Preece Family Tree

Events

Parents

Families

Media

Tom John

Tom John 1

Tom John 3

Tom John 2

Tom John 5

Attributes

Pedigree

1. David John
   1. Mary Rees
      1. Elizabeth John
      2. Thomas John
         1. Margaret Lewis
            1. Mary Adelina John
            2. Margaret Irene John
            3. Madeline John
            4. Dafydd John
         2. Diana Lewis

Ancestors

Thomas John *29 June 1849 +10 April 1924

David John *12 May 1822 +5 January 1894

William John
*
+before 1853

Margaret Evans
*
+...

Mary Rees
*about 1810
+4 July 1849

Thomas Rees
*
+...

Source References

1. Rhondda Leader
   1. • Date: 27 October 1906
      • Page: Page 7
      • Citation:

        Sudden Death of Mrs. Preece, Porth.

        We regret to announce the death of Mrs. Preece, wife of Mr. John Preece, ironmonger, and general furnisher, Porth. The deceased lady, too, was sister of Miss John (Cymmer Schools), and Mr. J. W. John (Ynyshir) and Mr. Tom John (Llwynypia). On Tuesday evening, Mrs. Preece attended one of the Porth Y.M.C.A.'s lectures, and on Wednesday morning declared that she had slept better than ever. She attended to the household matters on Wednesday morning, and one of the last orders given by her was to the servant to "dish" the dinner. She was soon after this unconscious, and about 4.15 o'clock she succumbed. There is a large family of six young children. Profound sensation has been created in the district, as Mr. and Mrs. Preece have always been known as generous and hospitable people. Great sympathy is expressed with Mr. Preece and the immediate relatives.

   2. • 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)

   3. • Date: 25 February 1911
      • Page: Page 1
      • Citation:

        The funeral of Mrs. Scott, Pentre, arranged for gentlemen, was largely attended on Saturday afternoon, in spite of the inclement weather. Local tradesmen were present in large numbers, paying their last tributes to one who had led a very quiet and unostentatious life for very many years in Pentre. Her readiness to assist in good causes and her kindness to neighbours were two outstanding virtues, to which Canon Lewis referred at the service at the house. At the service at Treorchy Cemetery, the Revs. - Griffiths and - Philipant assisted the rev. Canon, and the singing was conducted by Mr. David Jones (organist). There were twelve wreaths sent by the following friends and relatives - Mr. Scott and children; Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Merthyr; Mr. and Mrs. Scott, Great Western Hotel, Merthyr; Mrs. Parfitt and Mrs. Jones, Pontypridd; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Parfitt, Ton; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Port Talbot; St. Peter's Church Choir; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Llewellyn Hotel; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, bookseller; Mr. W. J. Jones, surveyor; Miss Mary Cule, Pentre; and Miss Mary Thomas, Pentre. The carriages contained the following mourners :- First coach - Mr. Hy. Scott (husband), Mr. Albert Scott (son), Mr. W. H. Rees (son-in-law), Mr. Sidney Williams, Treorchy (nephew), and the Rev. Canon Lewis; second coach - Mr. Gomer Williams, Treorchy, Mr. Tom John, M.A., Tonypandy, Mr. Dd. Davies, Crown Inn, Treforest, Mr. J. Ashley, Treorchy, and Mr. J. John; third coach - Mr. G. Scott, Merthyr, Mr. C. Scott, Treorchy, Mr. J. Scott, Abercynon, Mr. W. Thomas, Hengoed, and Mr. G. Scott (junr.), Treorchy. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. W. Thomas, undertaker, Ton.

   4. • Date: 3 June 1905
      • Page: Page 5
      • Citation:

        Colliery Fatality at Treorchy.

        Impressive Funeral.

        As reported in our previous issue, a sad calamity befel Mr. Gomer Williams (saddler) and Mrs. Williams, 39, Clarke Street, last week, their dear son, Ivor Hugh Williams, meeting with an untimely death at the Abergorchy Colliery, Treorchy. The news of the fatality cast quite a gloom through the neighbourhood, the young fellow, who was only 15 years of age, being an universal favourite, while great sympathy was shown towards his bereaved family. The funeral, which took place at Treorchy Cemetery, was most impressive, the colliery being stopped at an early hour, thus allowing the miners an opportunity of attending in large numbers ot pay their last token of respect to the departed. En route, an amassed choir, under the conductorship of Mr. David Jones, Gosen (C.M.) Chapel, sang with impressive fervour a number of beautiful hymns, while the coffin bore floral tributes from the family, P.C. Bevan (Blaina), Miss Maggie Jones (Bettws), and a large bouquet from the Messrs. Jones (Co-operative Stores, Treorchy). Besides the family, the train of mourners included Mr. and Mrs. A. Scott, Pentre; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Treforest; Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Salisbury; Mr. Tom John (president, National Union of Teachers), Tonypandy, and Mrs. John; Mr. J. W. John (schoolmaster) and Mrs. John, Ynyshir; Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Williams, Llwynypia; Messrs. Joseph and Llewellyn John and Miss Maggie John, Bettws; Miss Olive Davies; Mr. Dd. Wm. Davies and Mr. Walter Ashley, Ton-Pentre; Mrs. Margaret Rees and Mrs. A. Evans, Ynyshir; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Dowlais; and Mr. Lewis Richards, Ebbw Vale. The rev. gentlemen officiating were Revs. T. Powell, Gosen (C.M.) Chapel; D. Rhagfyr Jones, Bethania; and Mr. Jones, curate, St. Dyfodwg's Welsh Church. We extend with others our heartfelt sympathy to the afflicted family in their sad hour of trial.

   5. • Date: 27 October 1917
      • Page: Page 4
      • Citation:

        MR. TOM JOHN'S DAUGHTER

        Miss Margaret Irene John, daughter of Mr. Tom John, M.A., J.P., Penygraig, has been gazetted area administratrix for an area in France, and has taken up her duties this week. She joined the Women's Legion in November, 1916, and during the last six months she has been lady superintendent at the Trowbridge Cadet School. Latterly she enrolled for service overseas. Miss John, who was formerly domestic art teacher under the Monmouthshire County Council at Chepstow and Abergavenny, joined the Women's Legion as head cook at the convalescent camp at Burton-on-Sea. She was trained at Aberystwyth College, Battersea Polytechnic, and the Cardiff Domestic Arts School.

   6. • Date: 9 April 1904
      • Page: Page 3
      • Citation:

        Presentation to Mr. Tom John.

        There is a certain halo and charm about an old building or institution which rouse within us a desire for its continuance and preservation. More so is it true with regard to a long acquaintanceship, especially if it be saturated with the best of one's life. A connection of over 30 years with the Salem church has made Mr. John almost a necessary part of the church itself, and it had hardly occurred to anyone that Mr. John would ever leave the scenes and faces with which he has had such a long and fruitful association, and when at last it had become apparent that Mr. John's removal of residence to Tonypandy would sooner or later result in his transferring his membership to Ebenezer, it was a subject of painful and unpleasant reflection to all, particularly so to the choir. Five years ago he was pressed to take to the latter, and during that period he had been most active and alert in raising by the best possible means, the standard and calibre of the choir. To do so he has laboured incessantly, always with a means to an end, that of fostering a love for the highest form of musical culture, first by learning the works of the "masters," and secondly by calling in an expert in the person of Mr. Harry Evans, Merthyr, to give an intelligent and discursive interpretation of the sublime and hidden secrets of oratorical music. This has resulted in untold benefit to the choristers, and the evenings spent with Mr. Evans have been redolent of pleasure and cultivation of a kind so sadly neglected, and yet all-essential to a proper understanding and appreciation of the master-works, and to Mr. Evans the choristers are doubly thankful. It was always the earnest desire of Mr. John to obtain the best tuition possible for his "little choir," and in procuring the services of Mr. Evans for the choir he has filled their hearts with gladness and thankfulness. Mr. John was inimitable in the sway he held over the choir, who looked upon him as something more than their conductor. His various talks in the practices, in which the serious and humorous were so well and eloquently blended tended in a large degree to keep the choristers interested in their work, and at the same time cemented the friendship between choir and conductor. His well-known eloquence and enthusiasm always stood him in good stead, and served to quicken the intelligence of the choir. This he employed to advantage on one occasion in particular, and which will long remain green in the memories of the listeners. The choir were in full swing for competition with "Then round about the Starry Throne," and on this occasion, practice took place in the Council Schools, Llwynypia. The rendering of the choir was spiritless, Mr. John came forward, and with a rousing discourse on the meaning of the words and their attributes, infused life and vigour into the choir, and the rendering which followed was marked as being one of the best attempts of the choir on the chorus. In social functions of the choir, Mr. John was thoroughly at home, and contributed largely to their success. Always very liberal and generous in helping any good cause, he has created a void which is not easily filled.

        However, it is now the duty of the choir generally to rally round the successor to Mr. John, namely, Mr. Thomas Ayton Jones, and to lend him all possible assistance by being faithful in their attention to the duties of the choir. Let every member feel that this is incumbent upon him, and the future is assured.

        A happy outcome to the services which Mr. John had rendered both choir and church was a presentation to him on Monday evening last, and the meeting was graced with a packed vestry. The pastor, the Rev. T. G, Jenkyn, presided, and the following programme, prepared by Mr. Thomas Ayton Jones, was successfully concluded.

