welsh prose, who kept himself outside the workhouse by his literary labours until strength failed, should die a pauper, is not a creditable thing to the Welsh people”. In November 1910 a stone was erected on Glaslyn’s grave by public subscription. It is made of slate from Gloddfa Canol, Blaenau Ffestiniog, and is the tallest in the cemetery. Above the inscription are carved two leeks enclosing a harp, surmounted by three straight lines denoting a bard. The inscription reads :- Er Cof Am GLASLYN, Hynafiaethydd, Llenor, a Bardd, Bu farw Mawrth 13eg, 1909, Yn 79 mlwydd oed. “Melus yw hun y gweithiwr”. “Hen Gymru Fu anwylodd yn ei ddydd, Anwylir yntau gan hen Gymru Fydd”. Hefyd am ELIN, ei wraig, Bu farw Mai 17eg, 1902, Yn 69 mlwydd oed. Cyfodwyd y maen hwn gan edmygwyr. Glaslyn was actually 78, not 79. Nearby lies the grave of Carneddog and his wife. After Glaslyn’s death, Carneddog took upon himself the task of collecting and sorting his works. His poems included epitaphs such as that to Mair Eluned, the young daughter of Lloyd George and his wife who died the 31st December 1907. There are scenic poems describing the views around Beddgelert, and many Eisteddfod entries. His articles covered a wide variety of subjects. They include famous local people, Welsh industries old and new, Welsh quarrymen and English labourers, old families of Beddgelert, the history of ruined houses, Llanfrothen Church , Snowdonia and its mountains, and the history of education in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In 1914 “Gwaith Glaslyn” by Carneddog was published, dedicated to O.M.Edwards. The list of subscribers includes Glaslyn’s two sons, Ap Glaslyn and Richard, grandsons William, Arthur and Henry Richard, and granddaughters Jane and Lizzie. There also appear the names of David Lloyd George ,( Chancellor of the Exchequer ), the three sons of Carneddog, and many learned people at home and abroad. In all, over three hundred and fifty names appear in the list of subscribers. The collection came to the attention of Ifor Williams in “Y Beirniad”. He said “I believe that Carneddog deserves all support in his effort to secure the memory of his friend and old teacher by means of publishing these selections of his compositions.All literary men are obliged to thank him for his selfless labour”. Bibliography :- “Gwaith Glaslyn” - Carneddog. “Beddgelert – Facts, Fairies and Folklore” - D.E.Jenkins. Newspaper cuttings collected by Elizabeth Glaslyn Parry (granddaughter). Memories handed down by word of mouth by family and friends. Compiled by Arfon and Angela Owen (great grandson and wife). Trawsfynydd. August 2002. |
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