People of the past
This page will give accounts of people who have in their own way influenced the history and the story of Rhandirmwyn. Obviously, Thomas Jones, ‘TwmSionCati’ is one of these characters but you will see that we have another linked website giving information about him.
Over the years many people have left their mark on the history of the area and further afield. We are including those who left to live in other parts of the world,many leaving in the hope of a better life in America and Australia. Many did make their mark and their stories are here.
Other moved into the area such as Sam Shaw who wrote an account of his life in the book ‘Guttersnipe’.
Captain H R H Vaughan and his wife Irene who were foremost in the protection of the Red Kite.
There are many more.
The local people who during their lives left their mark on the history of Rhandirmwyn will have pride of place. There are many andtheir names and stories will be added in due course.
If you are aware of anyone whose name and story should be added then please let us know.
Over the years many people have left their mark on the history of the area and further afield. We are including those who left to live in other parts of the world,many leaving in the hope of a better life in America and Australia. Many did make their mark and their stories are here.
Other moved into the area such as Sam Shaw who wrote an account of his life in the book ‘Guttersnipe’.
Captain H R H Vaughan and his wife Irene who were foremost in the protection of the Red Kite.
There are many more.
The local people who during their lives left their mark on the history of Rhandirmwyn will have pride of place. There are many andtheir names and stories will be added in due course.
If you are aware of anyone whose name and story should be added then please let us know.
Dan Theophilus
Dan was a local farmer who never left his square mile. He was however in his day an accomplished athlete and also excelled at Country Crafts such as stick making, hedge laying, wood carving and many other crafts. He also crossed the river Tywi on stilts to visit his land on the other side. Whatever he did he excelled at. He was a very unassuming person but also a remarkable one
More details of Dan’s life history will be added soon.
Morgan B Williams
This is the story of the Williams Family of Rhandirmwyn. The main character is Morgan B. Williams who was born in Rhandirmwyn and later left these shores for pastures new.
Initially Australia but later America where he eventually settled along with his bride from Rhandirmwyn, Catherine Armstrong Jones. The fascinating story is told by William R. Williams a descendant of the Williams Family from Rhandirmwyn. He lives in Ohio, USA.
We are grateful to William (Bill) for sharing the information with us.
Diolch yn Fawr Iawn.
THE WILLIAMS FAMILY FROM RHANDIRMWYN TO AMERICA
MORGAN B. WILLIAMS, HOME TOWN BOY MAKES GOOD IN AMERICA would have made a good lead in to this article but it would not do justice to all of my Williams family, who were born, worked and lived in Llanfair-ar-bryn Parish before coming to America. They come to life for me as I attempt to share in their happiness and sorrow, success and failure, joy and pride of family, and their adventuresome spirit in leaving their beloved Wales to American Shores seeking a better life. They took their mining experience to Australia, Pennsylvania, Canada and New Mexico and plied their trades there. I am the product of a Welsh American father from Pennsylvania who came to Toledo, Ohio where he met and married a Welsh American girl making me a proud American appreciative of his Welsh Heritage.
The story begins with William Williams my namesake and Great Great Grandfather, born ca. 1801 not of the County, he ventured to Rhandirmwyn and secured a job as a lead miner in in the Township of Rhandir Abbot (Rhandirmwyn) where he wooed and married a local girl, Rachel James in the Llanfair-ar-Bryn Church by Banns on August 23,1828, by Vicar William Morgan. William signed and Rachel made her mark. Witnesses were Rich. Jones and Richard Morgan. William would rise to the position of supervising and clearing of lead ore at the Nantymwyn Mine. His children received their basic education in the Cilycwm school. As Calvinistic Methodists his two eldest children. Morgan born September 17, 1831 and Mary born October 30, born October 30, 1833 were christened in the Cilycwm Meeting House.- Another son, Daniel December 8, 1835 was christened in the Salem Calvinistic Church.
By 1841(Census) family was residing at Pentwyn in Rhandir Abbot (Rhandirmwyn) with the following children, Morgan age 9, Mary age 7, Daniel 5, Catherine age 2, and William age 4 months(my Great Grandfather) Note there may have been another child who may have died in infancy some times after 1828. The last born was John in 1843. When in his early teens Morgan joined his dad working in the mine. His father was continually in ill health and died ca. 1847 and Morgan at age 16 assumed his father's position. Brothers Daniel and William would also join him in the mines to help support their widowed mother(an annuitant and farmer) and younger siblings.
Rachel remarried a William Theophilus and they had a son, Timothy born November 7, 1853. Her second husband, predeceased her prior to 1861. Timothy would work in the mine from ages 12 to 20. In 1856 Morgan sailed to Australia in search of Gold. He returned home in 1861 and in 1862 sailed for America. William would travel to Australia in 1864 and searched for gold in Ballarat. While there he wed Elizabeth Campbell from Glasgow, Scotland. Three children were born to them while there, Rachel 1865, Thomas 1867 and William (my grandfather) 1869. They would remain in Australia for nearly 10 years, returned home and sailed to America in 1874.
Morgan would marry a local girl Catherine, daughter of Joshua and Mary Armstrong Jones of Rhandirmwyn. Timothy Theophilus would come to America in 1873 joining family in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He briefly returned to Wales in 1878 and married Sarah, daughter of Morgan and Sarah William Williams. As to the remaining Williams, Mary would wed a Richard Davies, miner, and have 3 children, Miriam b. 1861, Elizabeth 1865 and Rachel. When Richard died family lived next door to Rachel at Pentwyn. By 1881 Miriam was living with Grandmother, Rachel Theophilus. They would come to America ca. 1882. Mary would later wed a Lewis and would remain in Wales.. She was still living in 1904 and that’s the last known of her. Catherine wed David B. Thomas, they had two sons, John R. Thomas and D. V. Thomas. She too came to America and as a widow married a David W. Evans originally from Wales. Daniel also made his way to Wilkes-Barre. Little is known about John after 1861 when he was listed as age 18 and a miners son. No details whether he emigrated and he is not listed in his mothers obituary in 1887. Some of the James may have emigrated too but have no proof of this.