        Mr. Jenkyn, in a few appropriate words, said they all knew the object for which the meeting was held. They were glad to see Mr. and Mrs. John present. He remembered the first Sunday he (Mr. Jenkyn) came to Salem, and the old faces were imprinted on his memory. During the span of 30 years, time had gathered in his store, and there were few old faces left as a memoir of former days. By the departure of Mr. John from their midst, the church was losing its senior member and deacon, and one who was recognized with the cause at its inception. Mr. John's long association with Salem had been full of earnest labour and usefulness, and they were assembled there that evening to show their appreciation of his services.

        Master Tom Phillips was then called upon for a recitation, the title of which transpired to be "George y Gof," [George the Blacksmith] and was admirable for its homely truths, made more apparent by the pleasing and clear style of the reciter.

        Mr. Phillip Llewellyn afterwards spoke, and said he was glad to have the opportunity of saying a few words on that occasion. He had known Mr. John for 22 years, and during that time it was his pleasure to state that Mr. John had helped him a good deal. He was educated under him in the old schools. The value of work had been constantly impressed upon them by Mr. John. The members of the choir were used to hearing him say, "Pa beth bynag yr ymafla dy law ynddo, wna a'th holl egni," [Whatever your hand grasps, do it with all your energy] and Mr. John was an example to them in this respect. It behoved them all to emulate the noble precept which he was never tired of reciting, and of which he was so patent and ardent a follower. Mr. John had the very desirable qualities of keeping them interested in the singing school, and could make harmony out of discord. His humour and wit were proverbial, and he had splendid powers of organisation. A pleasing feature in Mr John was, that he would admit and thence apologise when he had made a mistake. He was a man of great ideas, and drawing out work, and following it up. His five years connection with the choir was a positive proof of this, and had wrought them lasting good. They could not but feel sorry to lose a man of such distinct ability as Mr. John, and they hoped he would be as homely and comfortable in Ebenezer as he had been in Salem.

        A pianoforte solo was then given by Master Merfyn Jenkyn for which he was deservedly applauded.

        Miss Lily Morgan's elocution in 'Domestic asides, or truth in parenthesis' received signal and hearty recognition.

        Mr. Thos. R. Davies said there was one thing in particular which he had learnt from Mr. John, and that was the value of time. It was characteristic of him to be always in time at the services and choir practices. He had brought the choir to a position of excellence, and had inculcated in the choristers a desire for superior music. Mr. John had taught them widely in sol-fa. He was always very faithful in the practices, and had a keen and observant eye in finding out who were absent, and would speak to the offending members at the first chance. Mr. John had sacrificed a good deal to attend to the duties of the choir. He was full of the choir, and it may be said with truth that the choir was full of him. Mr. John was not a selfish man, and was always ready to give up the baton to a better man. He had always exerted his power for good, and his influence would remain on the choir.

        'King Richard and Bollingbroke' was then effectively rendered by Miss Mary E. Jones, and a quartette of maidens, composed of Misses Hannah James, Gertie Hawke, Mary Ann Samuel and Myfanwy Jones, gave a vocal item, which was appreciated.

        Mrs. Mary Williams recited 'The Women of Mumbles Head' in a realistic manner, and evoked the admiration of those present by her dramatic rendering.

        Mr. Thomas Ayton Jones said he could claim 27 years of friendship with Mr. John, and indeed he might say that he looked upon him in the light of a father. He was a pupil of Mr. John's in daily school, and he was his teacher in Sunday School 27 years years ago in the vestry. He remembered the advice he, (Mr. John) used to give them time and again, which was that of doing something in connection with the church. The smallest thing they could do, he used to say, was desirable, rather than do nothing. His pleadings to them not to touch alcoholic drinks, were present to him that evening, and he was happy to say that the three members of his class had acted upon his advice, and had grown up abstainers. Mr. John would always go for the best in everything. He had left a deep impression on both choir and church. People used to say good-humouredly that he resembled Mr. John both in size and build, and in the colour of his hair, and especially now that he had stepped into Mr. John's shoes as conductor of the choir.

        A letter was read from Mr. David Jones, assistant overseer, regretting his inability to be present owing to the election, which detained him at Treorchy. He wished to speak of the homely character and good nature of Mr. Tom John, and trusted they would have a splendid meeting.

        The presentation was then made by Mrs. Jane Jones, Inverlieth Terrace, the senior surviving member in Salem. The old lady was solely distressed, and her few words were spoken with much emotion. The gift of a gold watch and chain was provided by Mr. J. Kinstley, Jeweller, Tonypandy, and was a beautiful specimen of the watchmaker's skill and art. Inscribed inside the watch were the words "Presented to Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia, by Salem Church and Choir, and other admiring friends, March 1904."

        On rising, Mr. John was given a hearty welcome. His opening sentences betrayed the feelings under which he was labouring, and said that Mrs. Jones had almost upset him, but he had endeavoured to restrain himself. He thanked them for the valuable gift, it was but natural to do so. Everyone in a like position would feel glad. Speaking of Salem they had surmounted a lot of difficulties. The work he had done in Salem had brought him his reward in the doing. There was always a reward in the work itself. He counselled them not to expect to be honoured for their work, they would have to labour a good deal without any thanks even, but they would find their pleasure by the way. Always be doing something, that was the maxim to follow. There were people who would do nothing unless they were remunerated. They had applications now and again from young men seeking positions as reporters on the "Leader," and the first thing they asked was, what would they get for they work. These young men would find that they would have to labour much before they deserve anything. Do all the work you take in hand on Christian principles and with willingness, and you will have your payment in doing it. He started with the choir five years ago. In taking to "Jeptha" they extended their knowledge of Sol-fa considerably. They were nine months in learning it. Its performance in the Hall was a source of great pleasure to them, and was the capping stone to their industry and perseverance. The singing school had been to him a religious meeting. There are great possibilities in young people if they only knew it. They had proved in Salem that by persistence they were able to do a large amount of work, and the fruits could now be seen in the many calls that were for the members of the choir by other choirs, and all because they could read music. Before helping others, however, let them be satisfied that they were not neglecting the work at home, as it was the home that had the first call, and they should see that they were right in this respect as regards Salem before assisting others. He could not tell them too often to be up and doing. There was a saying brimful of truth that, to prevent us being sluggards in life to "start the morning with determination, and you will rest with satisfaction." It was the duty of the Church to do all they could for the young people of their flock, and to provide them with work at once interesting and instructive. With functions of this kind, the young people would remain steadfast and true to the cause. This was a question that was all-important in these days.

        The Chairman then read the following verses:-

        Ei werth a welir uwch pob peth
        Yn traethu a dysgyblu,
        A thynu allan yr holl stôr
        Oedd yn y Côr i ganu.

        Perfformiwyd gweithiau pena'r byd
        Yn hyfryd niewn cydgordiad;
        Bydd sôn am John a'r côr yn hir
        Trwy gampwaith gwir ddatganiad.

        Mae'r oriawr hon yn nod o barch
        A chyfarch eich cyfeillion,
        Am i chwi eto lawer blwydd
        O lwyddiant a chysuron.

         

        [Its value is seen above all things
        Commenting and disciplining,
        And take out all the store
        He was in the Choir to sing.

        Top of the world works were performed
        Beautifully in harmony;
        John and the choir will be mentioned long
        Through the masterpiece of a true statement.

        This watch is a mark of respect
        And greet your friends,
        For you again many years
        Of success and comforts.]

         

        Mr. Thomas Davies, chandler, followed, and made some brief remarks appreciative of Mr. John, and proceeded with some lines of poetry as under:-

        Yn Salem heno'n unol cyflwynwn watch i chwi
        I gadw'n fyw adgofion o'r amser melus fu;
        Pan oedd y gwaith yn llwyddo, a chrefydd dan ei pharch,
        Yn gysur da i'r brodyr, bu'ch ysgwydd dan yr arch,
        Mae cwmwl mawr o dystion o hyny wedi mynd,
        Ychydig iawn sy'n aros fel Mrs. Jones yn ffrynd
        I gadw enw'r Ceidwad yn hir o flaen y byd;
        Er codi cwmwl eto o seintiau pur ynghyd.
        Nis gallhwn lai na chofla am Mrs John a'r plant,
        A'r anwyl un o honynt sydd yn y nef yn sant.
        Nid rhanol ydyw'r Eglwys niewn dau wahanol le,
        Un i amddiffyn iawnder trwy'r ddaear lawr a'r Ne';
        Ewch rhagoch mewn daioni, mae galw am eich gwaith,
        Os canu wnewch, cewclh ganu i dragwyddoldeb maith.

         

        [In Salem tonight we will present you with a watch
        To keep alive memories of the sweet past;
        When the work was successful, and religion respected,
        Good comfort to the brothers, your shoulder has been buried under the coffin,
        A large cloud of witnesses from that is gone,
        Few remain as Mrs. Jones was furious
        To keep the name of the Keeper long before the world;
        Though again a cloud of pure saints was lifted.
        I can't remember Mrs John and the children,
        And the beloved one of them who is in heaven is a saint.
        The Church is not partial in two different places,
        One to defend justice through the earth down and the South;
        Proceed in goodness, your work is in demand,
        If you sing, let it sing for a long time.]

         

        His spontaneous effort at the close of the above was

        Dyma watch sydd yn matcho - heddyw just
        Fel oedd John yn gweithio,
        Rhwydd ei fawl - ffwrdd a fo,
        Neis hapns - yna stoppo.

         

        [Dyma watch sydd yn matcho - heddyw just
        Fel oedd John yn gweithio,
        Rhwydd ei fawl - ffwrdd a fo,
        Neis hapns - yna stoppo.]

