FelRh060teuluWDaviesBD
22.5.2002 Draft 2
12.07.2002 D3
TEULU - WILLIAM DAVIES- FAMILY
Bryn Goleu, Gelli Goch Isaf, Croesor & Bryn Derwen, Minffordd (1811- 1893)
William Davies was the second child ( first son) of Margaret (nee Prichard) and David Williams - born at Garreg Fawr (625 431) and baptised on the 22.9.1811 at St Brothen’s church. His grandfather, a pioneer of Sunday school, was William Lewis of Hafoty. By 1813 the family had moved to nearby Hafoty and by 1816 to Ty Newydd Caeglas where his father died- William was just 10 years old. He had two brothers viz. Richard (1813-1882), See FelRh035. Griffith Davies(1) (1816 – 1891) and two sisters Lowri (1810- ),and Margaret (1817 - ). William was also 1st cousin to Richard Owen ( Glaslyn ) ( 1831 - 1909).
About 1837, William Davies married Jane ( nee ? ) who hailed from Penmorfa. The couple might have married at Penmorfa. There is no evidence to say that she came from Croesor originally.
The following events in the family history have been recorded
ca. 1841 Family moved to Tanygrisiau
The census of 1851 shows the family at Bryn Goleu Tanygrisiau, Bl Ffestiniog
Wm. Davies aged 40 born at Llanfrothen Quarryman
Anne (sic) “ 47 born at Penmorfa
David “ 13 born at Penmorfa
Anne “ 11 born at Llanfrothen
Jane “ 9 born at Ffestiniog
William “ 7 “
Margaret “ 3 “
Ellinor (Ellen) “ 3mo. “
· By 1855 they had moved back to Llanfrothen as Griffith was born at Gelli Goch isaf in that year
· 11.4.1860 Jane their 19 year old daughter died at Gelli Goch Isaf
The census of 1861 shows the family living at Gelli Goch
William Davies aged 49
Jane “ 57
David “ 23
William “ 16
Anne “ 21
Margaret “ 13
Elizabeth “ 10
Griffith “ 6
· 27.5.1869 Margaret aged 21 died at Gelli Goch
The census of 1871 gives the following details for Blaenycae, Siloam, Rhyd
William Davies 60 Quarryman, born @ Llanfrothen
Jane his wife. 62, born @ Penmorfa
Ellen 20 born @ Festiniog
Griffith 16 born @ Llanfrothen
· 1877 David Wm Davies dies aged 39
The census of 1881 shows the family living at Bryn Derwen, Minffordd
William Davies aged 69
Jane “ 77
Ann “ 41
Jane Grand daughter “ 16
William , Son “ 36
Hannah ?? Visitor
1881 Jane the Mother dies
1891 William Davies writes his will
15.5. 1893 William Davies dies at Brynderwen
William Davies was involved in the Sunday school movement at Llanfrothen, like his father and grandfather, William Lewis. From his will we gather that he was no ordinary Quarryman..
Of the seven Gelli Goch / Brynderwen children we see that Jane and Margaret died relatively young and were unlikely to have a family and issue. We are uncertain if David, who died aged 39, had a family or not - none were recorded on the memorial. Four of the children are mentioned in their father’s will in 1891/3. In 1881, we see Anne at home, aged 41 possibly looking after her elderly sick mother. Jane (grand daughter) was probably her daughter, age 16. William - we have no information. Ellen, was married to Evan Owen owned two house at Tyddyn Llwyn (a row of 8 house near to Brynderwen) Their death is recorded at Minffordd cemetery as follows - also Kate their daughter. EO & EO (dates from Nell Thomas, required). Janet Elson may be able to add to this history and also fill some details regarding Anne and Ellen.
Of Griffith Davies the youngest of the family, we have the following details from a book” The Welsl builders on Mersyside- a biography”:-
GRIFFITH DAVIES was a native of Llanfrothen, Merionethshire, and in his early life worked as a quarryman. He came to Liverpool about 1876 and was employed in a shop in Great Homer Street. He then became a joiner and worked at the bench, in 1880 joined Thomas Williams and established the firm of Davies and Williams. He was a member of Fitzclarence Street C.M Church in his early years and eventually joined Holt Rd (now Edge lane), where he was elected a deacon in 1901 and Moderator of the Presbytery in 1924. A strong man in every sense, physically and mentally, generous and kindly, ready to assist others.
When the parnership was dissolved in 1910, his interest were taken over by his son, Mr William G. Davies of Huntly Road. He was a wealthy man and had married twice. He had a son and also a daughter called Minnie.
Translation of Memorial at St Brothen’s Church:-
The family grave (D 026) is at St Brothen It is a double grave with a tall obelisk and railings. Recently the obelisk has fallen and damaged the railings.
In Memory of / David Williams/Tynewydd Caeglas/ who died March 11 1822 / 36 years old
In memory of Jane/ daughter of William & Jane Davies Gelli Goch Isaf / died April 11, 1860 19 yrs old/
Also Margaret their daughter / who died May 27, 1869 – 21 yrs old
Their son David Wm Davies (1838 –1877) aged 39
In treasured memory of Jane Davies / Dear wife of William Davies / Bryn Derwen, Minffordd / who died April 7 1881/ aged 73 yrs
Also William Davies / Dear husband of the above / who died May 15 1893 82 years old.
There follows an Englyn ( I will attempt to literally translate)
God, when the time comes- at the end.
From the grave resurrect us
The world graves doors
With one word, opens Robert ap Gwilym Ddu
We seem to be opening family doors today
It is surprising that Margaret ( Nee Prichard), David Williams’s wife and mother of William Davies is not recorded here
In his will William Davies had obviously instructed his executors that money was to be spent on the family grave at Llanfrothen
We have not seen any record of her burial in the Church record book. So, why is there no record? Was it an omission or oversight?
Did Margaret remarry and is she buried with her second husband – somewhere else. We do not know!!