My next article will be on the Williams’ in America along with Obituaries to follow which will provide extensive information on William and Morgan( with a sketch) who rose to great success in America. Morgan started as a coal miner, became a mine owner along with interests in a Canadian graphite mine. He was active in the Welsh Presbyterian Church (contributed $5000 for its rebuilding.) He was fond of music, had a good singing voice and was a member of the Heights Glee Club as a young man .He was involved in all aspects of community life and government and would go on to serve in the Pennsylvania State Senate and the US House of Representatives. Legend has it that when relatives in Wales heard that he was running for office, one commented “that he was too fat to run”. While a Congressman he championed the bill providing that coal companies pay every two weeks and also supported the bill for the abolishment of company stores. His biography by H.C. Bradby, 1893 concludes with, “Mr. Williams has become one of the most successful and influential Welshmen in the State of Pennsylvania.”
My Great Grandfather William. J. P. Williams, was the adventurous one who took his family from Australia, to Pennsylvania to Oklahoma where he had a cattle ranch and was superintendant of a New Mexico coal mine and back to Pennsylvania. He became superintendant of The Williams Coal Co. of Pottsville (Morgan's Co) and then became supervisor of a Graphite mine in Canada (also Morgans) and back again to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. During the Great Coal Strike of 1876 he was president of the Wilkes-Barre Miners Association. He would own his own butcher shop, contracted for delivery of mine explosives and was a mining contractor. When on such a contract, sinking slopes etc and giving instructions to his men he was killed when a large piece of rock fell from the roof of the mine in 1904. Hopefully with all of these names connected to Rhandirmwyn new connections might arise.... Perhaps some of the older lifetime residents of Rhandirmyn can make these connections.
Part two will cover the Williams in America. Alun, I probably will never visit Wales but have a sense of satisfaction that these writings help bring the Williams back to Rhandirmwyn.
William R. Williams (R. for Rowland), the maiden name of my Paternal Grandmother from North Wales).
THE WILLIAMS FAMILY IN AMERICA
Rachel (James) Williams Theophilus lived out the last five years of her life in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania with daughter, Catherine and her second husband, David W. Evans a mine foreman for 22 years with the Susquehanna Coal Co. Rachel died August 28, 1887. Like other family members she was interred in Hollenback Cemetery and her services held at the Welsh Presbyterian Church. Daughter, Catherine died at the age of 66 in 1903, survived by sons, John R. Thomas and councilman, D. V. Thomas. Miriam Davies, Rachel's granddaughter would marry Wm. J. Davies, have 3 children, Mary, Emily and Miriam. She would die at age 38 in 1900 in child birth. Morgan died in 1903 and William followed in 1904. Morgan’s brother Daniel was a builder and contractor in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Their half brother Timothy Theophillus was a tunnel contractor and served several terms as a Councilman at Large. He returned to Wales, married a girl from Rhandirmwyn and returned to America.
Morgan B. Williams the eldest son would rise from coal miner, to mine owner, community leader, State Senator and US Congressman. His first wife was, Catherine, daughter of Joshua and Mary Armstrong Jones of Rhandirmwyn and they had three children, Mary (Mrs. T.H. Griffiths), Rachel (Mrs. J.H. Williams of Scranton) and Benjamin F. his second wife was Mrs. Mary Edwards Davies by which he had one son, William. The attached Obituary is extensive in lauding his accomplishments.
Morgan's younger brother, Wm. J.P. Williams first three children (Thomas, Rachel and William) were born in Australia. He would return to New Mexico, Oklahoma territories several times, sons Daniel was born in Pennsylvania and Morgan in New Mexico. While in New Mexico, daughter Rachel, a schoolteacher would marry Ed. Edleman, a sheriff, remain there when family returned to Pennsylvania and died in 1902. William lost his life in a mine cave-in, in (1904). His obituary is also extensive. His widow Elizabeth Campbell Williams (Great Grandmother) died ca, 1924. Little is known about sons Morgan and Thomas who was once a member of the Mine Examining Board.
His son William P (b.1869). was my grandfather, who in his youth was a bronco buster and scout in Oklahoma Territory before family returned to Pennsylvania. He served aboard a Battleship, ‘The USS Indiana’ during the Spanish American War in gunnery and was decorated for his gallantry during the Battle of Santiago Bay. (Ironically some fifty years later I would serve aboard the Battleship, ‘USS Wisconsin’ during the Korean War.) Upon discharge he met my grandmother Ellen Rowland (b.1877) who came from North Wales at age 10. He worked for his father and carried explosives to the mines by horse drawn cart. While they were courting he actually took her with him on one of these deliveries. Needless to say, grandma was a very gritty lady.
The family moved from Wilkes-Barre to Kingston. (Regrettably a great flood destroyed all of their photographs). They had three children: William, (b.1900) Sydney b.1902 (my father) and Ellen.(b. 1916). In the early 1920s Dad came to Ohio and started a delicatessen in a large Toledo department store and served as manager. One day, William J. Hughes, a carpenter, came to his counter and they discovered their mutual Welsh heritage. Mr. Hughes family came from Penderyn and his wife.Ursula Morgan's family came from Glamorganshire in 1872. to Jackson County, Ohio. He still read his Welsh Bible. Pops was invited to church (Methodist) and Sunday dinner. It is noteworthy to mention that my grandfather had 6 daughters, two of whom were of marrying age. Father wed my mother, Anna Hughes (b.1906) in 1928 (Toledo, Ohio). My uncle Bill (b.1900, a plumber) and his wife Martha had one child, Margaret. who married, Raymond Dukinas. Uncle Bill died in1977. Aunt Ellen (b.1916) wed William Nast of Kingston, had three sons: William and twins Richard and Robert.
Aunt Ellen as the last living member of my dad's family shared my interest in a family tree and greatly assisted me in my searches, died in 2003. My mother died in 1970 (age 64) and dad in 1978. (age 76) . Grandparents, Wm. Died in 1945 at age 76. Grandmother Ellen at age 94 in 1971. Grandfather Hughes went to his rest at age 91 in 1962. However I sense that I may have helped the Williams family come full circle in the in the last two centuries and come home again to Wales (“We will keep a welcome in the hillside”) .I continue to search for more relatives in Wales and Pennsylvania. GG grandfather William reportedly died in March 1847 but I have had little luck in finding a death certificate or his place of internment. He was not born of the County and finding his place of birth could reveal his parents. Also interested in finding out what happened to Mary and John (Williams) and seek information on the James Family to add another chapter.
