Preece Family Tree

MR. J. W. JOHN, PORTH.

The death took place on Wednesday of Mr. J. W. John, The Laurels, Porth, headmaster of the Ynyshir Council Schools for over 40 years. Mr. John was born in 1859, and was the son of the late Mr. Dafydd John, of Aberdare, who was well-known as a pioneer in the musical life of that valley. Mr. J. W. John inherited this same love of music, and, as a boy, was a member of the famous "Côr Caradog" in 1871. He was trained for the teaching profession at Burrough-road College, London, and came to Ynyshir in 1881. He had been president of the County Teachers' Association, Rhondda and Pontypridd Teachers' Association, and the Teachers' Provident Society, and his many and various activities were recognised by his old pupils when they presented him with an illuminated address at the time of his retirement in 1921. Mr. John leaves a window and a son (Mr. D. Moy John, solicitor, Porth). His brother is Mr. Tom John, M.A., J.P., Penygraig, and Mrs. Mary Griffiths, J.P., Cymmer, is his sister. The funeral will take place on Monday at the Llethrddu Cemetery, Trealaw.

PRESENTATIONS TO MR. J. W. JOHN, YNYSHIR.

Interesting remininscences regarding the educational development of the Rhondda during the last forty years could be recorded by Mr. J. W. John, schoolmaster at Ynyshir from 1881 to 1921, and who relinquished his appointmetn last February.

In appreciation of his valued public service a crowded presentation meeting was held at Saron Chapel, Ynyshir, on Tuesday, under the chairmanship of Mr. W. J. Parry, when Mr. John was made the recipient of several handsome gifts, including an illuminated address (designed and executed by the Western Mail Limited), a magnificent portrait study, and a wallet of notes. The recipient was felicitated upon his unique and distinctive record both as a schoolmaster and devoted citizen. The presentation of the several gifts was entrusted to Nurse Smith, Mr. T. Packer, and Mr. J. M. Thomas, the recipient in response expressing his deep gratitude and appreciation of the honour conferred upon him by the public of Ynyshir.

Over £150 was subscribed by the local townspeople for the presentation.