Tragedies and Obituaries
Lead Miner Killed By Fall - Williams Evans
Terrible Accident - Inquest - Explosion in Carmarthenshire - William Beswetherick and John Lewarne
Inquest On A Rhandirmwyn Miner - Charles Bettinson
Obituary of Captain Joseph Argall
Terrible Accident - Inquest - Explosion in Carmarthenshire - William Beswetherick and John Lewarne
Inquest On A Rhandirmwyn Miner - Charles Bettinson
Obituary of Captain Joseph Argall
Lead Miner Killed By Fall
RHANDIRMWYN INQUEST
LEAD MINER KILLED BY FALL
LEAD MINER KILLED BY FALL
On Wednesday in last week at the School-room, Rhandirmwyn, near Llandovery, Mr T. H. Powell, Llandilo, the district coroner, held an inquest on the body of Mr William Evans, of Cwmsaithe, (Cwmsaethau), Rhandirmwyn, a lead miner, who succumbed to injuries received whilst working in the Nantymwyn Lead Mines on the preceding Monday.
Mr Isaac Thomas, headmaster of the Rhandirmwyn School, acted as foreman of the jury. Mr T. Walden, Inspector of Mines, Neath was present whilst Mr J. Phillips, Town Clerk, Llandovery, represented the Nantymwyn Lead Mines Company and Mr A. Pryse Davies, solicitor, Llandovery looked after the interest of the widow and family.
Mr David Rees Evans, 7 King’s Road, Llandovery, ironmonger and plumber, gave evidence of identification and said deceased who was his brother lived at Cwmsaithe, Rhandirmwyn and was a lead miner. He was 48 years of age, a married man with a wife and two children. The deceased had been regularly employed as a lead-miner at the Nantymwyn Mines since the war terminated. He (witness) believed that he was insured. He did not know anything about the accident.
Questioned by the Inspector of Mines, witness said his brother was employed at Llandybie Colliery as a haulier and repairer prior to his present employment. The hearing and eyesight of the deceased was good, and he was physically fit and active.
WORKMATE’S STORY
Mr David Evan Jones, 2 Pannau-street, Rhandirmwyn, stated that he was a lead-miner at the Nantymwyn Mines. He had been there three years and this was his first employment. He was working with the deceased at the time of the accident, going down with the deceased at three o’clock in the afternoon, and he went to the South Lode middle level. His work was ripping, and taking the loose stuff away after the morning blasting. Anything loose on the floor and sides was also taken away. Witness put it on one side and used a pickaxe, shovel and bar. He was with the deceased the whole time, and acted under his orders. He saw the deceased taking precautions by testing and tapping so that he might feel convinced that the place was safe to work in. The deceased did this with the handle of the shovel. He could tell the difference by the sound if unsafe.
He heard the deceased remark that it sounded very solid. When the deceased was testing the roof, he (witness) was five to six feet away, and could hear what the sound was. When the accident occurred they had been working for about three hours. This would be about six o’clock. He did not hear anything, but happened to look round and saw the roof fallen. The deceased was right underneath the fall and had no chance to save himself. There was another man working with him, Roger Evans Jones, who was his partner. They were both working at the same job, with about four feet between them. There was a difference in the work carried out by the deceased and their work. The deceased was ripping and shovelling, whilst he was shovelling only. It required more experience in ripping. Roger Evans Jones was hurt but not fatally. Witness succeeded in clearing the stuff off Jones, as he was nearer to him than the deceased and consequently went to him first. Jones complained that he had injured his legs. The deceased was completely covered with the fall, and as no one was near, it was useless calling for help. He did all he possibly could to uncover the deceased. There were large stones on him, and witness managed to get everything away but what was lying on his feet. It took him about twenty minutes to do so. Failing to clear all the stones away he went for help to the shaft.
Deceased was then conscious, and asked witness to clear him and asked how his pal Roger Evans Jones was. Deceased was bleeding in the face, but at first he did not think that the deceased was badly injured. Witness ran a distance of 500 yards (450 metres) for assistance which came at once. From the time he left the deceased and secured help something like five to six minutes had transpired. Witness had not used any explosives, neither had the deceased done so during the shift. The thickness of the roof was 12 to 15 inches.
