Preece Family Tree

JOHN Tom of 1 Park-road Penygraig Glamorganshire died 10 April 1924 Probate Llandaff 23 July to Diana John widow. Effects £2355 4s. 5d.

A LOSS TO THE BENCH.

Touching References at Ystrad Police Court.

The ordinary business of the police court at Ystrad on Monday was prefaced by the utterance of touching references to the passing away of two members of the Bench, Mr. D. W. Davies and Mr. Tom John, M.A.

The Stipendiary (Mr. D. Llenfer Thomas, M.A.) said that on no previous occasion has it been his sad duty to refer to the death of two magistrates at the same time. Mr. D. W. Davies was probably the third senior magistrate in the division. Though he had left the district ten years ago, they still could recall the efficient manner in which he had discharged his duties. Fifteen years ago, he had been one of the smaller band which met regularly at Ystrad to dispense justice.

The passing of Mr. Tom John, M.A., removed one of the most active of men. There was something very fine, continued his Worship, in the thought of a man being able to continue his activity after the allotted span of life had been passed. A quarter of a century had passed since the Stipendiary had first haerd Mr. John speak, and even then he had been impressed by the deceased gentleman's forceful personality. His doggedness and determination refused to be concealed by his capacity for seeing the humorous side of things. The late Mr. John's activities were not limited to the Rhondda, and his name was well known as that of a national figure. It was almost impossible for anyone to visit the National Eisteddfod without meeting him. He was for forty years a schoolmaster, and had passed through the presidency of the National Union of Teachers. He had been recognized by the University of Wales, who had conferred upon him the honorary degree of M.A. He threw himself with great energy into educational work. He was characterized by the remarkable way in which he took in new interests. Two instances of this could be quoted. One was the very remarkable way he was able to see the possibilities of the drama in Wales. The other was that which referred to work in the court. Ten years ago he was appointed a Justice of the Peace, and since that time he had thrown his energies into probation and juvenile work. There were many who had reason to thank him and to hold his memory dear for his kindly advice. He might have introduced humour, but never any venom.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Major J. S. Davies (magistrates' clerk), Mr. Enoch Davies (magistrate), Superintendant James Davies, and Mr. David Rees, on behalf of the legal profession. The court then stood in silence.

Shortly afterwards, Mrs. E. Andrews, the Rhondda's new J.P., was welcomed to the Bench.

NOTES AND NOTIONS.

THE LATE MR. TOM JOHN, J.P.

By the death of Mr. Tom John, J.P., the Rhondda has lost a great educationist and Wales a loyal son. Few men entered more intimately and whole-heartedly into the national life of the Principality than this schoolmaster who impressed his character upon thousands of boys who passed through his school. Those who were honoured with his friendship recognized Mr. Tom John's sterling worth and the solidity of his character and were impressed by his constant zeal for the intellectual development of Wales. He was a charming companion and loyal friend. He had the art of giving point and picturesqueness to anecdote; he had known more or less intimately everyone who was worth knowing in Welsh national movements, and he could hit off a character in a single sharp touch with an appropriate reminiscence by way of illustration. A kindly and soft-spoken gentleman he could yet be a stern opponent when he considered it his missing to fight for a cause of expose an injustice. The Rhondda will keenly miss Mr. Tom John. Education is the poorer for his death.

PENYGRAIG'S LOSS. - The sudden death of Mr. Tom John, M.A., J.P., has cast a gloom over the neighbourhood, where he had resided for many years. His familiar figure and genial personality will be missed in the streets of Penygraig. Ever ready with a cheery word and seasoned advice, the younger generation will mourn the loss of one who had their interests at heart. This Thursday evening he was to have presided over a concert at the Central Hall, when two of Penygraig's artistes, now having attained prominence in London, will give a joint recital. (The life work and funeral of Mr. John are dealt with elsewhere.)

A LOSS TO THE RHONDDA.

Funeral of Mr. Tom John, M.A., J.P., Penygraig

The death of Mr. Tom John, M.A., J.P., educationist, philosopher, litterateur, musician, and Eisteddfodwr, to mention a few of this versatile man's qualifications, on Thursday evening last removes one of the "grand old men," not only of the Rhondda but of Wales.

