Preece Family Tree

Events

Parents

Families

Media

Preece Family at Maesyrhaf

Attributes

Associations

Pedigree

1. John Preece
   1. Margaret John
      1. David Alfred Preece
      2. Trevor Meyrick Preece
      3. Arthur Ewart Preece
      4. Gladys Preece
      5. John Stanley Preece

Ancestors

Arthur Ewart Preece *25 May 1898 +17 July 1986

John Preece *about 1858 +19 June 1939

Alfred Preece
*about 1828
+1 February 1904

John Prees
*about 1787
+12 November 1859

Margaret Stephens
*about 1796
+about April 1869

Mary Thomas
*about 1826
+about October 1899

William Thomas
*
+...

Margaret John
*3 November 1862
+24 October 1906

David John *12 May 1822 +5 January 1894

William John
*
+before 1853

Margaret Evans
*
+...

Sarah Jones
*about 1828
+23 February 1897

David Jones
*about 1795
+...

Ann
*about 1799
+before 1871

Source References

1. 1901 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG13/5002/39/26 f.
2. 1911 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG14/32384/96
3. 1939 Register
   1. • Page: XKHT/88
4. General Register Office: England & Wales Birth Index
5. Wills on file
   1. • Date: 6 March 1930
      • Page: John Preece (1858-1939)
   2. • Date: 20 January 1981
      • Page: Arthur Ewart Preece (1898-1986)
   3. • Date: 20 October 1984
      • Page: David Alfred Preece (1895-1985)
   4. • Page: Thomas Griffiths (1849-1927)
   5. • Date: 20 January 1981
      • Page: Beryl Steadman Griffiths (1908-2000)
6. Rhondda Leader
   1. • Date: 3 November 1906
      • Page: Page 5
      • Citation:

        [Paragraph breaks added]

        Funeral of Mrs. Preece, Maesyrhaf, Porth.

        Striking Manifestations of Sorrow.

        In spite of the torrential downpour of rain which prevailed during Monday, the funeral of Mrs. Preece, wife of Mr. John Preece, ironmonger and general furnisher, Porth, and whose sad and sudden demise has caused quite a profound sensation in the district, was largely attended.

        The scholastic profession, of which the deceased lady was at one time a distinguished member, was well represented, there being present representatives from the various schools throughout the Valleys. Mrs. Preece was trained for the teaching profession at Swansea, and on the termination of her collegiate career she was appointed headmistress at Ynyswen Schools, and subsequently at Bodringallt, where she remained for close upon eleven years, having fulfilled the position with infinite credit to herself and the Ystradyfodwg School Board.

        She brought her scholastic career to a close on the occasion of her marriage, and although that intimate acquaintanceship with her contemporaries was now scholastically severed, a bond of friendship and mutual attachment had been cemented, and this had always been fondly preserved.

        Additional pathos is centred in her death by the fact that there are no less than six young children now rendered motherless. The eldest child is barely eleven years of age, whilst the youngest has only just attained his third birthday. Much sympathy is being expressed with the sorrowing husband, the motherless children, and the relatives in the terrible and sore affliction which has befallen them.

        It was close upon 3 o'clock when the mournful cortege left Maesyrhaf, after having first sang "Daeth yr awr im' ddianc adre'," the place of interment being the Llethrddu Cemetery.

        The chief mourners were:- Mr. John Preece (husband); Masters D. A. Preece, Trevor Preece and Arthur Preece (sons); Miss Mary John (sister); Mr. and Mrs. Tom John, Llwynypia (brother and sister-in- law) Mr. and Mrs. J. W. John, Ynyshir (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Preece, Treforest (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. Parsons, Pontypridd (brother and sister-in-law); Miss Dora Preece, Treforest (niece); Mr. Dafydd John, Tonypandy (nephew); Mr. David Moy John (nephew); Councillor David Evans, Llandilo (cousin); Mr. Evan Lewis, Belgrave Terrace, Swansea (uncle); Mr. W. Jeffreys, Treherbert (uncle); Mr. Willie Jeffreys (cousin); Mrs. Williams, Treorchy (cousin); Mrs. Scott, Pentre (cousin); Mrs. Davies, Treforest (cousin); Messrs. A. F. Preece and C. J. Preece, Treforest (nephews); Messrs. J. Parsons, Edward Parsons and Godfrey Parsons, Pontypridd (nephews); and Mrs. Griffiths, Poncaemawr, Merthyr (cousin).