         

        Mae William Lewis (deacon) said he had known Mr. John for 40 years. He remembered him a lad. They as deacons had always worked amicably with Mr. John, and had found him a peaceful and agreeable person. It was a sad reflection to him (Mr Lewis) that now Mr. John had left, he was the senior deacon in Salem. They were all aware of the influence which Mr John exercised in their church, and indeed in Wales. He would doubtless be honoured next week with the Vice-presidency of the National Union of Teachers, and the fact that he had been nominated for this position served as an additional of the high esteem in which he was held. He hoped he would be spared to continue his good work.

        Mr. John Morris (deacon) said Mr. John had laboured hard amongst them, and they were sorry to lose him. He was glad that Mr. John had commenced his sphere of usefulness in Ebenezer with the Sunday School. It could be said of Mr. John that he was the father of most of them, as he had taught nearly all of them when in school, and he (Mr. John) looked upon them, therefore, as his children. Mr. Morris made an amusing reference, bearing on the foregoing remarks, to a doctor in the village in which he (Mr. Morris) was brought up. The speaker, in conclusion, said that Mr. John had been an example to them in many respects, and the good work he had done was a splendid testimonial to his worth.

        Mr. William Howells (deacon) remembered Mr. John when he was 10 years old. Mr. John's father, Mr. David John, used to walk a few miles to Llwydcoed, Aberdare, to teach them to sing. He taught them the hymn, "Dan dy fendith wrth ymadael," ["Under your blessing on leaving"] and he (Mr. Howells) had never forgotten it. Mr. John's influence would always remain a potent factor with them, especially with the choir, and he trusted Mr. John would get health and strength to continue the work which had left such an impression in Salem.

        Mr. John Jones said it gave him much pleasure to speak of his personal indebtedness to Mr. John, with whom he could claim a very long friendship. He owed him a deep debt of gratitude for cultivating a taste within him in his young days for good books, which had been such a source of pleasure and inspiration to him during his life. Mr. John used to lend them books of the highest class, and he thanked him for the help and benefit which he had derived by this act of kind thoughtfulness on the part of Mr. John. He was of the opinion that never was a presentation mere deserving than in this case.

        Mr. Jenkyn in closing the meeting said that encouragement was needed to everyone in their work. Many a good man had been spoilt for want of it. It was only proper and just that they should encourage anyone employed in doing good by a kind word or a cheer to spur them on, and to show them that, others realised the good work they were doing. He thanked Mr. John for coming to his aid at a critical time in the history of the church many years ago, when at his (Mr. Jenkyn's) request, he took over the congregational singing, consequent on differences between two conductors. When Mr. John was leading the congregation, it was apparent that his spiritual nature was more than the hymn book he held in his hand.

        The meeting which was in every way a happy and enjoyable one under the circumstances, terminated with the singing of "Dan Dy fendith wrth ymadael." ["Under your blessing on leaving"]

        A word of thanks is due to those who were entrusted with the promotion and carrying out of the presentation, and also to the collectors for their very necessary portion of the work.

   7. • Date: 29 April 1905
      • Page: Page 2
      • Citation:

        TEACHERS' UNION

        PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS BY MR. TOM JOHN.

        The thirty-sixth annual conference of the National Union of Teachers was opened in the Pier Pavilion at Llandudno on Monday morning. Mr. G. Sharpies, of Manchester, the retiring president, occupied the chair at the morning session, when the conference was formally welcomed to Llandudno by representatives of the town and district. The conference having been received and welcomed, Mr. Sharpies vacated the presidential chair, and Mr. Tom John, of Llwynypia. School, Rhondda, was elected president of the Union for the year.

        <snip>

        PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.

        Mr. Tom John, the president, then delivered his inaugural address. He said he hoped their stay at Llandudno, within sighit of the mountains and within sound of the sea, would brace them for the coming months of arduous duties, and that their educational deliberations would help the counties of Wales to still the storm that had been raging round the schools for the last two years. His native country was entitled to claim that it had made sacrifices, many and great, for education. And now that Wales realised that education in the primary schools was the one foundation on which higher education could be safely built a bright and prosperous era in the history of Gwalia would begin.

        <snip>

        TESTIMONIAL TO MR. TOM JOHN.

        Subsequently, on the motion of Mr. Jenkins (Merthyr), a committee was formed of two representatives from each county to meet to draw out a scheme for a national testimonial to Mr. Tom John in recognition of his services to Welsh education and of the fact of his being the first Welshman to be elected president of the Union.

   8. • Date: 10 August 1907
      • Page: Page 3
      • Citation:

        Death of Mrs. Tom John.

        Funeral Obsequies.

        Glowing Tributes.

        The news of the death of Mrs. Tom John, M.A., although not totally unexpected, was received with a painful shock when the sad news became known on Thursday evening last. The deceased lady had been ailing for many months, and despite the most skilful medical attention, the malignant nature of her terrible disease - internal cancer - was such as to preclude any hope of recovery. She bore her affliction with Christian fortitude, and even in the hour of bitterest agony not a murmur of complaint escaped her lips. Her "passing hence" has evoked the most widespread sympathy with those who are left behind, no fewer than 300 letters of condolence having been received during the week from public men all over the Kingdom.

        Mrs. Margaret John was in the 51st year of her age. The daughter of the late Mr. Fredk. Lewis, Penygraig, she was married to Mr. Tom John 33 years ago, and it can be truly said that never was a union which was more truly blessed. Of a singularly retiring disposition, her manifold virtues were manifested within the sacred circle of the hearth. Here she reigned supreme - a devoted wife and an exemplary mother. Her companionship was always sweet and pure, and who can measure the amount of encouraging support she lent the sorrow-stricken figure who followed her bier to her earthly home? As the Rev. T. G. Jenkyn, Salem, Llwynypia - the deceased's pastor for over a quarter of a century - fittingly remarked at the graveside, her whole life had been one of untiring support to her husband, and had it not been for the kindly encouragement she had given him in the stiffest hours of the fight, Mr. Tom John would not have soared so high in the public life of to-day.

        Neither did she forget her duties to her Maker. For 30 years at Salem, and for the past few years at Ebenezer, Tonypandy, she aided by kindly word and unostentatious deed the great cause of the Master. Like other noble women of Gwyllt Walia, her respect for ministers of the Gospel was unbounded, and many a wearied Gentile Apostle found a true solace and fresh inspiration in this gentle Lydia.

        A pathetic feature in connection with Mr. John's bereavement is the critical state of health of his only son - Dafydd - who for months past has been confined to his room with an affliction of the heart. His condition needs the most unremitting attention and nursing, and for this reason the service at the house on Wednesday was dispensed with. It is to be hoped that his health will soon improve, and that he will once more resume the career upon which he has lately embarked.

        The funeral obsequies took place on Wednesday last at Llethrddu Cemetery, Trealaw, the Rev. E. Richards, Tonypandy (her pastor), officiated, assisted by the Revs. T. G. Jenkyn, Llwynypia; T. Williams, Clydach Vale; and W. Charles, M.A., Treorchy. The attendance was very large and representative, the teaching profession being very strongly represented. The coffin bore the simple inscription:-

        Margaret John,
        Died August 1st, 1907,
        Age 51 Years.

        En route to the cemetery, the choir of Ebenezer, Tonypandy, under the leadership of Mr. W. T. David, rendered very feelingly several well-Known Welsh hymns, most of which were amongst the favourite literature of the deceased.

        The ceremony at the graveside was brief but impressive. Touching tributes to the deceased's worth were paid by the Revs. T. U. Jenkyn and E. Richards. The former, speaking with a 25 years' acquaintanceship of Mrs. John, remarked that during that period all knew the history of Mr. Tom John, but very few were those who could speak with any degree of intimacy of the Christian character of the deceased. Although of a quiet, unassuming disposition, the support and encouragement which he (Mr. Jenkyn) had received at her hands on more than one occasion had been very helpful to him, as a minister of the Gospel and ministers of Christ needed such encouragement at times. She was a woman whose one great word was "Thorough." Her faith was thorough, firm as the rock, and sublime as the noonday sun. As a wife and mother she performed her duties with the same thoroughness of manner, and with the cause of the Master it was her one great watchword. They in Salem knew the true worth of the deceased lady. She subscribed generously, believing that the cause was really the cause of God. Her worth as wife and mother no one knew better than the bereaved husband and children, and had it not been for her support and inspiration Mr. Tom John would not have soared so high in public life.

        The Rev. Evan Richards, Tonypandy, speaking under great emotion, also delivered himself in sentiments. The occasion, he said, was one of great sorrow, and their hearts went out in sympathy towards Mr. John and the sorrowing children and relatives gathered around. Mr. John was a national character, and in his affliction the heart of a nation had been touched. It was difficult to think of him under a cloud. He was always in the sunshine - he loved the sunshine - but to-day they saw him under the cloud of adversity. But across that dark bank the prismatic colours of the rainbow of the Greater Life had been painted by God's own fingers, conveying the comforting promise of a Peace and Calm beyond the Storm.

        The Rev. W. Charles, M.A., Treorchy, read a portion of the Scriptures, and after a touching supplication by the Rev. Thomas Williams, Clydach Vale, all was over.