Regards..... William R. Williams(Bill)
Dear readers please accept my apologies for anyone I may have omitted for as the Tree grows its becomes more difficult to keep up with all of the additions.
HOWEVER FOR ANYONE MAKING A FAMILY CONNECTION IF SO INCLINED AND INTERESTED IN COMPLETING OUR FAMILY TREE ADD YOUR OWN FAMILY CONNECTIONS AND PROVIDE ME WITH YOUR INFORMATION.
Any information please leave on our guestbook page or contact us via e.mail [email protected] and we will pass on any information to William (Bill) Williams.
My Great Grandfather William. J. P. Williams, was the adventurous one who took his family from Australia, to Pennsylvania to Oklahoma where he had a cattle ranch and was superintendant of a New Mexico coal mine and back to Pennsylvania. He became superintendant of The Williams Coal Co. of Pottsville (Morgan's Co) and then became supervisor of a Graphite mine in Canada (also Morgans) and back again to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. During the Great Coal Strike of 1876 he was president of the Wilkes-Barre Miners Association. He would own his own butcher shop, contracted for delivery of mine explosives and was a mining contractor. When on such a contract, sinking slopes etc and giving instructions to his men he was killed when a large piece of rock fell from the roof of the mine in 1904. Hopefully with all of these names connected to Rhandirmwyn new connections might arise.... Perhaps some of the older lifetime residents of Rhandirmyn can make these connections.
Part two will cover the Williams in America. Alun, I probably will never visit Wales but have a sense of satisfaction that these writings help bring the Williams back to Rhandirmwyn.
William R. Williams (R. for Rowland), the maiden name of my Paternal Grandmother from North Wales).
THE WILLIAMS FAMILY IN AMERICA
Rachel (James) Williams Theophilus lived out the last five years of her life in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania with daughter, Catherine and her second husband, David W. Evans a mine foreman for 22 years with the Susquehanna Coal Co. Rachel died August 28, 1887. Like other family members she was interred in Hollenback Cemetery and her services held at the Welsh Presbyterian Church. Daughter, Catherine died at the age of 66 in 1903, survived by sons, John R. Thomas and councilman, D. V. Thomas. Miriam Davies, Rachel's granddaughter would marry Wm. J. Davies, have 3 children, Mary, Emily and Miriam. She would die at age 38 in 1900 in child birth. Morgan died in 1903 and William followed in 1904. Morgan’s brother Daniel was a builder and contractor in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Their half brother Timothy Theophillus was a tunnel contractor and served several terms as a Councilman at Large. He returned to Wales, married a girl from Rhandirmwyn and returned to America.
Morgan B. Williams the eldest son would rise from coal miner, to mine owner, community leader, State Senator and US Congressman. His first wife was, Catherine, daughter of Joshua and Mary Armstrong Jones of Rhandirmwyn and they had three children, Mary (Mrs. T.H. Griffiths), Rachel (Mrs. J.H. Williams of Scranton) and Benjamin F. his second wife was Mrs. Mary Edwards Davies by which he had one son, William. The attached Obituary is extensive in lauding his accomplishments.
Morgan's younger brother, Wm. J.P. Williams first three children (Thomas, Rachel and William) were born in Australia. He would return to New Mexico, Oklahoma territories several times, sons Daniel was born in Pennsylvania and Morgan in New Mexico. While in New Mexico, daughter Rachel, a schoolteacher would marry Ed. Edleman, a sheriff, remain there when family returned to Pennsylvania and died in 1902. William lost his life in a mine cave-in, in (1904). His obituary is also extensive. His widow Elizabeth Campbell Williams (Great Grandmother) died ca, 1924. Little is known about sons Morgan and Thomas who was once a member of the Mine Examining Board.
His son William P (b.1869). was my grandfather, who in his youth was a bronco buster and scout in Oklahoma Territory before family returned to Pennsylvania. He served aboard a Battleship, ‘The USS Indiana’ during the Spanish American War in gunnery and was decorated for his gallantry during the Battle of Santiago Bay. (Ironically some fifty years later I would serve aboard the Battleship, ‘USS Wisconsin’ during the Korean War.) Upon discharge he met my grandmother Ellen Rowland (b.1877) who came from North Wales at age 10. He worked for his father and carried explosives to the mines by horse drawn cart. While they were courting he actually took her with him on one of these deliveries. Needless to say, grandma was a very gritty lady.
The family moved from Wilkes-Barre to Kingston. (Regrettably a great flood destroyed all of their photographs). They had three children: William, (b.1900) Sydney b.1902 (my father) and Ellen.(b. 1916). In the early 1920s Dad came to Ohio and started a delicatessen in a large Toledo department store and served as manager. One day, William J. Hughes, a carpenter, came to his counter and they discovered their mutual Welsh heritage. Mr. Hughes family came from Penderyn and his wife.Ursula Morgan's family came from Glamorganshire in 1872. to Jackson County, Ohio. He still read his Welsh Bible. Pops was invited to church (Methodist) and Sunday dinner. It is noteworthy to mention that my grandfather had 6 daughters, two of whom were of marrying age. Father wed my mother, Anna Hughes (b.1906) in 1928 (Toledo, Ohio). My uncle Bill (b.1900, a plumber) and his wife Martha had one child, Margaret. who married, Raymond Dukinas. Uncle Bill died in1977. Aunt Ellen (b.1916) wed William Nast of Kingston, had three sons: William and twins Richard and Robert.
Aunt Ellen as the last living member of my dad's family shared my interest in a family tree and greatly assisted me in my searches, died in 2003. My mother died in 1970 (age 64) and dad in 1978. (age 76) . Grandparents, Wm. Died in 1945 at age 76. Grandmother Ellen at age 94 in 1971. Grandfather Hughes went to his rest at age 91 in 1962. However I sense that I may have helped the Williams family come full circle in the in the last two centuries and come home again to Wales (“We will keep a welcome in the hillside”) .I continue to search for more relatives in Wales and Pennsylvania. GG grandfather William reportedly died in March 1847 but I have had little luck in finding a death certificate or his place of internment. He was not born of the County and finding his place of birth could reveal his parents. Also interested in finding out what happened to Mary and John (Williams) and seek information on the James Family to add another chapter.
Regards..... William R. Williams(Bill)
Dear readers please accept my apologies for anyone I may have omitted for as the Tree grows its becomes more difficult to keep up with all of the additions.