Questioned by the Inspector, witness said he was 19 years of age, and during the three years he was employed he worked underground, and part time on the surface. He left ripping or breaking down work for two months and was working on the roads and handling drams where then men worked. His work was not specific. He used an acetylene lamp. He did not fill any bogeys (drams) on the day of the accident.
All he did that day was to help the deceased, so he knew all that had occurred. The deceased started ripping the top at the outer end and went forward about seven feet. This took from 3.30 to 6 p.m. Five minutes before the accident the deceased had suggested going for a meal. They were then close together. Deceased went forward an arm’s length from him and used a pick at the bottom. He tapped the roof and the accident occurred where deceased had been picking the roof. The part above the deceased’s head fell.
A TRUSTWORTHY AND CAPABLE MINER
Captain Joseph Nile deposed that he resided at Nantymwyn House, and was a mining engineer, and manager of the Nantymwyn Lead Mines. The deceased had been employed by the company for nine to ten years, and was an experienced underground man. He had observed him on different occasions and found him to be a very trustworthy miner. In fact the deceased was one of the best he had had the privilege to employ. He was quite capable and safe. The size of the opening was five feet high and five feet wide, which was a reasonable height. The system of working was overhang picking on an overhead lode. On the day shift preceding the accident eleven shots had been drilled and fired at the far end of the stope which was 60 feet long. The length would be effected 20 feet stope, and the blast on this account would free from 30 to 50 tons.
Witness visited the place at 10 o’clock on the morning of the accident when drilling was proceeding. Mr Franklin, the foreman sent the men to the places as he was deputed to do so. They were given instructions to take down all the loose materials, which would necessitate the using of bars and picks. The picks were used for pulling down and testing as well. He had been in the section where the fall occurred, and saw no evidence of any carelessness. The roof was not supported by timbers. It was an accidental misjudgement and not a deliberate one on the part of the deceased.
MEDICAL EVIDENCE
Dr J. Glaister of Llandovery, stated that on the 6th inst. He made a professional call at Gwynfaes Farm, and was called from there to the scene of the accident. On arrival he saw the deceased and found that he was dead. This was about 8 o’clock. Witness examined his head and found bleeding from the ear and nose, and a few cuts about the face. He died through the base of the skull being fractured.
The Coroner, in summing up, said it was one of those unfortunate accidents which occurred sometimes. In this case he was satisfied that it was not due through carelessness and apparently could not be avoided.
The jury returned a verdict that the deceased was accidentally killed through the fall of the roof causing a fractured base of the skull, and that there was no lack of care on the part of the management of the mine.
The Coroner – I quite agree with your verdict.
Mr J. Phillips on behalf of the company expressed the deepest sympathy with the widow and family in their sad and unfortunate bereavement.
Carmarthen Journal 27th June 1930
(note) I was aware of this incident and sad loss of William Evans’ life as the witness David Evan Jones was my late father. He however never ever spoke about it and my mother used to tell me that on occasion, even in later life he had flashbacks of the incident.
It is said that one of the slabs of rock he removed off William Evans was so large that it took a number of men to remove it later. There is no doubt that a human can produce considerable physical strength when the occasion demands. At the time he was 19 years of age. He never returned to work in the mine.
Alun Jones
STOPE - An excavation in the form of steps made by the mining of ore from steeply inclined or vertical veins.
LODE - A vein of mineral ore deposited between clearly demarcated layers of rock.
Mr Isaac Thomas, headmaster of the Rhandirmwyn School, acted as foreman of the jury. Mr T. Walden, Inspector of Mines, Neath was present whilst Mr J. Phillips, Town Clerk, Llandovery, represented the Nantymwyn Lead Mines Company and Mr A. Pryse Davies, solicitor, Llandovery looked after the interest of the widow and family.
Mr David Rees Evans, 7 King’s Road, Llandovery, ironmonger and plumber, gave evidence of identification and said deceased who was his brother lived at Cwmsaithe, Rhandirmwyn and was a lead miner. He was 48 years of age, a married man with a wife and two children. The deceased had been regularly employed as a lead-miner at the Nantymwyn Mines since the war terminated. He (witness) believed that he was insured. He did not know anything about the accident.