        Among the mourners were:- Mr. Tom John (husband); Miss Maggie John (daughter); Miss Diana Lewis (sister); Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis, Penygraig (nephew and niece); Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis, M.E., Williamstown (nephew and niece); Mr. and Mrs. Tom Edgar Lewis, Tonypandy (nephew and niece); Mrs. Owen, Narberth (niece); Miss Catherine Harris, Aberdare (cousin); Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Aberdare (nephew and niece); Mr. David Davies, Aberdare (cousin): Mr. Isaac Harris, Aberdare (cousin); Mr. and Mrs. J. W. John, Ynyshir (brother- and sister-in-law); Miss John, Cymmer (sister-in-law) Mr. John Preece, Porth (brother-in-law) Mr. Evan Lewis, Swansea, (uncle); Mr. David Evans, Llandilo (cousin); Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Treorchy (cousins); Miss Lena Williams, Treorchy (niece); Mr. and Mrs. Scott, Pentre (cousins); Mrs. Davies, Crown Hotel, Pontypridd (cousin); Mr. and Mrs. Gwatkin, Llwynypia (nephew and niece); Mr. Dafydd Morgan, Blaenrhondda (uncle); Mr. Ashley, Treorchy (nephew). Mr. Dafydd John (son) was too indisposed to leave the house, and his sister Madeline remained at home in attendance upon him.

        Among those present at the funeral we noticed the Revs. Wm. Williams (O.M.), Tonypandy; J. Walters (C.), Clydach Vale; J. Hope Evans (C.), Mardy; T. T. Jones (B.), Blaenclydach; W. S. Jones (B.), Llwynypia; T. Morris (C.), Clydach Vale; E. Dunmore Edwards, M.A. (prin- citial, Collegiate School, Pontypridd); J. Morgan (C.M.), Llwynypia; J. Nicholas (B.), Tonypandy; County Councillor Tom Jones, Treorchy; Mr. J. D. Williams, J.P., D.C. Mr. David Williams, D.C., Tonypandy; Mr. W. T. Jones, D.C., Treorchy Mr. W. P. Nicholas, solicitor, Trealaw; Dr. Idris Morgan, Llwynypia; Mr. W. D. Jones ("Rhondda Leader"); Mr. D. R. Jones, Tonypandy; Alderman Richard Lewis, Tonypandy; Mr. John Gilmour, Glamorgan Collieries; Mr. D. Jones, assistant overseer; Mr. D. Evans (Eos Dar); Mr. D. Evans (conductor, Tonypandy Harmonic Society); Mr. D. Lloyd, I.S.M., Tonypandy; Mr. Rees Davies, M.E., Aberdare; Mr. W. J. Evans, Aberdare; Mr. W. C. Prichard, Glamorgan Collieries; Major R. C. Dyke, Pentre; Mr. W. D. Morgan, architect, Pentre; Mr. Pennant, Pontycymmer; Mr. Geo. Evans, Tonypandy; Mr. Morris Morris, builder, Ferndale; Mr. W. T. David, Tonypandy; Mr. Tom Evans, M.E., Llwynypia; Mr. Dan Evans, M.E., Llwynypia.

        The teaching profession was represented by the following:- Messrs. Rhys Nicholas, N.U.T., Cwmavon Evan Davies, N.U.T.; E. Samuel, M.A., Porth; H. Howells, Treorchv: Dr. R. D. Chalke, Porth; Isaac Owen James Nicholas, Aberavon; J. W. Jones, Tonypandy; - Lewis, Hen-goed; T. Arthur, Tonypandy; Dan Jones, Cymmer; and Miss Williams, L.L.A., Cardiff.

        Letters of Condolence.

        Over 300 letters of condolence were received. The Lord Bishop of St. David's wrote:-

        "Dear Mr. John, - I saw with great regret an account of your great sorrow, and venture to write to express my most sincere sympathy with you in your great bereavement. I have the warmest esteem for you as an example of a sterling patriot, and I am sure you will have the widespread sympathy of all who value disinterested and indefatigable services. May I add that I value personally very much your personal kindness in the interview we had together on public affairs. I am very sorry to hear of your son's illness, and earnestly hope he will very soon be restored to health.

        "Yn y dyfroedd dyfnion yr ydych ynddynt, nid oes genyf ond credu a gweddio y bydd i'r Meistr tyner yr ydych yn Ei wasanaethu eich diddanu a'ch nerthu yn ol Ei addewid. - Yr eiddoch yn gynes,

        [In the deep waters you are in, I only have to believe and pray that the tender Master you serve will entertain you and rescue you in His promise. - The eagerly warm,]

        "J. T. DAVIDS."

        Mr. A. R. Pickles, president of the N.U.T., wrote:- "It is with sincere sorrow we hear of your irreparable loss. The release from the pain and suffering to enter into that higher life, where sadness and sorrow and pain are not met, leaves you full of heaviness and sorrow. So, my dear Tom John, we take your hand in very sincere sympathy. Pray that you may be given strength to bear that through the darkness you may be able to look up and onward to her who so long has cheered your way, and that you may be able to say to yourself that she is ever in spirit by your side. So may the long days and weary nights pass in faithful waiting and in abiding hope."

        Prof. Anwyl, M.A., Aberystwyth:- "I have been deeply touched by the fortitude and tranquility with which you have trodden the path of public and private duty, while your spirit devotedly bore its load of constant care. It is my earnest hope, dear friend, that you will derive in the present trial some other spring of consolation."

        Mr. Alfred T. Davies, Welsh secretary to the Board of Education:- "Words are but little purpose at a time like this, but when the heart is sad it is some consolation to learn that others have had you in their thoughts, and that they trust that you may be supported and comforted in the hour of your trial."

        Mr. Allen Oroft, past ex-president of the N.U.T.:- "I am conscious of the futility of mere words in this sad moment, and can only hope that time the great healer will ultimately do something, if but a little, to assuage the poignancy of your grief."

        Mr. Ernest Gray, M.A., Executive, N. U. T.:- "In days of domestic affliction, nothing but the strongest sense of duty would have kept you so long and so loyally devoted to public work. It is a sacrifice which I appreciate and admire."

        Among others received were those written by the following:- The Rev. T. Theophilus, Tredegar; Mr. W. W. Hood, M.E., Llwynypia; Mr. T. P. Sykes, ex-president N.U.T.; Mr. T. W. David, Pendoylan, Cowbridge; Mr. A. Blenkinsop, F..LS. (Executive); Alderman Richard Lewis, Tonypandy; Alderman T. J. Hughes, Bridgend; Mr. J. H. Yoxall, M.P., Russell Square, London; Miss Hannah Williams, L.L.A., Cardiff; Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Jenkins, J.P., Tonypandy; Mr. T. Jones, H.M.I.S., Abergavenny; Mr. Harry Evans, F.R.C.O., Liverpool; Mr. Rhys Nicholas, Cwmavon; Mr and Mrs. Charles Morgan, B.A., Cardiff; Committee of the Aberporth Chair Eistedd- fod; County Councillor James Evans, Cambrian House, Clydach Vale; Mr. John Kees, H.M.I.S., Swansea; Mr. J. James, M.A., B.Sc., Ph.D., Chief Education Official, Glamorgan County Council; Mr. Augustus Lewis, Inspector of Factories; Mr. George Sharpies, ex-president N.U.T.; Mr. F. W. Pepperell, Cardiff Teachers' Associa- tion; Dr. W. Morris, F.R.G.S., Treorchy; Mr. J. Davies, hon. secretary Rhondda and Pontypridd Teachers' Association; Mid-Rhondda Male Voice Choir Rev. and Mrs. J. Grawys Jones, Aberdare; Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Berry, Director of Education, Rhondda; Mr. Geo. A. Hamilton, treasurer N.U.T.; Mr. Geo. Baddeley, execu- tive N.U.T. Mr. Thomas Griffiths (on behalf of Salem Congregational Choir); Mr. T. J. Williams, N.U.T., Bangor; Mr. Arthur R. Pickles, M.A. (Oxon.), B.A. (Lond.), president N.U.T.; Mr. T. G. Jones, Deputy Clerk Rhondda Urban Dis- trict Council; Mr. Phillip Thomas, Gnoll Street Schools, Neath (N.U. B. and 0. for Wales); Mr. Evan Davies, executive N.U.T., Wales; Salem Congregational Church, Llwynypia; Mr. W. A. Nicholls, vice-president N.U.T.; Tonypandy Har- monic Society; Sir Isambard and Lady Owen: Mabon; Mr. D. Davies, M.P., Llandinam; Mr. J. R. JoneSj Williams- town; Mr. T. G. Price, Merthyr; Mr. Dan Jenkins, Llangrwys, Llanwrda; Mrs. Salter Lloyd, Aberdare; Miss A. Griffiths, Bodringallt Schools; Mr. R. W. Jones, Pengam; Mr. W. H. Jeffreys, Russell Square, London; Mr. Alf. Evans, Llwynypia; Dr. Jenkins, Medical Officer of Health, Pentre; Councillor R. S. Griffiths, Clydach Vale; Mr. Dd. Bowen, Abercarn.

        The funeral arrangements were admirably carried out by Messrs. J. Griffiths and Sons, undertakers, Tonypandy.

   9. • Date: 16 November 1907
      • Page: Supplement - Page 1
      • Citation:

        Death of Mr. Dafydd John.

        Promising Career Cut Short

        Representative Funeral.

        After a painful illness extending over seven months, Dafydd, the only son of Mr. Tom John, M.A., Llwynypia, passed away on Friday midnight. Always of a very delicate constitution, the condition of his heart had always given great concern to his parents and sisters. On two occasions he undertook a prolonged voyage in the Mediterranean Sea, and returned much benefited thereby. Of late, however, dropsy and other complications set in, and although his condition had been pronounced by the doctors as practically hopeless, he, nevertheless, kept up a stout heart and a cheerful disposition. In moments of ease, he would converse freely with his father about various matters, and although confined to his bed, he took a wonderful amount of interest in what was passing in the world outside.