        The carriages also contained some of the most intimate friends of the deceased lady, in the persons of Mrs. Dr, Chalke; Miss Davies, Mardy Schools; Miss Jennie Thomas, Pontygwaith; Mrs. Thomas, Brynamman Mrs. Danl. Jones, Cymmer Miss Jones, Cymmer Schools; Miss Amy Jones, Porth; Miss Mattie Davies, Porth; Mrs. Evans, Hafod; Mrs. Jones, Coedpenmaen; Mrs. Harris, and Messrs. Rowlands and Humphreys.

        The bearers were:- Messrs. J. R. Griffiths (foreman) and J. Rogers (Preece & Co.), W. M. Jones, H. Harris, D. E. Jones, David Davies, D. W. Davies, J. Hinton Jones, William Jones, T. Taylor, W. S. Morgan, G. Webster, and J. Smith-Davies.

        The scholastic profession was represented by Mr. E. Samuel, M.A., County School; Mr. T. W. Berry, Director of Education Dr. Chalke, M.A., LL.B.; Mr. T. G. Jones, Deputy-Clerk, R.U.D.C. Mrs. G. F. Martyn and Miss Thomas, Ynysrir; Mr. D. Phillips, Wattstown; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Jones, Cymmer; Miss Jones, Cymmor Mrs. Jones, Coedpenmaen; Mrs. J. T. Phillips, Aberllechau; Miss C. E. Davies, Ferndale; Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Lewis, Blaenclydach; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Harris, Gelli; Mr. Hawkins, Pupil Teachers' Centre; Mr. and Mrs. John Evans, Trehafod; Mr. J. Hinton Jones, Llwyncelyn; Mr. Howells, Tynewydd Mr. Arthur Williams, Porth; Mr. J. S. Grant, M.A., Higher Grade; Mr. and Mrs. John, Trealaw; Mr. J. W. Jones, Tonypandy; Mrs. Rees and Miss Jones, Porth; Mr. D. Davies, Pontygwaith; Miss Mattie Davies. Blaenllechau; Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, Cymmer; Mrs. Davies and the Misses Morgans, Davies, Lewis, and Williams, Cymmer Schools; Mr. T. Davies, manual instructor; Mrs. Moore, l'ynewydd Schools, Porth; Mrs. Jones, Blaenrhondda; Miss Harris, Penygraig; Miss Evans, Tonypandy; Mr. Howell Howells, Treorchy; Miss D. Lewis, Llwynypia; Mr. Stanley Howells, County Schools, Porth; Mrs. Gibbon, Trehafod Schools.