HOWEVER FOR ANYONE MAKING A FAMILY CONNECTION IF SO INCLINED AND INTERESTED IN COMPLETING OUR FAMILY TREE ADD YOUR OWN FAMILY CONNECTIONS AND PROVIDE ME WITH YOUR INFORMATION.
Any information please leave on our guestbook page or contact us via e.mail [email protected] and we will pass on any information to William (Bill) Williams.
HON. MORGAN B. WILLIAMS OBITUARY
He was born in RhandirMwyn parish, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, Sept. 17, 1831. His first work was to assist his father in the operation of a lead mine. Early in life he attended a primary school but his education opportunities were limited and after being taught to read and write in the schools and beginning work and gained what he could in this way.
On account of the poor health of his father, William Williams, the subject of this sketch learned to supervise the interests of the former, and he soon had entire charge of the works. When sixteen years old his father having died , Mr Williams took entire charge of the works and he performed his duties so thoroughly that he made a pronounced success of the operations.
In 1856 Mr. Williams left his native land for Australia and after a voyage of 103 days landed in Melbourne. He walked ninety miles to Camp Forest, and at once began gold mining. For five years he laboured. In 1861 he sailed for home, where he arrived in August of the same year. In 1862 he sailed for America, landing in New York. From there he went to Hyde Park, Pa., (Pennsylvania) where he worked in the coalmines until the strike of 1865, when he removed to Wilkes-Barre.
Mr. Williams’s first important work in this vicinity was as a foreman in the Hollenback slope, which position he held for fourteen years. He was severely burned by an explosion of gas in this slope and the accident nearly ended his career, but he recovered fully after a considerable length of time.
In May, 1878, Mr. Williams with George and Fred Parrish, leased tract of coal land in the vicinity of Wilkes-Barre and organised the Red Ash Coal Co. Although some mining experts did not place much faith in the venture, Mr. Williams was persistent in the undertaking and the soundness of his judgment was evidenced by the success of the operation. This was his rich strike. The company erected two breakers, Red Ash Nos. 1 and 2. The collieries are still in operation and have been the source of Mr. Williams’s wealth. He was also president of the Red Ash Coal Co. and also the head of the Williams Coal Co. at Pottsville, which operated for several years. Mr. Williams has always been regarded as an able business man and so managed his large industrial interests as to continually merit the good will of the men in his employ.
In public affairs Mr. Williams was also quite active and also performed there responsibilities with the same good judgment and conservative foresight that characterized his business undertakings. He was a councilman-at-large and a councilman in Wilkes-Barre and a member of the school board. He was an alternate delegate to the National Republican convention at Chicago in 1884 which nominated James G. Blaine for the Presidency, and the same year was elected State Senator from Luzerne county by a majority of over 1,200 in a district which usually had a Democratic majority of 1,500. At the expiration of his term he was re-nominated for Senator, but declined. Rev. Dr. Edwards being tendered the nomination by the Republican county committee, the latter being defeated by W. H. Hines.
Mr Williams in 1896 was elected Congressman over John M. Garman and at the expiration of his term was re-nominated but was defeated by Stanley W. Davenport by a small majority.
Mr. Williams then retired from political life after an honourable record. In 1891 he was elected one of the commissioners of the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Mr. Williams while a Senator championed the bill providing that the coal companies pay every two weeks and also supported the bill for the abolishment of company stores. In Congress he drew up the bill providing for the government building, which is about completed.
Deceased was interested in a number of industries and corporations. He was president of the Grenville Graphite Co. of Canada; vice president of the Wilkes-Barre Deposit & Savings Bank and director of the Spring Brook Water Supply Co., and was also interested in the Vulcan Iron Works and other industries.
Mr. Williams’s first wife was Catherine a daughter of Joshua and Mary (Armstrong) Jones of Rhandir-Myn, (Rhandir-mwyn) Wales and they had three children: Mary (Mrs. T. H. Griffiths). Rachel (Mrs. J. H. Williams) of Scranton, and Benjamin F. His second wife was Mrs.Mary (Edwards) Davies of Susquehanna county, Pa., (Pennsylvania) by which union he has one son, William H. Williams. He is also survived by a stepson, J. E. Davis, and the following brothers and sisters: Daniel of Scranton; William J. P. Williams, Timothy Theophilus of this city; Mary of Wales and Mrs Catherine W. Evans of this city.
Mr Williams was an excellent example of a self-made man and entirely through his own efforts he got away from the pick and shovel in the mines and became the head of one of the largest individual operations in the anthracite region. His numerous employees of the Red Ash regarded him with high favour and he treated them with the greatest consideration. Himself having been a miner and a workman in about all of the capacities of employment he appreciated the feelings and needs of the men and frequentlywas found in their company. He aimed to be on good terms with all of them and whenever they had complaints to make he listened to them.
On account of the poor health of his father, William Williams, the subject of this sketch learned to supervise the interests of the former, and he soon had entire charge of the works. When sixteen years old his father having died , Mr Williams took entire charge of the works and he performed his duties so thoroughly that he made a pronounced success of the operations.
In 1856 Mr. Williams left his native land for Australia and after a voyage of 103 days landed in Melbourne. He walked ninety miles to Camp Forest, and at once began gold mining. For five years he laboured. In 1861 he sailed for home, where he arrived in August of the same year. In 1862 he sailed for America, landing in New York. From there he went to Hyde Park, Pa., (Pennsylvania) where he worked in the coalmines until the strike of 1865, when he removed to Wilkes-Barre.
Mr. Williams’s first important work in this vicinity was as a foreman in the Hollenback slope, which position he held for fourteen years. He was severely burned by an explosion of gas in this slope and the accident nearly ended his career, but he recovered fully after a considerable length of time.
In May, 1878, Mr. Williams with George and Fred Parrish, leased tract of coal land in the vicinity of Wilkes-Barre and organised the Red Ash Coal Co. Although some mining experts did not place much faith in the venture, Mr. Williams was persistent in the undertaking and the soundness of his judgment was evidenced by the success of the operation. This was his rich strike. The company erected two breakers, Red Ash Nos. 1 and 2. The collieries are still in operation and have been the source of Mr. Williams’s wealth. He was also president of the Red Ash Coal Co. and also the head of the Williams Coal Co. at Pottsville, which operated for several years. Mr. Williams has always been regarded as an able business man and so managed his large industrial interests as to continually merit the good will of the men in his employ.