        Dafydd was educated at the Llwynypia School, and at the County School, Porth, where he was held in great esteem by the scholars and teachers. Two years ago, on returning from his last trip, he joined the staff of the "Rhondda Leader" as a junior reporter. Like every true Pressman, he was very attached to his paper, and was always proud to assist, however so little, in its fortunes. Like Mr. Micawber, he had "great expectations," and many times he remarked that he would be a great journalist, "not a mere reporter."

        "Alas, the schemes of mice and men often go agley."

        About a twelvemonth ago, he underwent an operation for a cleft palate, and although the operation was entirely successful, the effect was not all that could be desired.

        He was a well-read youth, and his conversation was always sparkling and entertaining, and marked with bright flashes of quiet humour. In politics - he was a keen politician at an early age - he was a staunch Liberal, and a true son of his respected father. He was an ardent Non-conformist, and a keen Disestablisher - indeed, he would paint the evils of a State-aided religion with no light hand. He was also a great friend of the teaching profession, as was only to be expected, and almost his last appearance in public was at the last conference of the N.U.T., when Mr. and Mrs. John were presented with an address at Oxford. His mother, who was then lying seriously ill at home, failed to attend the proceedings, and the duties of responding on her behalf fell to Dafydd, which he did with the instinct of a born orator. At the end of April he was confined to the house, and with but rare intervals the hand of sickness was heavy upon him until his release came on Friday midnight, and he passed to the Unknown at the early age of 20 years.

        The funeral on Tuesday was a very large and representative one, the teaching profession, in particular, being strongly represented. The coffin, which was of polished oak, bore the simple inscription

        Dafydd John,
        Died November 9th, 1907.
        Age 20 Years.

        At the graveside a short service was held, when touching tributes to the character of deceased were paid by the Rev. E. Richards, Tonypandy; Rev. T. G. Jenkyn, Salem, Llwynypia; and Rev. Grawys Jones, Aberdare. The singing en route and at the graveside was conducted by Mr. W. T. David, Tonypandy.

        The mourners included Mr. Tom John, M.A. (father); Misses Maggie and Matilda John (sisters); Miss Mary John (aunt); Mr and Mrs. J. W. John, Ynyshir (uncle and aunt); Mr. J. Preece, Porth, and Mr. D. Morgan, Blaenrhondda (uncles); Mr. and Mrs. Scott, Pentre (uncle and aunt); Miss Diana Lewis (aunt); Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis, Williamstown; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lewis, Tonypandy, and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis, Penygraig (cousins); Mrs. Davies and family, Treforest; Mrs. Davies, Treorchy; Mrs. Williams and Miss Lena Williams; Mr. Sidney Williams, Treorchy; Mrs. Gwatinn, Pentre; Mrs. Evans, Kenfig Hill; Mr. Jeffreys, Treherbert; Mr. Isaac Harris, Aberdare; Mr. and Mrs. D. Davies, Aberdare; Mrs. M. A. and Master Tom Davies, Aberdare.

        Among those present we noticed the Revs. W. Charles, M.A., Treorchy; M. H. Ellis (C.M.), Trealaw; J. Morgan (O.M.), Llwynypia; J. Nicholas (B.); J. L. Roderick, B.A. (B.); W. Williams (C.M.), Tonypandy: S. G. Jones (C.), Trealaw; Alderman Rd. Lewis, J.P. Mr. D. W. Davies, C.C., Tonypandy; Mr. David Smith, J.P chairman of the Rhondda Urban District Council); Mr. R. S. Griffiths, D.C. Mr. D. C. Evans, D.C. Mr. D. Williams. D.C. Mr. James Evans, C.C., Oydach Yale; Dr. Idris Morgan; Dr. Llewellyn, Penygraig; Mr. T. Millward, solicitor, Pentre; Mr. D. Jones, overseer; Mr. W. D. Jones ("Leader") Mr. D. M. Williams, accountant; Mr. Dan Evans, M.E., Llwynypia; Mr. D. Thomas, Trealaw; Mr. Ben Davies, miners' agent, Pentre; Mr. N. Meredith, Llwynypia; Mr. Jacob Rees, Pentre; Mr. J. Kemp, Ynyshir; Mr. T. W. Berry, Director of Education; Mr. T. G. Jones, deputy-clerk, Rhondda Urban District Council. The teaching profession were represented by Mr. E. Samuel, M.A., Porth; Dr. R. D. Chalke, M.A., Porth; Messrs. Rhys Nicholas, Cwmavon; T. T. Jenkins, Pentrebach, Merthyr; R. J. Price, Merthyr; EI. C. Willmott, Cardiff; James Williams, Swansea; James Nicholas. Aberavon; Isaac Davies, Blaengwynfi; Edmund Davies, Cymmer; J. Ambrose, Penrhiwceiber; G. Lewis, Mardy; J. Evans, Ton; D. Phil- lips, Wattstown; LI. Jones, Pentre; S. Davies, Pontrhondda; David Davies, Pontygwaith; T. P. John, Trealaw; W. H. Owen, Treherbert; H. Harris, Tylorstown; J. W. Jones, Tonypandy: H. Howells, Treorchy; B. Gabe, Penyrenglyn; T. Morgan, Cwmparc Ll. Davies, Pentre. Clydach Vale School: Messrs. R. R. Williams, D. E. Griffiths, D. R. Rees, R. J. Whittington, Mrs. Price, Miss G. Lewis, Miss Jones and Miss Colville. Llwynypia School: Mr. and Mrs. Alf. Evans, Mr. J. Griffiths, Mr. R. Bowen, and Mr. J. D. Lewis.

        Scores of letters expressing sympathy with the family in their second bereavement - it being only three months since Mrs. John was laid to rest - were received, among the number being those from the Right Hon. D. Lloyd George, M.P., Dr. T. J. Macnamara, M.P., Sir Isambard Owen, and Mr. J. H. Yoxall, M.P. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs. J. Griffiths and Sons, undertakers, Tonypandy.

2. 1851 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: HO107/2460/438/8
3. 1861 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG9/4068/79/39
4. Y Tyst
   1. • Date: 10 March 1897
      • Page: Page 11
      • Citation:

        JOHN - Dydd Mawrth, Chwefror 23ain, Mrs Sarah John, 30, Harriet-street, Trecynon, Aberdar - gweddw y diweddar Mr David John, hen arweinydd canu Ebenezer. Bu yn gystuddiol yn hir. Cafodd ergyd o'r parlys tua dwy flynedd yn ol. Ar ol hyny, eiddil fu ei hiechyd hyd y diwedd. Ond dyoddefodd ya nodedig o arnyneddgar a thawel. Yr oedd yn 69 oed. Claddwyd hi y Sadwrn dilynol. Cynaliwyd gwasanaeth yn nghapel Ebenezer, lle y bu am lawer o flynyddau yu aelod. Teimlai ddyddordeb dwfn yn hanes ac achos yr eglwys Gwasanaethwyd gan y Parch J. Grawys Jones. Yn y fynwent, siaradodd y Parch W. I. Morris, Pontypridd - hen gyfaill cynes i'r tenlu. Gweddiwyd gan y Parch E. C. Davies. Ynyshir; a rhoddwyd emyn i'w ganu gan y Parch W. S. Davies, Llwydcoed. Cafwyd angladd barchus a lluosog iawn. Bydded nodded y Nef ar y plant - Mr Tom John, Llwynpia; Mr John John, Ynyshir; Mrs Preece, Porth; a Miss Mary John.

         

         

         

        Translation:

        JOHN - Tuesday, February 23rd, Mrs. Sarah John, 30, Harriet-street, Trecynon, Aberdare - widow of the late Mr David John, former Ebenezer singer. Her health had troubled her for a long time. About two years ago she was struck by sudden paralysis[1]. After that, her health was frail until the end. But she bore this patiently and quietly. She was 69 years old. She was buried on the following Saturday. A service was held in the Ebenezer chapel, where she had been a member of many years. She felt a deep interest in the history and cause of the church. The service was led by Rev J. Grawys Jones. In the cemetery, Rev. W. I. Morris, Pontypridd - an old friend - spoke to the crowd. Rev E. C. Davies, Ynyshir, prayed; and a hymn was sung by Rev W. S. Davies, Llwydcoed. It was a very respectful and well-attended funeral. May the protection of Heaven be upon the children - Mr Tom John, Llwynpia; Mr John John, Ynyshir; Mrs Preece, Porth; and Miss Mary John.

        [1] The same expression is used in modern Welsh to refer to a stroke.

   2. • Date: 19 January 1894
      • Page: Page 7
      • Citation:

        DAFYDD JOHN.

        Dydd Mawrth, Ionawr 9fed, claddwyd gweddillion marwol Dafydd John yn Nghladdfa Gyhoeddus Aberdar. Daeth tyrfa fawr o wŷr bucheddol yn nghyd o bell ac agos, i dalu iddo y gymwynas olaf o barch. Yr oedd wedi cyrhaedd yr oedran addfed o 71.

        Y mae yr enw Dafydd John wedi bod yn adnabyddus iawn yn nghylchoedd Aberdar a Merthyr am haner can' mlynedd. Daeth i amlygrwydd fel cerddor yn bur ieuanc, a pharhoadd felly ar hyd ei oes faith.