        There were also present the Revs. W. Thomas (vicar of Cymmer and Porth) and Gwilym Francis (curate); Rev. R. B. Jones and Mrs. Jones; Rev. J. T. Davies, Cymmer; Rev. J. T. Phillips, Ynyshir; Rev. Grawys Jones, Aberdare Rev. E. Richards, Tonypandy Rev. J. Williams, Hafod; Rev. John Morgan (C.M.), Ynyshir; Rev. E. C. Davies, Ynyshir; Rev. IR. E. Salmon, Porth: Rev. J" D. Jones, Abercanaid; Rev. D. D. Hopkins, Seion, Porth; Rev. J. M. Lewis, Cymmer; Rev. J. Edwards, Salem, Porth; Rev. T. J. Pritchard, Porth; Councillors L. P. Griffiths, Porth, and David Smith, T'ylorstown; Dr. Ivor H. Davies, Bryngarw; Messrs. William Evans (Thomas & Evans); Wm. Griffiths, Apple Tree; John Hughes (cashier), Stan- dard Colliery; Howell Davies, Ynyshir; John Hughes (checkweigher), Cymmer Collieries; Thomas Davies, Pantglas; D. Powell, Porth Farm; W. Williams, The Bon; Joseph Brooks, Porth; Gwilym Thomas, Ynyshir; Thomas Davies, chemist; W. S. Morgan, ironmonger; J. H. Richards, Cloth Hall; James Williams, Porth; Wm. Humphreys, Aberdare; W. R. Thomas, newsagent; D. M. Jones, Gladstone House; J. R. James, Royal Stores; L. T. Davies, sanitary inspector; J. T. Jones (Jones & Jones); A. J. Williams, solicitor; R. S. Jones, Llandudno; Richard Rowlands, Aber- dare; R. G. Scott, jeweller; Geo. Packer, Aldergrove; John Davies, Cae'rysgol; J. Trotman (Chas. Jenkins & Sons); Morgan Morgans, Cymmer; J. Idris Davies, Ynyshir; Alfred Jenkins, Porth; W. Gibbon, stationmaster; D Williams, Hannah Street; D. W. Davies, chemist; T. O. Jones and Lewis Thomas (Preece and Co.); M. John, Pentre; Wm. Evans, Liberal agent, Pentre; D. Jones, Commerce House; Owen Griffiths (City Tailors); J. Powell Davies; Benj. Phillips, Porth; T. Williams, Hannah Street; Edgar Thomas, Porth; Joseph E. Davies ("Rhondda Leader"); Enoch Jones, contractor; W. D. Thomas, Cemetery Rd.; David Davies, Porth; M. J. Thomas, Cymmer Collieries; Tom Ash (T.V.R.); Owen Griffiths, Ynyshir; J. Joyce, Maesteg; J. Toleman, Cardiff: J. E. Lloyd, Porth; Mrs. Packer, Aldergrove; Mrs. E. S. Williams, Cymmer; Mrs. R. B. Jones, Porth; Miss Hannah Price, Ystrad; Mr. and Mrs. Jenkin Evans, Mount Pleasant; Mr. and Mrs. John Davies, Porth; Mrs. Davies, Pantglas; Mrs. M. A. Thomas, Cymmer; Mrs. C. G. Evans, Hannah Street; Mrs. Davies, Cymmer; Mrs. Hodgson; Mrs. Edward Evans; Mrs. Evans, Parade; Mrs. Tom Price, Hannah Street; Miss Jones, Bristol House; Mr. and Mrs. D. Williams, Hannah Street; Miss Howells, Rose Bank; Miss Thomas, Tivy Villa, Pontypridd; Mrs. Thomas, Gilea, Brynamman; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, China Shop; Mrs. Owen, Mardy.

        Floral tributes were sent by the following:- The Family; Mr. and Mrs. Tom John, Llwynypia; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. John, Ynyshir; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Preece, Treforest; Mr. and Mrs. Parsons, Pontypridd; Mrs. J. W. Jones, Tynny Park, Trecynon; Mr. and Mrs. Evan Lewis, Swansea; Staff, Cymmer Girls' School; Staff of J. Preece & Co.; Miss C. E. Davies, Terrace House, Ferndale; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Harris, Ystrad; Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Jones, Gladstone House; Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Jones, Llandudno; Dr. and Mrs. R .D. Chalke, The Parade; Mr. and Mrs. Dl. Jones, Cymmer Schools; Mrs. Howells and family, Rose Bank, Ystrad; Miss M. J. Jones, cymmer Schools; Mr. and Miss Jones, Woodlands, Cemetery Road; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Post Office, Porth; Councillor and Mrs. Smith, Tylorstown; Mr. and Mrs. Smith-Davies, Porth; Mrs. G. F. Martyn and Miss Thomas, Ynyshir Schools; Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Hafod Schools; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Lismore House Dr. and Mrs. Joyce, Glynrhondda Councillor and Mrs. W. T. Davies, Bryn- bedw; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Richards, Cloth Hall; Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, Cemetery Road; Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Wilton, Porth; and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brooks, Porth.