Questioned by the Inspector of Mines, witness said his brother was employed at Llandybie Colliery as a haulier and repairer prior to his present employment. The hearing and eyesight of the deceased was good, and he was physically fit and active.
WORKMATE’S STORY
Mr David Evan Jones, 2 Pannau-street, Rhandirmwyn, stated that he was a lead-miner at the Nantymwyn Mines. He had been there three years and this was his first employment. He was working with the deceased at the time of the accident, going down with the deceased at three o’clock in the afternoon, and he went to the South Lode middle level. His work was ripping, and taking the loose stuff away after the morning blasting. Anything loose on the floor and sides was also taken away. Witness put it on one side and used a pickaxe, shovel and bar. He was with the deceased the whole time, and acted under his orders. He saw the deceased taking precautions by testing and tapping so that he might feel convinced that the place was safe to work in. The deceased did this with the handle of the shovel. He could tell the difference by the sound if unsafe.
He heard the deceased remark that it sounded very solid. When the deceased was testing the roof, he (witness) was five to six feet away, and could hear what the sound was. When the accident occurred they had been working for about three hours. This would be about six o’clock. He did not hear anything, but happened to look round and saw the roof fallen. The deceased was right underneath the fall and had no chance to save himself. There was another man working with him, Roger Evans Jones, who was his partner. They were both working at the same job, with about four feet between them. There was a difference in the work carried out by the deceased and their work. The deceased was ripping and shovelling, whilst he was shovelling only. It required more experience in ripping. Roger Evans Jones was hurt but not fatally. Witness succeeded in clearing the stuff off Jones, as he was nearer to him than the deceased and consequently went to him first. Jones complained that he had injured his legs. The deceased was completely covered with the fall, and as no one was near, it was useless calling for help. He did all he possibly could to uncover the deceased. There were large stones on him, and witness managed to get everything away but what was lying on his feet. It took him about twenty minutes to do so. Failing to clear all the stones away he went for help to the shaft.
Deceased was then conscious, and asked witness to clear him and asked how his pal Roger Evans Jones was. Deceased was bleeding in the face, but at first he did not think that the deceased was badly injured. Witness ran a distance of 500 yards (450 metres) for assistance which came at once. From the time he left the deceased and secured help something like five to six minutes had transpired. Witness had not used any explosives, neither had the deceased done so during the shift. The thickness of the roof was 12 to 15 inches.
Questioned by the Inspector, witness said he was 19 years of age, and during the three years he was employed he worked underground, and part time on the surface. He left ripping or breaking down work for two months and was working on the roads and handling drams where then men worked. His work was not specific. He used an acetylene lamp. He did not fill any bogeys (drams) on the day of the accident.
All he did that day was to help the deceased, so he knew all that had occurred. The deceased started ripping the top at the outer end and went forward about seven feet. This took from 3.30 to 6 p.m. Five minutes before the accident the deceased had suggested going for a meal. They were then close together. Deceased went forward an arm’s length from him and used a pick at the bottom. He tapped the roof and the accident occurred where deceased had been picking the roof. The part above the deceased’s head fell.
A TRUSTWORTHY AND CAPABLE MINER
Captain Joseph Nile deposed that he resided at Nantymwyn House, and was a mining engineer, and manager of the Nantymwyn Lead Mines. The deceased had been employed by the company for nine to ten years, and was an experienced underground man. He had observed him on different occasions and found him to be a very trustworthy miner. In fact the deceased was one of the best he had had the privilege to employ. He was quite capable and safe. The size of the opening was five feet high and five feet wide, which was a reasonable height. The system of working was overhang picking on an overhead lode. On the day shift preceding the accident eleven shots had been drilled and fired at the far end of the stope which was 60 feet long. The length would be effected 20 feet stope, and the blast on this account would free from 30 to 50 tons.
Witness visited the place at 10 o’clock on the morning of the accident when drilling was proceeding. Mr Franklin, the foreman sent the men to the places as he was deputed to do so. They were given instructions to take down all the loose materials, which would necessitate the using of bars and picks. The picks were used for pulling down and testing as well. He had been in the section where the fall occurred, and saw no evidence of any carelessness. The roof was not supported by timbers. It was an accidental misjudgement and not a deliberate one on the part of the deceased.