        Ganwyd Dafydd John yn Merthyr Tydfil, Mai 12fed, 1822. Enwau ei rieni oedd William a Margaret John. Genedigol o Cilgeran, sir Aberteifi, oeddynt hwy eu dau, ond wedi d'od i Merthyr y darfu iddynt briodi.

        Pan yn llanc tua phymtheg neu un-ar-bymtheg oed, teimlodd argraffiadau crefyddol dwys, ac aeth at grefydd yn Soar, Merthyr. Meddianwyd Dafydd John ieuanc o'r adeg hon yn mlaen gan lawer o ddifrifoldeb meddwl. Dadblygodd yn fuan mewn defnyddioldeb. Cyn hir cawn ei fod yn faswr o amlygrwydd a sylw yn nghor Rosser Beynon, ac fel cerddor, dysgybl ydoedd i'r gwr enwog hwnw.

        Tua'r flwyddyn 1848, yr oedd gweithiau haiarn a glo Aberdar yn cynyddu, a'r lle yn myned rhagddo yn fawr. Penderfynodd Dafydd John symud o Ferthyr i Aberdar. Cymerodd hyny le yn mis Ebrill, 1849, ymaelododd yn Ebenezer, Heolyfelin, o dan weinidogaeth y Parch William Edwards, ac yma y treuliodd weddill ei oes. Bendithiwyd ef a phedwar o blant, sef Mr Tom John, Llwynypia, golygydd y Glamorgan Free Press; Mr J. W. John, ysgolfeistr, Ynyshir; Miss Mary John, ysgolfeistres, Cymer; a Miss Margaret John, ysgolfeistres, Bodringallt. Nis gwyddomam neb a lanwodd yr enw tad yn well na Dafydd John. Ni welsom erioed hefyd fwy o anwyldeb parchus yn bodoli rhwng rhieni a phlant nag oedd yn nodweddu ei deulu ef.

        Wedi ymsefydlu yn Aberdar, daeth Dafydd John ar unwaith, i amlygrwydd neillduol fel cerddor o radd uchel. Cymerodd at y gwaith o godi y cor a'r ysgol gân i weithgarwch ac effeithiolrwydd yn Ebenezer. Dygodd i mewn amryw ddiwygiadau pwysig. Cyn hyn arferai y merched ganu tenor, a'r gwrywod ganu yr alaw. Gosododd yntau y merched i ganu soprano, a'r bechgyn i ganu tenor. Yn fuan iawn daeth cor Ebenezer i sylw mawr dan arweiniad Dafydd John. Ffurfiwyd cor undebol yn Aberdar er mwyn cystadlu mewn eisteddfod yn Merthyr. Y darn cystadleuol oedd 'Parotowch y Ffordd' (gwaith Daniel Charles Lewis, y crydd). Priodol iawn y gellir dyweyd fod yr amgylchiad hwn wedi 'parotoi y ffordd' i bethau mwy i ganlyn. Bu enill yn Merthyr y tro hwn yn symbyliad i gymeryd darnau mwy mewn llaw, ac enillasant lawer buddugoliaeth wedi hyny. Gellir edrych ar Dafydd John fel pioneer canu clasurol yn nghylchoedd Aberdar. Dysgodd i'w gor yr oll o'r 'Messiah' (Handel). Y rhan fwyaf o 'Judas Maccabeus.' Perfformiodd y 'Twelfth Mass' (Mozart), a chynorthwyid y perfformiad hwn gan string band Caradog, y cyntaf o'r natur yma yn Aberdar. Yn yr adegau hyn bu rai o brif gerddorion y Deheudir yn canu yn ei gor yn achlysurol, megys Dan Griffiths, Aberdar; Caradog; W. T. Rees (Alaw Ddu), Silas Evans, &c. Yr oedd Dafydd John yn gefnogol iawn i weithiau awdwyr Cymreig, megys Owain Alaw, Tanymarian, Ambrose Lloyd, Ieuan Gwyllt, &c. Trwy ei lafur diflino felly cododd y cor i sylw mawr yn y cylchoedd hyn. Gelwid am ei wasanaeth i gynal cyngerddau er cynorthwyo eglwysi ieuainc a gwan. Bu ef a'r cor o bryd i bryd yn cynal cyngerddau i'r amcan hwn yn Carmel, Treherbert; Ferndale; Ynysgau, Merthyr, &c. Ond yn nghanol llafur dibaid o'r tu allan, ei ofal penaf oedd am waith rheolaidd yr eglwys yn Ebenezer. Yr oedd yn ymgysegredig i achos Duw yn ei holl ranau yn ei eglwys ei hun. Fwy nag unwaith anrhegwyd ef gan eglwys Ebenezer fel arwydd o'i pharch dwfn iddo, yn gystal a'r gwerth dwfn a roddai ar ei ymdrechion parhaus. Yn y flwyddyn 1860, anrhegwyd ef â swm o arian ac harmonium da, a dyma y cyntaf a ddaeth i Gwm Aberdar. Yn Ionawr, 1875, cafodd ei anrhegu drachefn gan yr eglwys â piano rhagorol ac anerchiad hardd, a swm o arian, am ei ddylanwad iachus, a'i egni di-ildio gyda chaniadaeth y cysegr, ac o blaid cerddoriaeth yn gyffredinol. Yn y flwyddyn 1856, dewiswyd ef yn ddiacon. Llanwodd y swydd bwysig hono gyda ffyddlondeb a medr eithriadol am 38 o flynyddau. Yr oedd Dafydd John yn ddyn cyflawn a da yn mhob swydd, ond fel arweinydd canu cynulleidfaol, yr oedd fel Paul yn uwch o'i ysgwyddau i fyny nar lluaws o'i gwmpas. Yr oedd yn meddu ar fedr rhyfeddol hefyd i ganfod yr hyn oedd eisieu ei wneyd yn yr eglwys - yr oedd gofal arno ef am yr achos, ac am bob rhan ohono - yr oedd yu gyfaill trwyadl i'r weinidogaeth.

        Yn ei ymddangosiad allanol yr oedd bob amser yn barchus. Yr oedd yn meddu i raddau helaeth ar y peth a elwir Presence. Nid oedd neb, wedi ei weled unwaith, byth yn methu ei adnabod ar ol hyny. Yr oedd Dafydd John o gorff lluniaidd a hardd, yn dalach na'r cyffredin, ei wynebpryd yn hawddgar-ddifrifol, ei holl symudiadau yn sydyn a bywiog, ei besychiad yn fyr ac uchel, ac yn wahanol i bob pesychiad a glywsom erioed. Gellid ei adnabod ganllath, neu fwy, oddiwrtho yn y tywyllwch, oherwydd neillduolrwydd ei besychiad.

        Cerddai yn gyflym a gwisgi. Gwelsom ef yn 70 oed yn cerdded i Cwmdar, Hirwaun, Llwydcoed, a Tresalem, i rehearsals y gymanfa ganu, a llawer un ugain mlwydd yn ieuengach yn cael y gwaith mwyaf yn y byd i'w ddilyn. Yr oedd bob amser yn llawn o fyn'd, symudai yn mlaen gyda'i oes, neu yn hytrach o'i blaen. Arosodd yn berffaith ieuanc yn ei ysbryd a'i syniadau hyd y diwedd. Ni phetruswn gredu ei fod yn un o'r dynion duwiol mwyaf progressive yn ei Enwad, a phan fyddai wedi gwneyd ei feddwl i fyny i symud yn mlaen, llwyddai braidd yn ddieithriad, oblegid yr oedd yn llawn o deimlad caredig at rai o farn wahanol iddo ei hun, ac eto yn benderfynol, a dyfalbarhaol. Priodol iawn y dywedodd y Parch W. I. Morris, Pontypridd, yn ei angladd, 'Na ddaliodd neb ymchwiliad erioed yn well nag ef. Pa fanylaf y byddid yn ei chwilio, goreu oll yr ymddangosai efe. Yr oedd yn ddiniwed heb fod yn wasaidd. Yn ddidderbyn-wyneb, heb fod yn dramgwyddus, ac yn arweinydd canu o radd uchel, ac heb fod yn chwyddedig a gellid teimlo yn sicr, gan nad faint adawodd ar ol i'w weddw a'i blant, nad oedd cymaint ag un swllt brwnt yn y cwbl.' Nodweddid ef â'r un didwylledd a ffyddlondeb yn ei lafur gyda'r achos. Gwnaeth lawer yn gyhoeddus ac yn ddirgel i feithrin heddwch, a theimlad da. Medrai argyhoeddi dyn ei fod yn caru ei les. Nid oedd un amser yn dyweyd ei fod yn ddyn plaen, fel y mae arfer rhai, ac eto yr oedd y n hynod o blaen a llym, ond ei fod yn feistr ar y gelfyddyd o gynghori a cheryddu, fel mai anaml iawn y byddai ef yn methu gwneyd lles yn y cyfeiriad hwn. Parchai Dafydd John dy Dduw a'i wasanaeth gydag ysbryd llawn o ddefosiwn. Yr oedd hyd yn nod coed a cheryg ty Dduw yn gysegredig yn ei olwg. Prin yr wyf yn meddwl fod nemawr wydryn wedi ei osod mewn ffenestr o gwmpas y capel a'r ysgoldy, neu gloc wedi ei lanhau, neu ganwyllbren, neu fwrdd, neu sedd, neu gadair wedi ei hadgyweirio, nad oedd ef wedi bod yn gofalu am hyny. Y gwir yw, ni wnaed na bychan na mawr yn nglŷn â'r achos, na fu Dafydd John yn cymeryd rhan flaenllaw ynddo. Nid oedd pall ar ei ffyddlondeb a'i sel grefyddol. Gwelir hyn yn amlwg yn ei waith yn dilyn yr ysgolgan yn gyson hyd y diwedd. Pedair blynedd yn ol rhoddodd ofal yr ysgol gân i fyny, ond parhaodd hyd ei farwolaeth yn arweinydd y canu cynulleidfaol. Wedi i'r eglwys, ar ei gais ddewis W. E. Thomas i ofalu am yr ysgol gân yn ei le, y cynorthwywr mwyaf ffyddlon a didwyll a gafodd yr arweinydd newydd o hyny hyd yn awr oedd yr hen arweinydd enwog. Er dim ni chollai ysgol gân, gofalai fod yno yn siriol ei ysbryd i galonogi yr arweinydd a'r ysgol gân, ac yr oedd ei bresenoldeb yn llawnder gwerthfawr. Credwn mai addurn penaf ei gymeriad godidog oedd ei ysbryd rhagorol. Dyma yr elfen a beraroglodd ei fywyd crefyddol maith a llwyddianus, ac fe erys dylanwad hwn yn hir iawn, a bydd cofio Dafydd John yn help i fyw yn dduwiol yn Nhrecynon a'r cylch.