The death of Mr. John, who was in his seventy-fifth year, followed a heart attack, and came as a shock to his many friends, for he had appeared to be in his normal health on Wednesday evening. He was one of the best known and most highly respected figures in the public life of the Rhondda, and was an educationist of national fame. During a long lifetime devoted to public service, he became widely known not only for his sterling work for democratic education, but as a talented musician and a staunch and loyal worker in the cause of Liberalism.

A native of Aberdare, Mr. John received his early education at the old "Ysgol y Comin," and was trained for the scholastic profession at the Borough-road Training College, London. After a short stay in North Wales, he came to the Rhondda. For a time he was a teacher at Penygraig, and later took charge of the colliery school establishd by the Glamorgan Coal Company, which subsequently was taken over by the local authority. He retired from this post several years ago, after forty years' service as head master.

In 1884 he was elected a member of the executive committee of the National Union of Teachers, and he remained a member of that body until he retired in 1904. His fellow members of the scholastic profession conferred on him the highest honour in their gift by electing him president of the N.U.T. He occupied the chair at the annual conference at Llandudno in 1905, and was one of the delegates appointed by the N.U.T. to present the Union's address to his Majesty King George V at the Court at St. James' Palace in July, 1910. He was a member of the Court of the University of Wales, a governor of the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, and a member of the National Council of the General Welsh Board. He also served intermediate education in his own district, and was a governor of the Porth County School. These services were recognized by the University of Wales in the conferment upon him of the hon. degree of M.A. of the University.

Few men, if any, did more to create a love of music in the minds of the Rhondda people. He was one of the few remaining survivors of Caradog's famous Côr Mawr. His brother, the late J.W. John, head master of the Ynyshir Schools, was also one of Caradog's famous band of singers. Mr. Tom John was for many years precentor of Salem Congregational Church, Llwynypia, and was conductor of the Salem Choral Society. In his youthful days he and the late Mr. J. W. Jones, Tonypandy, carried a harmonium from Aberdare to Ferndale to assist in the formation of a choral society in the latter district. His last appearance as a musical conductor was at the Westminster Hall, London, in January, 1922, on the occasion of a Coalition meeting at which Mr. Lloyd George was present.

During his long residence in the Rhondda he was the means of raising thousands of pounds for charity by organizing various musical events. In his youth he was well known locally as a cricketer, and was up to the time of his death a keen golfer. In politics he was a staunch life-long Liberal and was an ex-president of the old Rhonnda Labour-Liberal Association, which was disbanded a year or two ago. He was very diligent in the discharge of his duties on the magisterial bench, and was a well known figure at the Rhondda courts, where his rich sense of humour earned for him the title of "The Rhondda Plowden". If always prepared with a jest in season, he served the public faithfully in this as in every other capacity, and took particular interest in the reformation of youthful offenders.

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral took place on Tuesday at Trealaw Cemetery. The services at the house were conducted by the Rev. George Evans, B.A., B.D., and the Rev. Dyfan Thomas (Soar, Penygraig), while at the graveside the Rev. G. Evans and the Rev. D. G. Evans, Rhydyfelin (past pastor of Tabor Church) officiated. Deacons of Tabor Church and sergeants of the Glamorgan Constabulary, under Police sergeant I. J. Beirne, acted as bearers.

A brief address was delivered at the graveside by Mr. Enoch Davies, J.P., one of the deceased's colleagues on the magisterial bench. He said that Mr. John's sayings and happy expressions would live long in the memory of those who were privileged to have known him. He was a versatile, able, and most kind-hearted man, and his colleagues on the bench would miss him greatly.

The principal mourners were Mrs. D. John (widow), Mrs. T. Griffiths, J.P., Cymmer (sister), the Misses John (daughters), Mrs J. W. John, Porth (sister-in-law), Messrs. Moy John, Fred Lewis (Penygraig), Fred Lewis (Bridgend) and Tom Lewis (nephews); Mr. John Preece (brother-in-law), Messrs. Arthur and David Preece (nephews), Mr. David Davies, Llanweda (cousin), Mrs. P. Davies, Abercynon (cousin), and Messrs. Tom Ford (Aberaman), Evan Lewis (Swansea) and D. Evans, Llandilo (cousins).