        The service at. the graveside was conducted by the Rev. W. Thomas (vicar of Cymmer and Porth), the Revs. J. T. Davies (Cymmer), and Grawys Jones (Ebenezer, Aberdare), and the singing of that stirring yet pathetic Welsh hymn, "Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau," brought the obsequies to a close. The coffin was of Welsh oak, with silver-plated fittings, and contained the following inscription:-

        Margaret Preece,
        Died 24th October, 1906,
        Aged 43 Years.

        The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily undertaken by Mr. John Williams, Cymmer.

        ----------

        National Union of Teachers

        Meeting at Porth.

        There were close upon 250 certificated teachers present at the County Schools, Porth, on Saturday last, the meeting having been convened for the purpose of according a warm welcome to Mr. Harry Price, M.A., the newly appointed Inspector of the schools, who succeeds Mr. Thomas Jones, M.A., Abergavenny, who has resigned. Those present were grawn from the Rhonddas, Mountain Ash and Pontypridd scholastic areas.

        Mr. Edgar Jones, M.A., presided, and gave an admirable address on "The Ideal Education". Addresses were also delivered by the new Inspector, Mr. J.S. Grant, M.A. (headmaster, Higher Grade Schools), and Mr. England (Cardiff).

        Advantage was also taken of the occasion to present Mr. J. T. Lewis (Clydach Vale) with a slight recognition of the valuable services which he has rendered in his capacity as local secretary to the N.U.T. The presentations consisted of a finely executed address, together with a travelling bag, and these were respectively presented by Mr. Edgar Jones and Mrs. Gibbon (Hafod Schools).

        The lady teachers at the Higher Grade Schools had prepared quite a sumptuous repast, and this was thoroughly enjoyed. In the subsequent vote of thanks to Mr. Grant for the kind interest which he had taken, the ladies were not forgotten for the admirable part which they took in the commissariat department.

        A social had also been arranged in connection with the meeting, but this was postponed in consequence of the sad death of Mrs. Preece, Porth, and who had been a prominent member of the scholastic profession for some years. A vote of condolence with the bereaved family was also passed with due solemnity.

      • To Do:

        Family members still to be identified:

        Mrs. Williams, Treorchy (cousin)
        Mrs. Davies, Treforest (cousin)
        Mrs. Griffiths, Poncaemawr, Merthyr (cousin)

   2. • Date: 29 November 1913
      • Page: Page 11
7. Western Mail
   1. • Date: 23 June 1939
      • Page: Page 6
      • Citation:

        BURIAL OF MR. JOHN PREECE, PORTH

        Mr. John Preece, of Maesyrhaf, Grawen-street, Porth, was buried in Trealaw Cemetery on Thursday.

        The Rev. J. A. Jeffreys-Jones, vicar of Cymmer, officiated.

        Chief mourners were:- Mr. and Mrs. David Preece, Dr. and Mrs. Trevor Preece, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Preece (sons and daughters-in-law); Miss Gladys Preece, Dr. and Mrs. D. R. Gillies (daughters and son-in-law); Mrs. Diana John J.P. (sister-in-law); Messrs John and Edward Parsons (nephews); Miss Marie Evans and Mrs. Harold Summers (nieces).

        Among those present were Messrs. D. Frank Evans, J.P., J. Lloyd Thomas, Oliver H. Howell, C. H. Jarvis, Cliff Morgan, W. H. Maddocks, Ben Protheroe, R. E. Arnott J.P., W. D. Thomas, Percy S. Phillips, and J. L. Thomas.

   2. • Date: 16 January 1925
      • Page: Page 7
      • Citation:

        FUNERAL OF MRS. THOMAS GRIFFITHS AT MUMBLES.

        The funeral of the late Mrs. Mary Griffiths, J.P., a well known Rhondda lady magistrate, which took place at the Mumbles Cemetery, Swansea, on Thursday afternoon, was a very impressive one, although it took place at a place remote from the scene of the lady's chief life activities.