In public affairs Mr. Williams was also quite active and also performed there responsibilities with the same good judgment and conservative foresight that characterized his business undertakings. He was a councilman-at-large and a councilman in Wilkes-Barre and a member of the school board. He was an alternate delegate to the National Republican convention at Chicago in 1884 which nominated James G. Blaine for the Presidency, and the same year was elected State Senator from Luzerne county by a majority of over 1,200 in a district which usually had a Democratic majority of 1,500. At the expiration of his term he was re-nominated for Senator, but declined. Rev. Dr. Edwards being tendered the nomination by the Republican county committee, the latter being defeated by W. H. Hines.
Mr Williams in 1896 was elected Congressman over John M. Garman and at the expiration of his term was re-nominated but was defeated by Stanley W. Davenport by a small majority.
Mr. Williams then retired from political life after an honourable record. In 1891 he was elected one of the commissioners of the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Mr. Williams while a Senator championed the bill providing that the coal companies pay every two weeks and also supported the bill for the abolishment of company stores. In Congress he drew up the bill providing for the government building, which is about completed.
Deceased was interested in a number of industries and corporations. He was president of the Grenville Graphite Co. of Canada; vice president of the Wilkes-Barre Deposit & Savings Bank and director of the Spring Brook Water Supply Co., and was also interested in the Vulcan Iron Works and other industries.
Mr. Williams’s first wife was Catherine a daughter of Joshua and Mary (Armstrong) Jones of Rhandir-Myn, (Rhandir-mwyn) Wales and they had three children: Mary (Mrs. T. H. Griffiths). Rachel (Mrs. J. H. Williams) of Scranton, and Benjamin F. His second wife was Mrs.Mary (Edwards) Davies of Susquehanna county, Pa., (Pennsylvania) by which union he has one son, William H. Williams. He is also survived by a stepson, J. E. Davis, and the following brothers and sisters: Daniel of Scranton; William J. P. Williams, Timothy Theophilus of this city; Mary of Wales and Mrs Catherine W. Evans of this city.
Mr Williams was an excellent example of a self-made man and entirely through his own efforts he got away from the pick and shovel in the mines and became the head of one of the largest individual operations in the anthracite region. His numerous employees of the Red Ash regarded him with high favour and he treated them with the greatest consideration. Himself having been a miner and a workman in about all of the capacities of employment he appreciated the feelings and needs of the men and frequentlywas found in their company. He aimed to be on good terms with all of them and whenever they had complaints to make he listened to them.
Sam Shaw
From Rhandirmwyn to Pennsylvania
William R Lewis and Jane ‘Jenny’ Lewis
The stories of Jane ‘Jenny” Lewis and Judge. William Lewis, Troedrhiwfer, Rhandirmwyn
Researched by: W. J. Richards (Florida, USA) grandson of William R Lewis
This is the story of the descendants of Joseph and Ann Lewis (nee Vipond), Troedrhiwfer, Rhandirmwyn.
No other details of Joseph Lewis.
Ann Vipond believed to have been born in 1804. Possibly sister of William Vipond who has extensive history in America. For more information on Vipond Family please visit website www.vieuxpont.co.uk .
They had two children namely;
Thomas Lewis, born 1830.
Rhys ‘Rees’ Joseph Lewis born in February 1832 in Rhandirmwyn.
On 16th November 1853 at Cil-y-cwm, Rhys Joseph Lewis married Anne Jones. She had been born in 1832 in the Parish of Cil-y-cwm..
They had the following children:
i. Joseph R. Lewis (1854) ii. Mary Lewis (1856). iii. Ann "Annie" Lewis (30 Nov 1858) iv. Jane "Jennie" Lewis (1862). v. Catherine "Kate" Lewis (3 Oct 1864). vi. William R Lewis (26 Feb 1867).
The stories of Jane ‘Jenny” Lewis and Judge. William Lewis, Troedrhiwfer, Rhandirmwyn
Researched by: W. J. Richards (Florida, USA) grandson of William R Lewis
This is the story of the descendants of Joseph and Ann Lewis (nee Vipond), Troedrhiwfer, Rhandirmwyn.
No other details of Joseph Lewis.
Ann Vipond believed to have been born in 1804. Possibly sister of William Vipond who has extensive history in America. For more information on Vipond Family please visit website www.vieuxpont.co.uk .
They had two children namely;
Thomas Lewis, born 1830.
Rhys ‘Rees’ Joseph Lewis born in February 1832 in Rhandirmwyn.
On 16th November 1853 at Cil-y-cwm, Rhys Joseph Lewis married Anne Jones. She had been born in 1832 in the Parish of Cil-y-cwm..
They had the following children:
i. Joseph R. Lewis (1854) ii. Mary Lewis (1856). iii. Ann "Annie" Lewis (30 Nov 1858) iv. Jane "Jennie" Lewis (1862). v. Catherine "Kate" Lewis (3 Oct 1864). vi. William R Lewis (26 Feb 1867).
The family emigrated to America and settled in the City of Scranton, State of Pennsylvania.
Rhys Joseph Lewis who had worked in the Nantymwyn Lead Mine, Rhandirmwyn had emigrated to dig mine shafts in the Scranton area.
In 1869 soon after arriving in America his wife, Anne died. She was 37 years old. He never remarried and the siblings were brought up by his eldest daughter Mary.
Rhys died on 15th June 1887 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
All the children married and raised families and their descendants are living in America.
This is the story of two of the children, namely Jane ‘Jennie’ Lewis and William R Lewis Both became well known and respected citizens of Pennsylvania.
Jane was very active in the Order of Eastern Star and Republican Party. (The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest womens organization affiliated with the Masonic organizations).
Perhaps she was the first woman delegate to the Pennsylvania Republican Convention. She was an outstanding business woman and founder of Lewis & Reilly, Inc. in Scranton. This was a large shoe retail business that opened its doors for the first time on December 15th 1888. She married Elias Evans late in life and had no children of her own. She died on 17th December 1940 in Scranton. The business was finally dissolved in 1987 just shy of its 100th anniversary.
On 20th June 1894 William R. Lewis married Josephine Lloyd a lady born in Scranton of Welsh parents, Joseph D. Lloyd and his wife Hannah (nee Jones), on 7th September 1869.