         

         

         

        DAFYDD JOHN.

        Tuesday, January 9th, the mortal remains of Dafydd John were buried at Aberdare Public Cemetery. A great crowd of living men came together from far and wide, to pay him their last respects. He had reached the age of 71.

        The name of Dafydd John has been well known in the Aberdare and Merthyr districts for half a century. He came to prominence as a very young musician, and so continued throughout his long life.

        Dafydd John was born in Merthyr Tydfil, May 12th, 1822. His parents were William and Margaret John. They were both natives of Cilgeran, Cardiganshire, but married after coming to Merthyr.

        When he was a boy about fifteen or sixteen years of age, he felt intense religious impressions, and came to faith in Soar, Merthyr. Dafydd John, though young, went forward from this point with much seriousness of mind. It soon developed in usefulness. We soon discover that he was a bass singer of prominence and attention in Rosser Beynon's choir, and as a musician he was a pupil of that famous man.

        About 1848, Aberdare's iron and coal works were increasing, and the place was much advanced. Dafydd John decided to move from Merthyr to Aberdare. This took place in April, 1849, when he became a member of Ebenezer, Heolyfelin, under the ministry of the Rev. William Edwards, and here he spent the rest of his life. He was blessed with four children, Mr Tom John, Llwynypia, editor of the Glamorgan Free Press; Mr J. W. John, schoolmaster, Ynyshir; Miss Mary John, schoolmistress, Cymmer; and Miss Margaret John, schoolmistress, Bodringallt. No one knows the name of the father better than Dafydd John. We also never saw more respectful affection existing between parents and children than was typical of his family.

        After settling in Aberdare, Dafydd John immediately came to prominence as a musician of high caliber. He took to the task of raising the choir and song school to activity and efficiency at Ebenezer. He brought in various important reforms. Previously the women sang tenor, and the males sang the melody. He set the girls to sing soprano, and the boys to sing tenor. Ebenezer's choir soon came to prominence under the leadership of Dafydd John. A union choir was formed in Aberdare to compete in an eisteddfod in Merthyr. The competitive piece was 'Parotowch y Ffordd' ['Prepare Ye the Way'] (the work of Daniel Charles Lewis, the shoemaker). This circumstance may well be said to have 'paved the way' for larger things to follow. Winning in Merthyr this time was a catalyst for taking bigger pieces in hand, and they subsequently won many victories. Dafydd John can be regarded as a pioneer of classical singing in the Aberdare circles[1]. He taught them all over the 'Messiah' (Handel). Most of 'Judas Maccabeus.' He performed the 'Twelfth Mass' (Mozart), and this performance was assisted by the Caradog string band[2], the first of its kind here in Aberdare. On these occasions some of the leading Southern musicians occasionally sang in his choir, such as Dan Griffiths, Aberdare; Caradog; W. T. Rees (Alaw Ddu), Silas Evans, & c. Dafydd John was very supportive of the works of Welsh authors, such as Owain Alaw, Tanymarian, Ambrose Lloyd, Ieuan Gwyllt, & c. Through his tireless labour the choir thus rose to great attention in these circles. He was called for his services to hold concerts to assist young and weak churches. He and the choir occasionally held concerts for this purpose in Carmel, Treherbert; Ferndale; Ynysgau, Merthyr, & c. But in the midst of countless outside labour, his primary concern was the regular work of the church in Ebenezer. He was dedicated to the cause of God in all his parts of his own church. On more than one occasion he was rewarded monetarily by Ebenezer chapel as a mark of their ongoing deep respect and the value placed on his continued efforts. In 1860, he was gifted with a good sum of money and a harmonium - the first to come to the Aberdare Valley. In January, 1875, he was again presented by the church with an excellent piano and a beautiful address, and a sum of money, for his wholesome influence, and his unwavering energy with the sanctuary, and for music in general. In the year 1856, he was elected Deacon. He filled that important job with exceptional loyalty and skill for 38 years. Dafydd John was a good and good man in every job, but as a congregational singing conductor, he was like Paul, head and shoulders above all around him[3]. He also possessed a remarkable ability to ascertain what he wanted to do in the church - for which he cared for the cause, and for all parts of it - he was a thorough friend of the ministry.

        In his outward appearance he was always respectable. He was largely in possession of the thing called Presence[4]. No one, having seen him once, could fail to identify him after that. Dafydd John was of a memorable and handsome body, taller than average, his face easy-going, his movements quick and lively, his cough short and loud, and unlike every coughing we have ever heard. He could be known a hundred or more from him in the dark, because of the particularity of his cough.

        He walked fast and agilely. We saw him at the age of 70 walking to Cwmdar, Hirwaun, Llwydcoed, and Tresalem, to the rehearsals of the singing festival, and many a good twenty years younger would have had their work cut out to keep up with him.. He was always full of vigour, moving forward with his years, or rather preceding them.. He stayed perfectly young in his spirit and ideas until the end. We do not hesitate to believe that he was one of the most progressive godly men in his Denomination, and when he had made up his mind to move forward, he was almost invariably successful, for he was full of a kind feeling for those with different views to himself, yet determined, and persevering. The Rev. W. I. Morris, Pontypridd, very fittingly said at his funeral, 'No one ever undertook research into new ideas better than him. The more detailed it was searched, the better it seemed. His manner was inoffensive, without giving in. He stood up to his detractors without being offensive and was a leader of high caliber singing, and not proud, and one could certainly feel that, given how much he had left for his widow and children, there was not one shilling dirty at all.' He was characterized by the same sincerity and fidelity in his daily work as in the [chapel] cause. He did much in public and in secret to foster peace and a good feeling. He could convince a man that he loved his welfare. He did not once say that he was a forthright man, as is the practice of some, and yet he was very plain and strict, but he was a master of the art of counseling and correcting, so that he was rarely failing to achieve peaceful resolution in such matters. David John respected the house of God and his service with a spirit of devotion. Even the knots in the wood of the trees and the stones of the house of God were sacred in his appearance. I hardly think that a glass was placed in a chapel or schoolroom, or a clock cleaned, nor a candle, table, seat or chair repaired that he did not have a hand in. The fact is, nothing small or large related to the Cause happened in which Dafydd John did not take a prominent part. His faithfulness and religious zeal were undeniable. This is evident in his work following the students until the end. Four years ago he handed over care for the choir scholars, but remained until his death the leader of congregational singing. The church then, at his request, chose W. E. Thomas to take charge of the choir scholars in his place - the most faithful and sincere assistant that the new leader had from then until now was the famous old leader. He did not then abandon the choir school but made sure to be there cheerfully, to encourage the conductor and his presence of great value. Surely the greatest mark of his excellent character was his open-minded spirit.This is what bears testimony to the authenticity of his long religious life, and this influence will last a very long time. The memory of David John will help those in Trecynon and the surrounding area to live godly lives.

         

        [1] Classical singing could have been quite controversial at the time, as it was seen as quite avant garde for a chapel choir.

        [2] "String bands" at the time were mostly made up of harps, which were considered seemly in chapel.

        [3] Referring to Paul climbing to the rock of Ares in the Areopagus in Athens. The implication is that he was boldy setting a new standard of faith.

        [4] Charismatic, but with his charisma coming from God.

   3. • Date: 10 August 1984
      • Page: Page 9
      • Citation:

        GENI, PRIODI, A MARW.
        PRIODASAU.

        PREECE-JOHN. Awst 1af, yn Ebenezer, Aberdar, gan y Parch Grawys Jones, Mr John Preece, ironmonger, Porth, a Miss Margaret John, merch ieuengaf y diweddar Mr David John, hen arweinydd canu Ebenezer. Teimlid dyddordeb mawr yn y briodas yn y lle, a daeth lluaws yn nghyd i fod yn llygad-dystion ohoni. Rhoddwyd y briodas- ferch ymaith gan ei brawd, Mr Tom John, Llwynypia. Gwelsom fod y rhoddion priodasol yn lluosog a gwerth- fawr, a'r dymuniadau da, fel y reis a daflwyd, yn aneirif.

         

         

         

        Translation:

        BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS.
        WEDDINGS.