        Mrs. Griffiths was the wife of Mr. Thomas Griffiths, M.E., J.P., formely director and general manger of the Insoles Cymmer Collieries, and sister of the late Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia, and she was (as already stated) a lady who had occupied many important public positions in the Porth district.

        There was a large attendance of relatives and friends from many parts of Glamorgan at the house, at which Mrs. Griffiths died in her retirement, namely, Longfield, West Cross, Mumbles, and many others attended at the graveside at the cemetery.

        At the services the Revs. A. Smith (Mumbles), E. C. Davies (Ynyshir), and D. Mark, M.A. (Porth), officiated.

        The chief mourners were Messrs. John Griffiths and W. Griffiths (sons), Evan Lewis, John Preece (brother-in-law), D. Moy John, solicitor (nephew), H. E. Thomas (son-in-law), Rhys Morgan (son-in-law), David Preece, Trefor Preece, and Arthur Preece (nephews), H. Cook, H. Wakefield, David Evans (Llandilo), the Rev. J. D. Jones (Cellan), Thomas Thomas (nephew), David Evans, Trefor Griffiths (grandson), Willie Thomas (nephew), John Griffiths and W. Griffiths, Los Angeles (nephews), Moy Evans, David Davies (Porth), F. G. Martin, W. Jackson, W. Rowlands, R. Llewellyn, W. Williams, John Thomas, John Samuel, Timothy Evans, M.E., John Morgan (Abertridwr), T. Day (Abertridwr), E. S. Williams, M.E. (Porth), W. B. Davies, M.E. (Porth), Dr. Marks, Rev. W. James (Swansea), Mr. J. Morgan (Porth), Messrs. H. J. Williams (Porth), J. D. Rees (Barclays Bank, Porth), John Hughes, J.P. (Porth), Octavius Thomas (Porth), John Davies (Porth), Wm. Chenery (Porth), Councillors Mark Harcombe, Abel Jacob, James James, and John Hughes, Messrs. J. H. Thorne, Gwilym Morgan, Griffith Morgan, H. E. Morris, and J. E. Lloyd (clerk to the governors of the county school), while at the graveside were also Mr. and Mrs. Arnott (Midland Bank, Porth), Lady Nicholas, Miss Harris (County School), Mrs. John Kane, Mrs. Dr. Davies, the Rev. and Mrs. Mark (vicar of Cymmer), Mrs. J. T. Lewis, Mrs. Davies (Brynbedw), Mrs. Lewis (Tylorstown), Mrs. Dr. Davies (Poplars, Porth), and Miss E. M. Harris (Porth County Schools).

        The services were very impressive, and the large congregation joined in singing with great earnestness the hymns "Lead, Kindly Light" (tune "Sandon"), "Jesu, Lover of my Soul" (tune "Aberystwyth"), and "Daeth yr Awr" (tune "Lausanne"). Over 70 wreaths and other floral tributes were sent by sympathisers.

        References to the loss sustained by the death of Mrs. Griffiths were made at Porth Police-court on Thursday by the Rhondda stipendiary (Mr. D. Lleufer Thomas, M.A.) and Leiut-col. D. Watts Morgan, C.B.E., D.S.O, M.P.

   3. • Date: 4 October 1930
      • Page: Page 10
      • Citation:

        WELSH WEDDING.

        Mr. David Preece and Miss Cecil Watts.

        The wedding of Mr. David Preece, son of Mr. John Preece and the late Mrs. Preece, of Maesyrhaf, Porth, to Miss Cecil Watts, daughter of Mr. Alban Watts (late of Llantwit Major) and Mrs. Watts, of Max Gate, Llantwit Major, took place at St. Paul's Church, Porth, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. T. Jones, the Vicar of Cymmer, Porth.

        The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr. Abraham Williams, late headteacher of the boys' council school, Porth. She wore a dress of crepe de chine of delphinium blue, with coat trimmed with Persian lamb and velvet hat to tone. Mr. Arthur Preece, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. After the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Preece left for London and Belgium, where the honeymoon is to be spent.