The cortege was preceded by about 100 members of the Glamorgan Constabulary, under Superintendents James Davies and J. L. Rees and Inspectors E. Jones (Ton Pentre), John Davies (Tonypandy), James Griffiths (Porth) and W. E. Rees (Ferndale).

The ministers of religion present included the Revs. Principal Thomas Rees, M.A., Ph.D., Bangor College; Geo. Evans, B.A., B.D, Tabor, Penygraig (of which the late Mr. John was a deacon); Joseph Walters, Blaenclydach; E. C. Davies, Ynyshir; J. Williams, Hafod; Fred Jones, B.A., B.D., Treorchy; R. E. Peregrine, Williamstown; D. T. Jones, Noddfa, Blaenclydach; D. Overton, Ynyshir; D. Jeremy Jones, M.A., Tonypandy; D. Mark, vicar of Cymmer, Porth; D. G. Evans, Rhydyfelin (past pastor of Tabor, Penygraig), and R. Williams, Trinity, Tonypandy.

The Bench was strongly represented, and amongst magistrates and members of the Rhondda Council present were Mr. D. Lleufer Thomas, M.A., stipendiary magistrate for the Rhondda and Pontypridd; Messrs. John Hughes, J.P., David Lewis, J.P., Stephen Evans, J.P., Alderman James Evans, J.P., Messrs. Enoch Davies, J.P., Tom Taylow, J.P. (chairman of the Pontypridd Ubran District Council), Tom Morgan, J.P., David Lewis, J.P., Tudor Jenkins (representing Mr. T. Pascoe Jenkins, J.P.), J. W. John, J.P., J.W. Richards J.P., William Jones, J.P., H. H. Evans, M.E., J.P. (general manager of the Cambrian Combine Company), and Walter Williams, J.P., together with Councillors James James, J.P., Dan Davies, J.P., Dr. W. E. Thomas, J.P., Edgar Morgan, J. T. Jones, Abel Jacob, and Gwilym Rowlands, and Mr. T. W. Berry (director of education).

The scholastic profession and the National Union of Teachers, of which the late Mr. John was a past president, were very strongly represented, among those present being Messrs. Dan Edwards, Port Talblot (representing the N.U.T. Executive); Rhys Nicholas, Cwmavon; Philip Thomas, Neath; T. Morgan, Cwm pare; Urien Edwards, Bodringallt; Ben Nicholas (members of the central countil of the N.U.T. benvolent and orphan fund); T. Goodwin (president of the Rhondda Association of the N.U.T.); Gomer Evans (past president of the Rhondda Association); Dan Phillips (a former president of the Rhondda Association); J. T. Lewis (vice-president of the Welsh Head Master's Association); Morgan Rees, Harry Harries, Griffith Davies, J. W. Thomas, Edward Hugh, M.A., R. O. Davies, B.Sc., G. Davies, B.Sc., R. Bowen, A. Evans, J. D. Lewis, T. D. John, J. R. Jones, Jack Griffiths, Gwilym Lewis, R. J. Oriel, W. Jones, M.A., W. Chubb, Llandwit Fardre; Rhys Morgan, M.A., Pontypridd; and E. Samuel, M.A., Porth.

Amongst the general public present were Messrs. Willie Griffiths and W. Thomas, Cardiff; J. Victor Evans, M.A., London; T. W. Williams (representing the Church of Salem, Llwynypia, of which Mr. John was for many years precentor); Charles Woosnam, Porth; T. P. Davies and John Hughes (representing West Rhondda Liberal Association); Gomer Jones, Tonypandy; U. R. Edwards, Ystrad Rhondda, E. Edwards (representing the Rhondda district of the Typographical Association); L. E. Morgan, Barclays Bank, Tonypandy; Albert Thomas, Blaenllechau; Llewellyn Evans, Tonypandy; J. H. Llewellyn and George Llewellyn, Griffith Davies, David Rees (coroner for East Glamorgan); Thomas Morris, Trealaw; D. G. Hughes, Clydach Vale; T. Osborne, Porth; M. E. Williams, Llanharry; and Thomas Rees, Penygraig.