Rhys Joseph Lewis who had worked in the Nantymwyn Lead Mine, Rhandirmwyn had emigrated to dig mine shafts in the Scranton area.
In 1869 soon after arriving in America his wife, Anne died. She was 37 years old. He never remarried and the siblings were brought up by his eldest daughter Mary.
Rhys died on 15th June 1887 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
All the children married and raised families and their descendants are living in America.
This is the story of two of the children, namely Jane ‘Jennie’ Lewis and William R Lewis Both became well known and respected citizens of Pennsylvania.
Jane was very active in the Order of Eastern Star and Republican Party. (The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest womens organization affiliated with the Masonic organizations).
Perhaps she was the first woman delegate to the Pennsylvania Republican Convention. She was an outstanding business woman and founder of Lewis & Reilly, Inc. in Scranton. This was a large shoe retail business that opened its doors for the first time on December 15th 1888. She married Elias Evans late in life and had no children of her own. She died on 17th December 1940 in Scranton. The business was finally dissolved in 1987 just shy of its 100th anniversary.
On 20th June 1894 William R. Lewis married Josephine Lloyd a lady born in Scranton of Welsh parents, Joseph D. Lloyd and his wife Hannah (nee Jones), on 7th September 1869.
William graduated from the State Normal School now Bloomsburg State Teachers College in 1886 and finished the 2 year course in 3 semesters as he had insufficient funds for 2 years. He served as Deputy Prothonotary (The principal clerk in certain courts of law) under Thomas H. Dale. He clerked in law offices of Judge Gunter, Judge Alfred Hand, and William J. Hand until admittance to the bar in 1893. He served as District Attorney of Lackawanna County from 1901-1906.
He practiced law with his partner Herbert Taylor for many years in the firm of Taylor & Lewis. He ran unsuccessfully for judge but was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Judge Maxey by Governor John Fisher on December 9, 1930. Was successfully elected to a second term as Judge in the Court of Common Pleas in 1932 (Governor Gifford Pinchot signed his commission) and died from a heart attack (coronary thrombosis) soon after his retirement from office on September 17, 1942. His portrait formerly hung in Court Room No. 1 of the Lackawanna County Court House in Scranton, but now hangs in the Family Law court room in the Administrative Law Building in Scranton.
He was a very successful lawyer and businessman. William owned coal mines in Illinois and was owner with his sister Jane in the shoe business, Lewis & Reilly, Inc. Had a reputation of great honesty as a lawyer & jurist. He could speak Welsh but did not speak it with his children as he felt English was spoken in America, but he was active in Welsh circles and was a Mason. He belonged to the Welsh Baptist Church of Scranton and an active church participant until children were born, then he used Sundays to work around the home and parenting. He had a habit of walking down the street with his hands clasped behind his back. He did not drive a car, but had a chauffer, ‘Shink’ Davis, or his daughter Gertrude drove.
He practiced law with his partner Herbert Taylor for many years in the firm of Taylor & Lewis. He ran unsuccessfully for judge but was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Judge Maxey by Governor John Fisher on December 9, 1930. Was successfully elected to a second term as Judge in the Court of Common Pleas in 1932 (Governor Gifford Pinchot signed his commission) and died from a heart attack (coronary thrombosis) soon after his retirement from office on September 17, 1942. His portrait formerly hung in Court Room No. 1 of the Lackawanna County Court House in Scranton, but now hangs in the Family Law court room in the Administrative Law Building in Scranton.
He was a very successful lawyer and businessman. William owned coal mines in Illinois and was owner with his sister Jane in the shoe business, Lewis & Reilly, Inc. Had a reputation of great honesty as a lawyer & jurist. He could speak Welsh but did not speak it with his children as he felt English was spoken in America, but he was active in Welsh circles and was a Mason. He belonged to the Welsh Baptist Church of Scranton and an active church participant until children were born, then he used Sundays to work around the home and parenting. He had a habit of walking down the street with his hands clasped behind his back. He did not drive a car, but had a chauffer, ‘Shink’ Davis, or his daughter Gertrude drove.
William and Josephine had the following children They had the following children all born and died in Scraanton: Hannah (1896-1897), Mary Lloyd Lewis (1898-1954), Ruth Josephine (1901-1988), Gertrude (1905-1960),
and William (1910-1911). Only Ruth married and had one son, William ‘Bill’ Joseph Richards, who supplied this information.
We are very grateful to Bill for supplying the information about the Lewis family. There is much more which has not at this stage been included on the website. We are in the process of compiling the Lewis Family Tree. If you are researching the Lewis Family from Rhandirmwyn and you need further information please contact the website or Bill at [email protected]..
and William (1910-1911). Only Ruth married and had one son, William ‘Bill’ Joseph Richards, who supplied this information.
We are very grateful to Bill for supplying the information about the Lewis family. There is much more which has not at this stage been included on the website. We are in the process of compiling the Lewis Family Tree. If you are researching the Lewis Family from Rhandirmwyn and you need further information please contact the website or Bill at [email protected]..
William R Lewis obituary
Death Closes Brilliant Career
HON. WILLIAM R. LEWIS Of all the men who have served on the Lackawana County Bench none was closer to the people than former Judge William R. Lewis who died last night and whose passing was a great shock to the community. Judge Lewis came up the hard way and never forgot either his early environment or the group from which he had sprung. He was a friend of the poor. He found satisfaction in helping youthful lawyers get over the difficult places. A firm believer in the majesty of law, Judge Lewis tempered justice with mercy. A friendly man off and on the bench, he delighted in companionship. Of Welsh origin, he had the Welsh trait of a fondness for music and literary pursuits. Judge Lewis’ career was not unlike that of manyanother man who spent his life-time in the anthracite region. He went to work in the breaker at an age when boys today are still in the grade school. By burning the midnight oil he prepared himself for normal school. A job in the prothonotary’s office (principle clerk of the court) turned the young clerk’s attention to the law. He studied under two former jurists (professional who studies, develops, applies, or otherwise deals with the law. The term is widely used in American English)and almost fifty years ago was admitted to the bar. His talent was quickly recognised. In court he was able to marshal and intelligently present evidence. He made friends wherever he went. The result was that party leaders turned to him as a candidate for district attorney. Hew as twice elected and made a fine record in office. Twelve years ago when a vacancy occurred on the local bench through Judge George W. Maxey’s becoming supreme court justice, Mr. Lewis was appointed to the place. He quickly won the good will of his associates on the bench and lawyers practicing at the court, as well as the respect of all who came before him whether as defendants or plaintiffs. Both parties nominated him to succeed himself.(in office). His health became poorly during the last few years of his term and he decided not to seek re-election. Had he wanted to continue on the bench there is agreement he would again have been nominated by Democrats and Republicans and re-elected without opposition. Judge Lewis is going to be missed by his associates in the legal profession. He is going to be missed by his host of friends in all walks of life. 18th September 1942. |
Sir Emrys Jones - Ystrad-ffin (1915 - 2000)
One of Blaenau Tywi’s most famous sons was Sir Emrys Jones. He was born at Ystradffin Farm, Rhandirmwyn on 6th July 1915 but soon after his parents William and May Ann (nee Morgan) moved to his mother’s old home at Gwerngwinau, Cynhordy. From Llandovery Grammer School he went to the University of Wales, Aberystwyth where he gained a first-class honours degree in agriculture.