   4. • Date: 12 April 1924
      • Page: Page 8
      • Citation:

        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.

   5. • Date: 15 January 1925
      • Page: Page 1
      • Citation:

        [DEATHS.]

        GRIFFITHS. - On the 12th inst., at Longfield, West Cross Swansea, Mary Griffiths, J.P., late of Maesgwyn, Porth. Funeral (Gentlemen only) Thursday, leaving the above residence at One p.m. for Mumbles Cemetery. Friends wishing to attend will meet at Mumbles Cemetery at 1.30 p.m.

   6. • Date: 17 January 1925
      • Page: Page 5
      • Citation:

        LATE MRS. MARY GRIFFITHS, J.P.

        More than sixty wreaths were received for the funeral of Mrs. Mary Griffiths, J.P., of Longfields, West Cross, which, as reported in Friday's Western Mail, took place at the Mumbles Cemetery on Thursday.

        They included the following:-

        Mr. T. Griffiths (husband); Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths, John, Bertha, Nansi, and Betty (Brighton), son and daughter-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Griffiths (son and daughter-in-law); Messrs. Wynne and Douglas Griffiths (grandchildren); Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Thomas (daughter and son-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. R Morgan (daughter and son-in-law); Mr. J. Preece and family, Maesyrhaf, Porth; Mrs. Tom John (sister-in-law); Mrs. J. W. John and Mr. D. Moy John; Miss Griffiths and Mrs. Thomas (sisters-in-law); Mr. Evan Lewis; Dr Trevor Preece, Hull (nephew); the Misses Margaret and Madeline John (nieces); Mr. Moy Evans, solicitor, Swansea; Rachel, Mona, Maggie, Wakefield, and Cookie; chairmen and directors of Insoles (Limited); Cymmer Collieries; Mr. and Mrs. W. North Lewis; Cymmer Colliery Officials; Office Stall of Cymmer Collieries; Mrs. Insole, Ely Court; Commissioners, Guiders, Guides and Browies of the Rhondda Division; Clerk and Governors of the Porth Intermediate Schools; boys and girls of Caer salem Newydd, Cymmer.

        [etc, etc]

   7. • Date: 3 October 1930
      • Page: Page 1
      • Citation:

        MARRIAGES.

        PREECE-WATTS. - On October 2nd, at St. Paul's Church, Porth, by the Rev. T. Jones, David, eldest son of Mr. J. Preece and the late Mrs. Preece, Maesyrhaf, Porth, to Cecil, only daughter of Mr. A. T. Watts (late of Llantwit Major) and Mrs. Watts, Max Gate, Llantwit Major. No cards.

   8. • Date: 22 June 1939
      • Page: Page 1
      • Citation:

        PREECE. - On June 19th at Maesyrhaf, Porth, John Preece, beloved husband of the late Margaret Preece. Funeral Thursday 22nd June, 2.30 p.m., for Trealaw Cemetery. Gentlemen only.

8. UK Government: National Probate Calendar
   1. • Date: 7 December 1939
      • Page: John Preece
      • Citation:

        PREECE John of Maesyrhaf Porth Glamorgan died 19 June 1939 Probate Llandaff 7 December to David Alfred Preece ironmonger Trevor Meyrick Preece medical practitioner Arthur Ewart Preece ironmonger and Gladys Preece spinster. Effects £7538 0s. 10d.

   2. • Date: 17 October 1986
      • Page: Arthur Ewart Preece
      • Citation:

        PREECE, Arthur Ewart of Fernhill Cottage Laugharne Dyfed died 17 July 1986 Probate Llandaff 17 October £34706 8680403277P

9. 1921 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG15/26742/230
10. Pontypridd Observer
    1. • Date: 13 November 1926
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         DEATH & FUNERAL OF MR. W. H. PREECE, TREFOREST.