MEDICAL EVIDENCE
Dr J. Glaister of Llandovery, stated that on the 6th inst. He made a professional call at Gwynfaes Farm, and was called from there to the scene of the accident. On arrival he saw the deceased and found that he was dead. This was about 8 o’clock. Witness examined his head and found bleeding from the ear and nose, and a few cuts about the face. He died through the base of the skull being fractured.
The Coroner, in summing up, said it was one of those unfortunate accidents which occurred sometimes. In this case he was satisfied that it was not due through carelessness and apparently could not be avoided.
The jury returned a verdict that the deceased was accidentally killed through the fall of the roof causing a fractured base of the skull, and that there was no lack of care on the part of the management of the mine.
The Coroner – I quite agree with your verdict.
Mr J. Phillips on behalf of the company expressed the deepest sympathy with the widow and family in their sad and unfortunate bereavement.
Carmarthen Journal 27th June 1930
(note) I was aware of this incident and sad loss of William Evans’ life as the witness David Evan Jones was my late father. He however never ever spoke about it and my mother used to tell me that on occasion, even in later life he had flashbacks of the incident.
It is said that one of the slabs of rock he removed off William Evans was so large that it took a number of men to remove it later. There is no doubt that a human can produce considerable physical strength when the occasion demands. At the time he was 19 years of age. He never returned to work in the mine.
Alun Jones
STOPE - An excavation in the form of steps made by the mining of ore from steeply inclined or vertical veins.
LODE - A vein of mineral ore deposited between clearly demarcated layers of rock.
Terrible Accident - Inquest - Explosion in Carmarthenshire - William Beswetherick and John Lewarne
TERRIBLE ACCIDENT – On Monday last (28th March 1892)at 2 p.m. two men named William Beawithrick (Beswetherick) and John Lewarne, both native of Cornwall, aged respectively 25 and 33, were engaged in carrying down the shaft of the Nantgwyn (Nantymwyn) Lead Mine a box of gelatine dynamite of about 50lbs. When they had proceeded to within about 12 fathoms of the bottom the box, which was attached to a rope, slipped, and falling to the ground, exploded with terrible violence. Both men were rendered quite unconscious. After a time consciousness was restored, and they so far rallied as to be able, with the assistance of another miner named Morges, to return to their homes, when they were attended by Dr Lewis of Llandovery. Beswetherick, however, died about five hours after his arrival, and the other man about 2 o’clock on the afternoon of Wednesday. Lewarne leaves a widow and two children to mourn his loss. An inquest was held on the bodies at the Royal Oak public-house on Wednesday afternoon. Dr Lewis gave it as his opinion that death in both instances resulted from the same cause – failure of the heart’s action, caused by sudden shock. The inquest was adjourned ‘till Thursday (yesterday) to give the Inspector of Mines an opportunity to attend.