After six years as agricultural instructor with Gloucester County Council, he became regional grassland adviser with the newly-formed National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS) at Bristol in 1946 where his enthusiasm earned him the nickname ‘Jones the Grass’.
He eventually became NAAS director for England and Wales and the first director general when NAAS became the Agricultural and Development Advisory Service (ADAS).
He was knighted in 1971 and was principal of the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester (1973 – 78). In 1978 he retired and moved to Lincolnshire.
His cousin the late William Jones, Ystradffin recollects his visits to the family home and stated, ‘He never forgot his Welsh roots. It’s interesting to note that whenever he left one of his top posts he was succeeded by a fellow Welshman. He often returned to Ystrad-ffin and he supported the campaign against the building of the Llyn Brianne reservoir. Although he was my cousin, I have no hesitation in saying that he was probably one of the greatest Welshmen of his day’.
It has been said that he had a greater influence on British farming than any other individual. He was chief adviser to no fewer than five Ministers of Agriculture. He remembered how his family had suffered during the agricultural depression of the 1920’s and 1930’s and the experience stimulated Emrys Jones’ commitment to the improvement of the farming industry.
He died in 2000 at the age of 84.
After six years as agricultural instructor with Gloucester County Council, he became regional grassland adviser with the newly-formed National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS) at Bristol in 1946 where his enthusiasm earned him the nickname ‘Jones the Grass’.
He eventually became NAAS director for England and Wales and the first director general when NAAS became the Agricultural and Development Advisory Service (ADAS).
He was knighted in 1971 and was principal of the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester (1973 – 78). In 1978 he retired and moved to Lincolnshire.
His cousin the late William Jones, Ystradffin recollects his visits to the family home and stated, ‘He never forgot his Welsh roots. It’s interesting to note that whenever he left one of his top posts he was succeeded by a fellow Welshman. He often returned to Ystrad-ffin and he supported the campaign against the building of the Llyn Brianne reservoir. Although he was my cousin, I have no hesitation in saying that he was probably one of the greatest Welshmen of his day’.
It has been said that he had a greater influence on British farming than any other individual. He was chief adviser to no fewer than five Ministers of Agriculture. He remembered how his family had suffered during the agricultural depression of the 1920’s and 1930’s and the experience stimulated Emrys Jones’ commitment to the improvement of the farming industry.
He died in 2000 at the age of 84.
Sir Emrys Jones
12:00AM BST 14 Jul 2000
Adviser to Whitehall on farming whose worst fears about the Common Agricultural Policy came true
SIR EMRYS JONES who has died aged 84, played a leading role in boosting post-war agricultural production and probably had a greater influence on British farming than any other individual.
As chief adviser to the Minister of Agriculture from 1967 to 1973, and director of the Government's Agricultural and Development Advisory Service (ADAS), Jones enjoyed the confidence of five Ministers of Agriculture - Christopher Soames, John Hare, Fred Peart, Jim Prior and Cledwyn Hughes.
His advice was all the more valuable because he spent as little time as possible in Whitehall. He believed that it was more important to get out into the countryside and listen to farmers. In this way he was able to gauge the likely effects of policy; and he never subordinated the true interests of farming to political expediency.
When he resigned from his post in 1973, he was in despair at the damage to British agriculture which he believed would be the inevitable result of moving from the old deficiency payments system to the European Common Agricultural Policy which paid farmers subsidies regardless of the market price.
Jones had predicted that such a system would lead farmers to grow "the wrong crops in the wrong places at the wrong times", a prediction which he lived to see fulfilled. He deplored the bureaucratic burden of the CAP on farmers and the effect it had on the countryside he loved.
After his resignation, he became Principal of the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, where he oversaw a period of development and expansion and formed links with industry. He described his time at Cirencester as the most enjoyable period in his life, away from the intrigues of Whitehall.
William Emrys Jones (known as "W E" throughout the farming industry) was born on July 6 1915 at Ystrad Finn, Rhandirmwyn, in the Towy Valley, Carmarthenshire. His father was a hill farmer who kept Welsh Mountain sheep and bred Welsh ponies.
The family farm - reputed once to have been the home of Twm Sian Cati, the Welsh Robin Hood - suffered badly during the agricultural depression of the 1920s and 1930s, and the experience stimulated Emrys Jones'scommitment to the improvement of the farming industry.
After Llandovery Grammar School he went to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he took a First in Agriculture in 1939. After a short period as a postgraduate, Jones moved to Gloucestershire where, following the outbreak of war in 1939, he became Chief Technical Officer to the Gloucestershire War Agricultural Executive Committee.
The priority in wartime was to extend the acreage of land under the plough and to maximise production, especially of cereals, potatoes and milk. Farmers were told what to grow and those who failed to come up to scratch in the opinion of the Committee could be dispossessed. As the German U-boat blockade intensified, the "War Ags" and their staff encouraged farmers to pursue still higher levels of production.
In 1946, with the formation of the National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS), Jones became regional grassland adviser at Bristol. Known in the region as "Jones the Grass", he taught farmers how to re-introduce top quality grassland for cattle on land that had been ploughed up during the war. After four years he returned to Gloucestershire as County Agricultural Officer, leading a team which included Derek (now Lord) Barber, Jim Butt-Evans and Eric Carter. Together, they became leaders in farm business management advisory work.