         It is with deep regret that we chronicle the death of Mr. William Henry Preece, who passed away at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. H. E. Summers, 44, Llantwit Road, Treforest, on Monday. Deceased was a native of Pontypridd, being born in the town 72 years ago. He married Miss Edith Powell, headmistress of the Wood Road Girls' School, who pre-deceased him four years ago. Mr. Preece served for nearly a quarter of a century with the Taff Vale Railway Company and finally retired from the position of stationmaster at Treforest. The funeral took place at Glyntaff Cemetery, Treforest, on Thursday, the Rev. J. Gower Jones M.A. (Vicar of Glyntaff) officiating. The chief mourners were: Mr. J. Preece, Porth, brother; Mr. H. E. Summers, Treforest, son-in-law; Messrs. David Preece and Arthur Preece, Porth; John Parsons and Edward Parsons, Pontypridd; J. Edwards, Treforest, nephews.

         Among the general public were Messrs. W. E. Summers, T. J. Gowan, H. P. Williams, W. Hobbs, G. Mitchell, H. John, J. Jenkins, Percy S. Phillips, J. McGregor, Rhys Davies, F. Davies, A. Liscombe, Oliver Morgan, R. Jones, D. Thomas, E. Hemmings, E. S. Hunt, Griff Morgan, D. Richards, R. T. Richards, J. Harrison, W. Carpenter, Moses Severn, Foulkes Jones, J. O'Donnell, and others.

         For some years the deceased was with his brother, Mr. J. Preece, ironmonger, Porth, and the following gentlemen from Porth gave evidence of the respect with which he was held in that district: Councillor Jack Morgan, Messrs. Tom Davies (chemist), D. Moy John (solicitor), W. Griffith Thomas, Owen Nicholas, Smith Davies, W. S. Morgan, - Gibbon, Robert Farr and others.

         Floral tributes were sent by Mr. J. Preece and family; Mrs. H. E. Summers, daughter; Miss Mary Summers, grand-daughter; Miss Gladys Preece, Welshpool; Mrs. Margaret Parsons, Swansea; Mr. W. E. Summers; Mrs. Kate Edwards, Rhydyfelin; Mrs. Edith Preece, Church Village, and Neighbours and Friends.

11. Certificate on file
    1. • Date: 30 June 1929
       • Page: Marriage - Arthur Ewart Preece / Beryl Steadman Griffiths
12. Burial Register - Trealaw Cemetery
    1. • Page: Plot D25
    2. • Page: Plot Q676
13. Notice of Interment - Trealaw Cemetery
    1. • Date: 25 October 1906
       • Page: Margaret Preece
    2. • Date: 11 April 1924
       • Page: Tom John
    3. • Date: 20 June 1939
       • Page: John Preece
14. Thomas Preece: Gravestone photographs
    1. • Date: 22 June 2018
       • Page: Tom & Diana John, Trealaw Cemetery
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    2. • Date: 19 June 2018
       • Page: Thomas & Mary Griffiths, Oystermouth Cemetery
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    3. • Date: 15 May 2018
       • Page: John & Elizabeth Powell et al, Glyntaff Cemetery
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    4. • Date: 18 April 2018
       • Page: John & Margaret Preece, Trealaw Cemetery
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15. Glamorgan Free Press and Rhondda Leader
    1. • Date: 18 April 1924
       • Page: Page 9
       • Citation:

         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.

16. Burial Register - Glyntaff Cemetery
    1. • Page: Plot J105
17. South Wales Daily News
    1. • Date: 15 February 1927
       • Page: Page 1
       • Citation:

         GRIFFITHS. - On February 14th, at Longfield, West Cross, Swansea, Thomas Griffiths, J.P., late Director and General Manager, Insoles Ltd., Porth. Funeral 12 noon, Friday, for Mumbles Cemetery (strictly private). No flowers.

    2. • Date: 19 February 1927
       • Page: Page 10
       • Citation:

         BURIAL OF MR T. GRIFFITHS, J.P.