Beautiful floral tributes were received from Mrs. John (widow); Maggie and Madeline (daughters); Mr. and Mrs. T. Griffiths, J.P., Cymmer (sister and brother-in-law); Mrs J.W. John and Mr. Moy John; Mr. J. Preece and family; Head master and staff, Porth County School; Miss E. M. Harries, Girls' County School; Rhondda Head Teacher's Association; Dr. J. D. Jenkins (medical officer of health), Pentre; Rhondda branch of the National Union of Teachers; National Union of Teachers; Misses Gwladys and Violet Watkins; Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Craig-y-nos, Llandrindod Wells; girls of Porth Intermediate School; Mrs. Harries and family, Prewylfa, Dinas; National Council of Music, University of Wales; Mr. and Mrs. Dean Davies, Clydach Vale; Council of U.C.S.W.; Mr. R. Love; staff, Tonypandy Secondary School, Rhondda Gold Club; Mr. Alf and Miss Annie Evans, Penrhyns; and Rhondda Liberal Association.

OBITUARY.

MR TOM JOHN, M.A.

A VERSATILE PUBLIC SERVANT.

The death took place yesterday of Mr Tom John, M.A., J.P., at his residence, Cae Gwyn, Penygraig, in his 75th year. His death, which followed a heart attack, came as a shock to his many friends, for he had appeared to be in his normal health on Wednesday evening.

Mr Tom John was one of the best known and most highly respected figures in the public life of the Rhondda, and was an educationist of national fame. During a long lifetime devoted to public service, he became widely known not only for his sterling work for democratic education, but as a talented musician and a staunch and loyal worker in the cause of Liberalism.

Forty Years as Headmaster.

A native of Aberdare, he received his early education at the old "Ysgol y Comin," and was trained for the scholastic profession at the Borough-road Training College, London. After a short stay in North Wales, he came to the Rhondda. For a time he was a teacher at Penygraig, and later took charge of the colliery school established by the Glamorgan Coal Company, which subsequently was taken over by the local authority. He retired from this post several years ago, after forty years service as headmaster.

In 1884 he was elected a member of the executive committee of the National Union of Teachers, and he remained a member of that body until he retired in 1904. His fellow-members of the scholastic profession conferred on him the highest honour in their gift by electing him president of the N.U.T. He occupied the chair at the annual conference at Llandudno in 1905, and was one of the delegates appointed by the N.U.T. to present the Union's address to his Majesty King George V at the Court at St. James' Palace in July 1910.

Welsh Revolt Recalled.

During the early stages of the Welsh educational revolt of 1904 Mr John, then president-elect of the N.U.T., initiated a movement for bringing together the four Welsh bishops and representatives of the teachers with a view to establishing a truce in the educational struggle. That conference, at which Mr John was present, took place at the Palace of Llandaff in 1904.

In addition to his long and successful career as a schoolmaster, he served the cause of education in many other capacities. He was closely associated with the administration of Welsh intermediate education since the passing of the Intermediate Education Act up to the time of his death. He was a member of the Court of the University of Wales; a Governor of the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire; and a member of the National Council of the Central Welsh Board. He also served intermediate education in his own district, and was a Governor of the Porth County School. These services were recognised by the University of Wales in the conferment upon him of the hon. degree of M.A. of the University.

Services for Music.

Few men, if any, did more to create a love of music in the minds of the Rhondda people. He was one of the few remaining survivors of Caradog's famous Cor Mawr. His brother, the late Mr. J. W. John, headmaster of the Ynyshir Schools, was also one of Caradog's famous band of singers. Mr Tom John was for many years Precentor of Salem Congregational Church, Llwynypia, and was conductor of the Salem Choral Society. In his youthful days he and the late Mr J. W. Jones, Tonypandy, carried a harmonium from Aberdare to Ferndale to assist in the formation of a choral society in the latter district. His last appearance as a musical conductor was at the Westminster Hall, London, in January, 1922, on the occasion of a Coalition meeting at which Mr Lloyd George was present. A hymn composed for the occasion was being sung when Mr Lloyd George appeared, and it is recorded that he smiled as he recognised Mr John and joined heartily in singing under his baton.

