Preece Family Tree

PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE UNION.

MR. THOMAS JOHN,

The Welsh member of the Executive of the National Union is the master of the Llwynypia Colliery school. He is the son of Mr David John, Trecynon - a gentleman well-known as a pioneer in musical matters - who introduced the works of Handel and Mozart to the notice of the Aberdare public at a time when there was general ignorance of music other than the old-fashioned Welsh hymn-tune.

Mr Tom John, as he is familiarly called, was brought up as a scholar under the late Mr Dan Isaac Davies, and like most of the old scholars of the "Ysgol Comin", as it was called has made his work in public life. After leaving Ysgol Comin he went to the Normal College, Swansea, and subsequently finished his apprenticeship as a teacher in the new "Ysgol Comin," under Mr Walter Hogg. He then proceeded to the Borough-road Training College in 1869, and came out Christmas, 1870. Since leaving college Mr John has been master in North Wales, near Oswestry, and afterwards for a year and a half in Penygraig, and since 1872 has been master of the Llwynypia School, one of the largest and most successful schools in South Wales.

Mr Tom John is noted for his energy; his sanguine disposition can never know such a thing as failure, while his sympathies are general. The Mid-Rhondda Chamber of Trade is an outcome of his efforts. Mr Tom John is a member of the county cricket club executive, and has been for many years secretary of the Llwynypia Cricket Club. He is an active worker in the intermediate school movement. Since his advent on the executive Wales has come to the front in membership of the union, from 537 in 1887 to 1,200 this year; and in fruitful work for the charities. By a scheme of the Mid-Rhondda teachers, Mr T. John being then secretary and chief organiser, a sum of £1,200 having been raised in Mid-Rhondda alone for the benevolent funds.

This year is the end of his 4th year as a member of the executive, where he is chairman of the organzation committee, a post specially suited to his capacity. He is now 41 years of age.