         The burial took place privately yesterday in Oystermouth Cemetery, Mumbles, of Mr Thomas Griffiths, J.P., of Longfield West-cross, and formely of Maesgwyn Park, who was for 50 years associated with Messrs Insoles (Limited) and the Windsor Steam Coal Company. He was succeeded as general manager of Messrs Insoles Collieries of Porth by Mr W. Brynmor Davies, M.E., A.M.I.C.E., the youngest son of another pioneer of the Rhondda - the late Alderman E. H. Davies, J.P., who devoted his life to public work in Glamorgan.

         The family mourners were Mr W. T. Griffiths (son), and Messrs Trefor Griffiths (grandson), H. E. Thomas, and Rhys Morgan (sons-in-law), William Griffiths and J. S. Griffiths (cousins), and Ifor Griffiths (nephew).

         There were also present Messrs William G. Thomas, Evan Lewis; Eric R. Insoles and A. Norton Lewis (directors of Insoles, Ltd.), Edwin D. Davies (solicitor), J. Rice Jones, W. B. Davies (general manager of Insoles, Ltd.), George F. Martin, Arthur Preece (Porth), William Thomas, and J. Moy Evans. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. W. Smith (Congregational Church, Mumbles).

18. Richard C Watson: Rhondda Coal, Cardiff Gold: Insoles of Llandaff, Coal Owners and Shippers
    1. • Page: Page 160-161
       • Citation:

         It may be indicative of North Lewis's standing in the coal industry that in 1919, when the Prince of Wales visited South Wales, he came to Cymmer colliery where he was welcomed by North Lewis and, having been taken underground, allowed a newly worked district to be named after him.

         Tom Griffiths was also present for the royal visit but he was by this time one of the veterans of the company and on 24 January 1924 he retired at the age of 74. As one who had started work as a door boy, he had come a long way. By the time of his retirement he was a director of Insoles Ltd and the Windsor Steam Coal Co. Ltd, a member of the Conciliation Board, a past president of the South Wales Coal Owner's Association and a life member of the South Wales Institute of Engineers. He was particularly well known, trusted and admired for his work in colliery rescues and disaster explorations; he was at the Pentre disaster in 1871 and, after becoming manager at Cymmer, led the following rescues (the number of men who had been killed is shown in brackets):

         1879 Dinas (3)
         1880 Naval, Penygraig (96)
         1883 Gelli (4)
         1885 Naval (14)
         1885 Mardy (81)
         1887 Wattstown/Ynyshir (37)
         1892 Park Ship (110)
         1892 Great Western (58)
         1894 Albion, Cilfynydd (276)
         1896 Tylerstown (57)
         1899 Llest, Garw (19)
         1901 Senghenydd (82)
         1905 Clydach Vale (31)
         1905 Wattstown (0)

         In 1906 he retired from rescue work and was presented with a full-length portrait and a silver plate for his role in rescues and his public service by 'all classes' in the Rhondda Valleys. He was a Liberal member of the Rhondda Local Board and its successor, the urban district counsil, of which he was the second chairman in 1891-2. He was also a JP, known for his 'kindness on the bench', and a governor of the University of Wales.

         Griffiths was Welsh speaking and his early experience underground had helped him to gain the confidence of the men, being known for his fairness, understanding and sound judgement. According to Col. Watts Morgan MP DSO he was once asked to become the miners' agent. He retired to West Cross on the Gower where he died three years later on 11 February 1927. His funeral, conducted by the Congregational minister at the cemetery, was attended by Eric Insole and Arthur North Lewis.[1] He was succeeded by William B. Davies, the son of a county alderman from Pentre, who had been his deputy. Before coming to Cymmer Davies had a varied industrial career and had qualified as a civil, electrical and mining engineer. Davies's three brothers were a Cardiff doctor, a Harley Street specialist and a major in the Territorial Army, a very different background from both of his predecessors, Jabez Thomas and Tom Griffiths.

         [1] South Wales Daily News, 25 Jan. 1924, 13 Feb. 1927; Colliery Guardian, 18 Feb. 1927.

19. General Register Office: England & Wales Marriage Index
20. General Register Office: England & Wales Death Index