Since his retirment he had been very closely associated with Sir Walford Davies' work in connection with the Welsh National Council of Music, of which he was a member.

The Rhondda Plowden.

During his long residence in the Rhondda he was the means of raising thousands of pounds for charity by organising various musical events. In his youth he was well known locally as a cricketer and was up to the time of his death a keen golfer. In politics he was a staunch life-long Liberal and was an ex-president of the old Rhondda Labour-Liberal Association, which was disbanded a year or two ago. He was very diligent in the discharge of his duties on the magisterial bench, and was a well known figure at the Rhondda courts, where his rich sense of humour earned for him the title of "The Rhondda Plowden." If always prepared with a jest in season, he served the public faithfully in this as in every other capacity, and took particular interest in the reformation of youthful offenders.

For a period he took an active part in local journalism and was editor of the "Rhondda Leader" and "Glamorgan Free Press."

He is survived by a widow, two daughters and a sister, Mrs Mary Griffiths, J.P., Maesgwyn, Porth, the wife of Mr Thomas Griffiths, M.E., J.P., for many years agent of the Cymmer Collieries, Porth.

DEATHS.
JOHN. - On April 10th, at Cae Gwyn, Penygraig, Tom John, M.E., J.P., beloved husband of Mrs. Diana John, in his 75th year. Funeral Tuesday, 2.30, for Trealaw Cemetery; Gentlemen only.

MR. TOM JOHN, PENYGRAIG.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. Tom John, M.A., J.P., Penygraid, Rhondda, who passed peacefully away on Thursday afternoon at his residence, Cae Gwyn, Penygraig.

Mr. John retired from the headmastership of the Llwynypia County School about a decade ago.

He was a very prominent and popular figure in South Wales, having taken an interest in educational, political, and religious affairs. He was a member of the senate of the University of Wales and served on the Central Welsh Board. He sat for many years on the magisterial bench at the Ystrad and Porth Police-courts, and accomplished a great deal of useful service in the juvenile department.

Mr. John, who was a Liberal, took an active part in political affairs, and was regarded as a very forceful and capable speaker. For many years he was precentor of Salem Congregational Church, Llwynypia, and a deacon of Tabor Congregational Church, Penygraig. He leaves a widow and two daughters.

Mr. John was a well-known member of the Rhondda Golf Club, and took a keen interest in the welfare of the club.

The Late Mr. Tom John, M.A., J.P.

Mr. Tom John hailed from Trecynon, Aberdare, where he was indentured as a pupil teacher under Mr. Dan Isaac Davies as Ysgol-y-Comin, now Park School. He left Borough Road Training College at Midsummer, 1870, and immediately found a footing at Ysgol-y-Tai, Dinas. It was the day of small things then in the Rhondda. Llwynypia Collieries were gradually developing under Mr Archibald Hood's sound direction; a school became necessary there. The keen Scotsman appreciated Tom John's value, and induced him to leave Dinas for Llwynypia, which, with most of the Rhondda, rapidly developed from then on. The more the Rhondda grew, however, the more the versatile Tom John grew, not only as a schoolmaster, but as a sound member of the community socially, intellectually, politically, and religiously. One often wondered how one small head carried all he knew, but he carried it, and soon and deservedly became an integral part of the Rhondda. No movement flourished long without him, and his abstention from a movement was almost a death warrant to such movement. To an extent - probably a great extent, but by no means entirely - his marvellous success in so many diversified spheres was attributable to his humour, with which he was so abundantly endowed, and which oozed out at all points, and on almost all occasions. Tom John was, however, equally strong in common sense and tact, as was demonstrated on hundreds of occasions on the Bench and at public meetings, counsils, committees, and eisteddfodau. He had supped of Marah's waters in the loss of near and dear ones, but the bitterness thereof never entered his genial and generous soul, which was as free from bitterness as from guile to the end of his honourable and strenuous career as educationist, litterateure, musician, patriot, eisteddfodwr, and true but not gloomy Christian. To me, and thousands of others, a large slice of the Rhondda went to the grave with Tom John. He was to have conducted Llanharan Annual Eisteddfod on Whit-Monday for the 15th time in succession.