Carmarthen Journal April 8th 1892
INQUEST. - The adjourned enquiry into the circumstances attending the deaths of two miners at the Nantymwyn lead mines was held at the Royal Oak, Rhandirmwyn on Thursday the 7th inst., before Mr R Shipley Lewis, Llandilo, and the same jury. These consisted of the Rev. Ebenezer Morgan, vicar of Rhandirmwyn (foreman) ; Rev Rees Rees, C. M. ; Messrs Daniel James, New Inn; D Williams, Nantbai Mill ; John Harries, Errwhwch ; D Richards, grocer, Rhandir ; D Owens, schoolmaster ; John Williams, Pwllpriddog ; Evan Davies, Frongoch ; Daniel Thomas, Nantygwynne ; Morgan James, New Inn ; David Evans, Wm. Williams, Nantbai Mill ; W Thomas, Nantgwynne ; D Davies, Cwmsaethau. There was also present : Col. Cuncil (Cundhill) H. M. I. of explosives ; Mr Robertson, H. M. I. of Mines ; and the Chief Constable W Phillips, Llandilo. - The Coroner read the depositions made at the last enquiry by the witness, Henry Moyes, and Dr. Lewis, Llandovery. – Moyes was recalled and deposed that he saw Lewarne of the day of the accident on the 24 fathom level lowering down the 56lb box of gelatine dynamite. He then went back to his own level, and in about a minute heard a report. He speedily returned to the spot and shouted out “Lewarne,” the smoke was so dense that he failed to go any further. He gave an alarm and proceeded in his search for Lewarne, and having found him asked him if he was much hurt. He complained of a little pain in the back, and asked witness to go and look where Beswetherick was. He complied, and found that he had gone to the 11 fathom level. - In answer to a question by one of the inspectors, he said it was not the usual practice to lower the boxes to lower the boxes containing gelatine dynamite with a rope but that it went down in a skip. - Richard Liperit, another miner, said he was not aware of the explosion till about twenty minutes after its occurrence when he was told about it. He went to ask Lewarne how it happened. He answered, “ Foolish, foolish, foolish.” Three times. Witness asked “Foolish what”? Lewarne returned that the box got out of the underlashing while he was carrying it on his shoulder. Witness then went for trams to get the men out. Capt. Joseph Argall, under agent at Nantymwyn Mine, said he was in charge of the magazine. He took two 56lb boxes of gelatine dynamite and lowered them down in the skip to the men and stored them at the 24 fathom level. He opened one box and distributed the contents in 5lb packages among the miners. He then went down to the bottom of 36 fathom cross level and told Lewarne that there was a box of dynamite at the 24 fathom level, and for him to fetch it, open it, and distribute it among the men. Considered Lewarne a trustworthy workman, and one of the best in his employ. – The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence to the effect that the two deceased died from the failure of the heart’s action by a shock.
Carmarthen Journal April 15th 1892
THE EXPLOSION IN CARMARTHENSHIRE
Lieutenant –colonel Cundhill, R.A. Her Majesty’s inspector of explosives, in his report to the Home Secretary on the circumstances attending the ignition and partial explosion of gelatine dynamite at Nantymwyn lead mine, nr Llandovery on March 28th, by which two men named W. J. Beswetherick and J. Lewerne, lost their lives, says :- There is little doubt that the explosion was primarily due to a box of gelatine dynamite slipping from the rope when being lowered down the shaft. The case fell, at most, eight fathoms, but there was nothing to show how far it had been lowered before it slipped. Neither of the deceased was injured beyond a few superficial scratches and the medical evidence given at the inquest showed that they died from poisonous fumes. It was not altogether easy to say what caused the explosive to ignite, as there was no record of the simple fall of a case of such explosives when packed in accordance with the regulations being ignited or exploded.
Carmarthen Journal 27th May 1892
Carmarthen Journal April 8th 1892