Jones next became Deputy Director, and then Director, of NAAS in Wales, before moving to London as Senior Agricultural Advisory Officer in 1959. He was appointed Director of NAAS for England and Wales in 1961. When this was reorganised into the Agriculture and Development Advisory Service in 1967, Jones became its first Director-General and Chief Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture.
In 1978, after retiring from Cirencester, Jones settled in Lincolnshire, finding time for shooting and golf. He was a genial man and a generous host, and dining with him was often the prelude to an evening of Welsh music-making led by his wife on the harp.
Jones served on several public bodies including the Advisory Council for Agriculture and Horticulture in England and Wales (1973-79). He was chairman of the National Cattle Breeders Association (1976-79) and president of the Farm Management Association.
He was knighted in 1971. He married first, in 1938 (dissolved 1966), Megan Morgan. He married secondly, in 1967, Gwyneth George, who survives him, together with three sons of his first marriage.
Lord Plumb writes: I was fortunate to have such a good friend "in court", when Emrys was the Minister's Director-General of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service and I was President of the National Farmers' Union.
He was a civil servant who bore no resemblance to the stripe-trousered character of the cartoons and the boot of his car carried tools of his trade, never forgetting his Wellington boots. While he pioneered the decision to combine the scientific, technical and professional areas of the Ministry into a unified organisation, providing an impartial advisory and development service to producers, he was always prepared to accept the challenge of change.
He often reminded me of his first experience of advisory work in action when achieving a record crop of oats, and never forgot the words of an eminent guest speaker at his school's prize giving who said: "Society owes you nothing. You will succeed only by hard work and personal effort."
His personal effort and vision made him a much greater friend of the farmer than many realised; but to those of us who knew him well, Emrys had the ability to simplify complex issues and speak common sense.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1348364/Sir-Emrys-Jones.html
SIR EMRYS JONES who has died aged 84, played a leading role in boosting post-war agricultural production and probably had a greater influence on British farming than any other individual.
As chief adviser to the Minister of Agriculture from 1967 to 1973, and director of the Government's Agricultural and Development Advisory Service (ADAS), Jones enjoyed the confidence of five Ministers of Agriculture - Christopher Soames, John Hare, Fred Peart, Jim Prior and Cledwyn Hughes.
His advice was all the more valuable because he spent as little time as possible in Whitehall. He believed that it was more important to get out into the countryside and listen to farmers. In this way he was able to gauge the likely effects of policy; and he never subordinated the true interests of farming to political expediency.
When he resigned from his post in 1973, he was in despair at the damage to British agriculture which he believed would be the inevitable result of moving from the old deficiency payments system to the European Common Agricultural Policy which paid farmers subsidies regardless of the market price.
Jones had predicted that such a system would lead farmers to grow "the wrong crops in the wrong places at the wrong times", a prediction which he lived to see fulfilled. He deplored the bureaucratic burden of the CAP on farmers and the effect it had on the countryside he loved.
After his resignation, he became Principal of the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, where he oversaw a period of development and expansion and formed links with industry. He described his time at Cirencester as the most enjoyable period in his life, away from the intrigues of Whitehall.
William Emrys Jones (known as "W E" throughout the farming industry) was born on July 6 1915 at Ystrad Finn, Rhandirmwyn, in the Towy Valley, Carmarthenshire. His father was a hill farmer who kept Welsh Mountain sheep and bred Welsh ponies.
The family farm - reputed once to have been the home of Twm Sian Cati, the Welsh Robin Hood - suffered badly during the agricultural depression of the 1920s and 1930s, and the experience stimulated Emrys Jones'scommitment to the improvement of the farming industry.
After Llandovery Grammar School he went to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he took a First in Agriculture in 1939. After a short period as a postgraduate, Jones moved to Gloucestershire where, following the outbreak of war in 1939, he became Chief Technical Officer to the Gloucestershire War Agricultural Executive Committee.
The priority in wartime was to extend the acreage of land under the plough and to maximise production, especially of cereals, potatoes and milk. Farmers were told what to grow and those who failed to come up to scratch in the opinion of the Committee could be dispossessed. As the German U-boat blockade intensified, the "War Ags" and their staff encouraged farmers to pursue still higher levels of production.
In 1946, with the formation of the National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS), Jones became regional grassland adviser at Bristol. Known in the region as "Jones the Grass", he taught farmers how to re-introduce top quality grassland for cattle on land that had been ploughed up during the war. After four years he returned to Gloucestershire as County Agricultural Officer, leading a team which included Derek (now Lord) Barber, Jim Butt-Evans and Eric Carter. Together, they became leaders in farm business management advisory work.
Jones next became Deputy Director, and then Director, of NAAS in Wales, before moving to London as Senior Agricultural Advisory Officer in 1959. He was appointed Director of NAAS for England and Wales in 1961. When this was reorganised into the Agriculture and Development Advisory Service in 1967, Jones became its first Director-General and Chief Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture.
In 1978, after retiring from Cirencester, Jones settled in Lincolnshire, finding time for shooting and golf. He was a genial man and a generous host, and dining with him was often the prelude to an evening of Welsh music-making led by his wife on the harp.
Jones served on several public bodies including the Advisory Council for Agriculture and Horticulture in England and Wales (1973-79). He was chairman of the National Cattle Breeders Association (1976-79) and president of the Farm Management Association.
He was knighted in 1971. He married first, in 1938 (dissolved 1966), Megan Morgan. He married secondly, in 1967, Gwyneth George, who survives him, together with three sons of his first marriage.
Lord Plumb writes: I was fortunate to have such a good friend "in court", when Emrys was the Minister's Director-General of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service and I was President of the National Farmers' Union.
He was a civil servant who bore no resemblance to the stripe-trousered character of the cartoons and the boot of his car carried tools of his trade, never forgetting his Wellington boots. While he pioneered the decision to combine the scientific, technical and professional areas of the Ministry into a unified organisation, providing an impartial advisory and development service to producers, he was always prepared to accept the challenge of change.
He often reminded me of his first experience of advisory work in action when achieving a record crop of oats, and never forgot the words of an eminent guest speaker at his school's prize giving who said: "Society owes you nothing. You will succeed only by hard work and personal effort."
His personal effort and vision made him a much greater friend of the farmer than many realised; but to those of us who knew him well, Emrys had the ability to simplify complex issues and speak common sense.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1348364/Sir-Emrys-Jones.html