INQUEST. - The adjourned enquiry into the circumstances attending the deaths of two miners at the Nantymwyn lead mines was held at the Royal Oak, Rhandirmwyn on Thursday the 7th inst., before Mr R Shipley Lewis, Llandilo, and the same jury. These consisted of the Rev. Ebenezer Morgan, vicar of Rhandirmwyn (foreman) ; Rev Rees Rees, C. M. ; Messrs Daniel James, New Inn; D Williams, Nantbai Mill ; John Harries, Errwhwch ; D Richards, grocer, Rhandir ; D Owens, schoolmaster ; John Williams, Pwllpriddog ; Evan Davies, Frongoch ; Daniel Thomas, Nantygwynne ; Morgan James, New Inn ; David Evans, Wm. Williams, Nantbai Mill ; W Thomas, Nantgwynne ; D Davies, Cwmsaethau. There was also present : Col. Cuncil (Cundhill) H. M. I. of explosives ; Mr Robertson, H. M. I. of Mines ; and the Chief Constable W Phillips, Llandilo. - The Coroner read the depositions made at the last enquiry by the witness, Henry Moyes, and Dr. Lewis, Llandovery. – Moyes was recalled and deposed that he saw Lewarne of the day of the accident on the 24 fathom level lowering down the 56lb box of gelatine dynamite. He then went back to his own level, and in about a minute heard a report. He speedily returned to the spot and shouted out “Lewarne,” the smoke was so dense that he failed to go any further. He gave an alarm and proceeded in his search for Lewarne, and having found him asked him if he was much hurt. He complained of a little pain in the back, and asked witness to go and look where Beswetherick was. He complied, and found that he had gone to the 11 fathom level. - In answer to a question by one of the inspectors, he said it was not the usual practice to lower the boxes to lower the boxes containing gelatine dynamite with a rope but that it went down in a skip. - Richard Liperit, another miner, said he was not aware of the explosion till about twenty minutes after its occurrence when he was told about it. He went to ask Lewarne how it happened. He answered, “ Foolish, foolish, foolish.” Three times. Witness asked “Foolish what”? Lewarne returned that the box got out of the underlashing while he was carrying it on his shoulder. Witness then went for trams to get the men out. Capt. Joseph Argall, under agent at Nantymwyn Mine, said he was in charge of the magazine. He took two 56lb boxes of gelatine dynamite and lowered them down in the skip to the men and stored them at the 24 fathom level. He opened one box and distributed the contents in 5lb packages among the miners. He then went down to the bottom of 36 fathom cross level and told Lewarne that there was a box of dynamite at the 24 fathom level, and for him to fetch it, open it, and distribute it among the men. Considered Lewarne a trustworthy workman, and one of the best in his employ. – The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence to the effect that the two deceased died from the failure of the heart’s action by a shock.
Carmarthen Journal April 15th 1892
THE EXPLOSION IN CARMARTHENSHIRE
Lieutenant –colonel Cundhill, R.A. Her Majesty’s inspector of explosives, in his report to the Home Secretary on the circumstances attending the ignition and partial explosion of gelatine dynamite at Nantymwyn lead mine, nr Llandovery on March 28th, by which two men named W. J. Beswetherick and J. Lewerne, lost their lives, says :- There is little doubt that the explosion was primarily due to a box of gelatine dynamite slipping from the rope when being lowered down the shaft. The case fell, at most, eight fathoms, but there was nothing to show how far it had been lowered before it slipped. Neither of the deceased was injured beyond a few superficial scratches and the medical evidence given at the inquest showed that they died from poisonous fumes. It was not altogether easy to say what caused the explosive to ignite, as there was no record of the simple fall of a case of such explosives when packed in accordance with the regulations being ignited or exploded.
Carmarthen Journal 27th May 1892
Inquest On A Rhandirmwyn Miner - Charles Bettinson
Obituary of Captain Joseph Argall
We have with regret to announce the death of Captain Joseph Argall, of Nantymwyn House, managing director of the Rhandir-mwyn Lead Mines, which occurred at the Llandovery Cottage Hospital on Friday morning last following an operation. The deceased was a native of Cornwall and 63 years of age. He had spent the greater part of his life at Rhandirmwyn and employed a large number of men at the lead mines. He was highly esteemed both at Rhandirmwyn and Llandovery. He was of a generous nature and of the highest integrity in business and was a striking personality. He will be sadly missed in the district. The funeral took place on Monday 4th inst. (Nov 1929) There was a large and representative gathering which testified to the esteem in which the deceased was held in the district in which he had resided for 40 years and loved so much. The internment was in St. Barnabas Churchyard, Rhandirmwyn. Among the general public present were the Revs. J. A. Jones, L.D., vicar of Ystradffin; J. Rees, B.A., vicar of Llandovery; E. Jenkins, vicar of Cilycwm ; Mr T. Roberts, manager of Lloyds Bank, Llandovery ; Mr Wickes, general accountant of the Nantymwyn Mine Company ; Captain J. Nile, who represented the co-Directors of the Nantymwyn Mine Company ; Mr T Jones, Castle Hotel, Llandovery ; Miss Jones, matron, Llandovery Cottage Hospital ; Mr E. Williams and Mr Ken Williams, Brynawel ; Mr J. Phillips, town clerk, Llandovery ; Councillor H. V. Watkins, Tycerrig, Llandovery ; Councillor J. C. Jones, Glasfryn, Llandovery ; Councillor A. H. Gower, Llandovery ; Mr D. Anthony, Llandovery ; Mr E. Roberts, Crown Stores, Llandovery ; Mr D. Williams, Vergwm ; Mr Griffiths, Swansea ; Mr W. J. Bound, stationmaster, Llandovery (representing the Joint Railway Companies) ;
Ex-Inspector Alfred Jones, Post Office, Rhandirmwyn ; Mr W. J. Stave, secretary, South Wales and Portland cement Company, Penarth ; Mr A. S. Philips, Penarth ; Mr Wyndham Price, Emlyn House, Llandovery ; Mr E. H. Griffiths, M. E., Sketty ; Messrs Jack, Harold and Bertie Jones, Castle Hotel ; Mr and Mrs Isaac Thomas, School House, Rhandirmwyn ; Mr Ronald Lewis, engineer, Nantymwyn Mine Company ; Mr Timothy Griffiths, Llandovery ; Mr R. Evans, Gwynfaes ; Councillor D. J. Lewis, Glancrychan ; Mr W. J. Grey, London House, Llandovery ; Mr T. Thomas, Cartef, Rhandirmwyn ;
Mr W. Jones, Alma House, Llandovery ; Mr Fred. Pugh, Garage, Llandovery ; Mr J Davies, Nantfforest ; Mr James Thomas, Troedrhiwfer ; Mr William Davies, Carngof ; Mr W. Price, Pwll (may be Gwernpwll) ; Mr Ivor Jones, Penrhyn ; Mr J. Bowen, Pwllpriddog ; Mr Thomas, Nantgwyn ; Mrs Jones, Penrhyn ; Mr Dan Davies, Pendennis, Llandovery and the Employees at the Nantymwyn Lead Mines. The mourners were : Mr William Henry Argall, Truro, Cornwall (cousin) ; Mrs Emma Jane Argall, Truro (cousin) ; Mr Wm. Herbert Argall, Truro (cousin) ; Miss Kathleen Argall, Truro (cousin), and Mr Charles Sydney Franklin, Nantymwyn (who for 17 years had acted as foreman at the mines).
The coffin, which was of unpolished oak with massive silver fittings, bore the following inscription :- “Joseph Argall, died November 1st, 1929 ; aged 63 years.”
The service at the house of the deceased was conducted by the vicar of the parish, Rev. J. A. Jones.
Outside the house the hymn, “ O Fryniau Caersalem.” Was rendered. The body was then borne to St Barnabas Church, the bearers being, Messrs William Evans, Cwmsaethau (sadly died in a mining accident at the Nantymwyn Lead Mine June 1930) ; William Renowden, Royal Oak ; William Evans, The Terrace (Nantymwyn Terrace) ; James Davies, Crincae ; Emrys Thomas, Troedrhiwfer ; James Thomas, Gelly ; David Walters, The Terrace (Nantymwyn Terrace), and David Jones, Plasnewydd. An impressive service was held in the church, which was full to capacity. The service opened with the rendering of the favourite hymn of the deceased, “Jesu, lover of my Soul.” The Psalm was read by the Rev. E. Jenkins ; the lesson by Mr T Roberts, Lloyds Bank ; and a prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Rees vicar of Llandovery. The service concluded with the Welsh hymn, “Gwel uwchlaw cymylau amser.” At the graveside the committal service was conducted by the Rev. J. A. Jones vicar of Ystradffin and the hymn. “Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau.” Was sung. Beautiful wreaths were sent by the following relatives and friends :- Mr W. H. Argall and family Truro ; Matron and Staff, Llandovery Cottage Hospital ; Miss Mary Franklin, Nantymwyn ; Mr T. Jones, Castle Hotel ; The Manager and Officials at Nantymwyn Mines ; Mr C. S. Franklin and family Nantymwyn ;
Mr E. H. Griffiths and Sons, Picton House, Sketty ; Mr and Mrs E. Roberts, Crown Stores, Llandovery ; Mr and Mrs E. Williams, Brynawel ; Mr and Mrs Thomas, the Staff and Scholars of Rhandirmwyn School ; Mr and Mrs Arthur Williams, Clifton, Sketty ; Employees of the Nantymwyn Company ; Captain and Mrs Ommanney, Rumania.
Carmarthen Journal 8th November 1929
Ex-Inspector Alfred Jones, Post Office, Rhandirmwyn ; Mr W. J. Stave, secretary, South Wales and Portland cement Company, Penarth ; Mr A. S. Philips, Penarth ; Mr Wyndham Price, Emlyn House, Llandovery ; Mr E. H. Griffiths, M. E., Sketty ; Messrs Jack, Harold and Bertie Jones, Castle Hotel ; Mr and Mrs Isaac Thomas, School House, Rhandirmwyn ; Mr Ronald Lewis, engineer, Nantymwyn Mine Company ; Mr Timothy Griffiths, Llandovery ; Mr R. Evans, Gwynfaes ; Councillor D. J. Lewis, Glancrychan ; Mr W. J. Grey, London House, Llandovery ; Mr T. Thomas, Cartef, Rhandirmwyn ;
Mr W. Jones, Alma House, Llandovery ; Mr Fred. Pugh, Garage, Llandovery ; Mr J Davies, Nantfforest ; Mr James Thomas, Troedrhiwfer ; Mr William Davies, Carngof ; Mr W. Price, Pwll (may be Gwernpwll) ; Mr Ivor Jones, Penrhyn ; Mr J. Bowen, Pwllpriddog ; Mr Thomas, Nantgwyn ; Mrs Jones, Penrhyn ; Mr Dan Davies, Pendennis, Llandovery and the Employees at the Nantymwyn Lead Mines. The mourners were : Mr William Henry Argall, Truro, Cornwall (cousin) ; Mrs Emma Jane Argall, Truro (cousin) ; Mr Wm. Herbert Argall, Truro (cousin) ; Miss Kathleen Argall, Truro (cousin), and Mr Charles Sydney Franklin, Nantymwyn (who for 17 years had acted as foreman at the mines).
The coffin, which was of unpolished oak with massive silver fittings, bore the following inscription :- “Joseph Argall, died November 1st, 1929 ; aged 63 years.”
The service at the house of the deceased was conducted by the vicar of the parish, Rev. J. A. Jones.
Outside the house the hymn, “ O Fryniau Caersalem.” Was rendered. The body was then borne to St Barnabas Church, the bearers being, Messrs William Evans, Cwmsaethau (sadly died in a mining accident at the Nantymwyn Lead Mine June 1930) ; William Renowden, Royal Oak ; William Evans, The Terrace (Nantymwyn Terrace) ; James Davies, Crincae ; Emrys Thomas, Troedrhiwfer ; James Thomas, Gelly ; David Walters, The Terrace (Nantymwyn Terrace), and David Jones, Plasnewydd. An impressive service was held in the church, which was full to capacity. The service opened with the rendering of the favourite hymn of the deceased, “Jesu, lover of my Soul.” The Psalm was read by the Rev. E. Jenkins ; the lesson by Mr T Roberts, Lloyds Bank ; and a prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Rees vicar of Llandovery. The service concluded with the Welsh hymn, “Gwel uwchlaw cymylau amser.” At the graveside the committal service was conducted by the Rev. J. A. Jones vicar of Ystradffin and the hymn. “Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau.” Was sung. Beautiful wreaths were sent by the following relatives and friends :- Mr W. H. Argall and family Truro ; Matron and Staff, Llandovery Cottage Hospital ; Miss Mary Franklin, Nantymwyn ; Mr T. Jones, Castle Hotel ; The Manager and Officials at Nantymwyn Mines ; Mr C. S. Franklin and family Nantymwyn ;
Mr E. H. Griffiths and Sons, Picton House, Sketty ; Mr and Mrs E. Roberts, Crown Stores, Llandovery ; Mr and Mrs E. Williams, Brynawel ; Mr and Mrs Thomas, the Staff and Scholars of Rhandirmwyn School ; Mr and Mrs Arthur Williams, Clifton, Sketty ; Employees of the Nantymwyn Company ; Captain and Mrs Ommanney, Rumania.
Carmarthen Journal 8th November 1929
Nantymwyn Lead Mine - Simon Hughes - Dafydd Dafis - Tragedies and Obituaries - Maps & Plans - Miners Homes