        PREECE-JOHN. 1st August, at Ebenezer, Aberdare, by Rev. Grawys Jones, Mr John Preece, Ironmonger, Porth, and Miss Margaret John, the youngest daughter of the late Mr David John, former Ebenezer singer. There was a great deal of interest in the wedding in the place, and there were many witnesses to it. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr Tom John, Llwynypia. We found that the wedding gifts were numerous and valuable, and the good wishes, such as the thrown rice [confetti], were innumerable.

5. Merthyr Express
   1. • Date: 29 January 1910
      • Page: Page 4
      • Citation:

        Aberdare Cymrodorion Society.
        WHAT WE OWE TO THE MONKS.

        The fortnightly meeting of the Aberdare Cymrodorion Society was held on Friday evening at the Higher Standard School, Gadlys, Mr. D. M. Richards (Myfyr Dar) in the chair.

        Mr. T. Williams, Park Inspector, read a ten minutes' paper on "The Late Mr. David John, shoemaker, Trecynon," for many years the singing conductor at Ebenezer Congregational Church, Mill-street. Mr. John was born at Kilgerran (Pembrokeshire) in 1823. He removed with his parents when young to Merthyr, and in 1849 to Aberdare. The reader delineated his character since advent to Aberdare as a choir master and a conductor, and pointed out that he led his choir to victory three times at one Eisteddfod. An alleged gross act of injustice on the part of an Eisteddfod adjudicator, however, so disgusted him that he never afterwards competed at an Eisteddfod. Mr. Williams then gave a graphic picture of him as a singing conductor at Ebenezer, and especially his power of bringing out the spiritual meaning of the hymn and the tune in congregational singing. His devotional spirit was also dealt with, and a reference made to the fact that Mr. Tom John. M.A., of Llwynypia, ex-president of the National Union of Teachers, was his son. Mr. John was buried on January 9th, 1894.

        The Rev. C. A. H. Green, M.A., Vicar of Aberdare, then delivered a very interesting address on "The Monks." He by drawing out very clearly the difference between the hermits and the monks. The hermits, he said, dwelt apart in solitude, while the monks dwelt, together under the rules of their respective orders. After a reference to various theories as to the origin of monasticism in the Christian Church, he said it arose out of the natural aspirations of the human heart for a closer walk with God. It was Christ Himself who nurtured the seed in urging the disciples to seek for perfection, and His example, without family, without home, led others to follow and seek for Christian perfection in that direction. The hermits existed during the early Christian persecution, but the monks arose later in the third century. The father of the monks, though not himsslf a monk, was St. Anthony, of whom the Vicar drew a graphic picture, although he pointed out that his pulpit rather than his cell was the centre of attraction in his case. He then traced the growth of monasticism in the Eastern Church, and its introduction into Great Britain, coming here as Christianity did in various waves. He also dealt with the difference between the Norman monasteries and the old Celtic ones, pointing out the result of this on tha monastic life in the Principality. The Normans introduced into Wales the Benedictine, their rule being based on silence, humility, and obedience. They arose at midnight for devotion, and then spent the remainder of the night in prayer and study, again greeting the dawn with a service of devotion to Almighty God. They ate very little meat, confining themselves almost entirely to vegetables, eggs, and fish. At six in the evening, the labour of the day being over, they retired to sleep. They had no monastery in the Diocese of Llandaff, but had one for women at Usk, and many small cells and chapels dependent on foreign monasteries. Other orders in Wales were described as the Cluniae Monks, the Cistercians, the Dominicans, the Franciscans, the Carmelites, and other orders. The monks were the great preachers and teachers of the Middle Ages. Mr. Green dealt also with some causes of their failure, and the indebtedness of Wales to monasticism in keeping alive its literature.

        At the close of the address, the Chairman expressed a hope that on a future occasion the Vicar might be induced to give another address dealing specially with the aspect referred to by him in his closing sentence of the indebtedness of Wales to the monks. Mr. J. Griffiths, Park School, referred to some of the traces of monasteries, and the roads the monks passed over in that district. Rev. J. R. Dewi Williams, the vice-president of the Cymrodorion Society, also spoke of recent visits he had paid with the Cardiganshire Antiquarian Society to Stata Florida and Talley Abbey, and the part these institutions took in the history of the Principality. Our danger, he said, was to judge monasticism by what it had become at the time of the Protestant Reformation. The monasteries were not merely religious houses; they were also, in a sense, cities of refuge. Here, too, the poor and the needy ever found succour and help. It was said that at Llantwit Major 100 priests, 100 soldiers, 100 workmen, 100 travellers, and 100 widows were fed daily. Mr. George Powell, Mr. David Davies, Mr. John Davies, Mr. David Richards, and Mr, W. E. Thomas also spoke. Thanks were accorded to both speakers.

   2. • Date: 13 January 1894
      • Page: Page 8
      • Citation:

        Death of an Old Aberdarian.

        A WELL-KNOWN MUSICIAN.

        We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr. David John, of Harriet-street, Trecynon, which took place on Friday morning. Deceased was one of the pioneers of music in the Aberdare Valley, and had done much to popularise the art of music ere most of present generation were born. A native of Cardiganshire, after a short residence at Merthyr, he removed to Aberdare in September, 1849. Being a Congregationalist, he at once identified himself with Ebenezer Congregational Chapel, where the late Rev. W. Edwards, then a young man, was pastor. Mr. John at once took active steps to promote the musical organisation in the church, and was successful in forming an excellent choir there, of which he himself was the leader. In this connection it may be interesting to add that that choir in 1862 performed almost all the choral music in Handel's "Messiah". The choir also performed most of the music of "Judas Maccabæus," followed by Mozart's "Twelfth Mass," when the choir was accompanied in the orchestration by Caradog's String Band, who were then appearing in Wales as the pioneers of orchestral music in the Principality. In some of the other concerts given about that time by Mr. John's choir they were accompanied by Mr. Lawrence, then organist of St. David's, Merthyr, the only capable accompanist in that time probably in the whole district. The deceased had also a great leaning towards glees, most of Bishop's and Mendelssohn's being learnt by his choir, as well as a large number of Owen Alaw's, Tanymarian's, and other Welsh composer's anthems. Mr. John also figured at one time prominently as a musical conductor in competitive meetings at the various eisteddfodau in the district, although this was only a secondary part of his musical programme. When the Welsh Choir went to London to compete at the Crystal Palace in 1871 and 1872, Caradog and his choir found no more ardent supporter throughout the whole of Wales than the deceased. During all these years he also acted as singing conductor at Ebenezer Church, a position which he only resigned a few years ago. It migh tbe here interesting to add that the Ebenezer Choir is still one of the, if not the best, choirs from a single congregation in the district, and that it purposes to give next week a performance of "Judas Maccabæus" with full orchestration in the Temperance Hall. Mr. John, since his resignation of the office of conductor, took a great interest in the work of the choir, and only a few weeks ago expressed the hope that he might live to see an orchestra introduced into the choir for use at the services on Sundays. He was present on Christmas Day at the performanec of "Elijah" at the Temperance Hall. He has twice been the recipient of handsome testimonials, presented him by the church and musical friends. It is also a remarkable fact that in addition to being himself a musical educator, the whole of his children are elementary teachers, viz. Mr. Tom John, of Llwynypia, the well-known educationalist, a member of the council of the N.U.T., and the editor of the Glamorgan Free Press; Mr. John W. John, of the Ynyshir Board School; Miss John, of the Cymmer Board School; and Miss Margaret John, of the Bodringallt Board School.

        On Tuesday, at 2 30 p.m., the funeral took place, and was attended by a very large and representative gathering. The deceased's body, placed in a polished Welsh oak coffin, with massive brass panel mountings, the breast place bearing the following inscription: "David John, died January 5th, 1894, aged 71 years," and covered with magnificent wreaths, was borne to the chapel, his deacons at Ebenezer acting as bearers. The coffin was followed by the following mourners :- Mrs. David John (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Tom John, Llwynypia; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. John, Ynyshir; Miss Mary John, Cymmer; Miss Margaret John, Bodringallt; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Dowlais; Mr. Evan Lewis, Swansea; Mrs. Lewis, Walters-road, Swansea; Mr. John Jones, Llwynypia, Mr. Scott, Rhondda; Mrs. Thomas, Pontypridd; Miss Roberts, Dowlais, and Mrs. Morgan, Merthyr. Among the ministers and leading laymen present we noticed the Revs. J. Grawys, Cymdare; W. S. Davies, Llwydcoed; J. D. Rees, Salem; J. Sulawyn Davies, Siloh; J. Davies, Soar; W. Harries (B), Mill-street; H. T. Stephens (C.M.), Bryn Seion, Aberdare; G. Griffiths (Penar), Pentru Estyll; T. Edmunds, Hirwain; D. Thomas, Cymmer; W. J. Morris, Pontypridd; E. C. Davies, Ynyshir; T. G. Jenkyn, Llwynypia; D. H. Wigley, Brecon; Messrs. Alderman Thomas Williams, J.P., Merthyr; Gomer Jones, B.A., Merthyr; S. Hopkins, Ysguborwen; Rees Evans, Aberdare; Dl Griffiths, Aberdare; W. Charles and Owen Harries, Trecynon; John Rees, Tyrheol; John Morgan, Clive House; R. Wigley, D. Lewis Edmunds, Morgan Williams, Jacob Treharne (Tiberog), M. O. Jones, Treherbert; W. Jeffreys, Treherbert; Wm. Clarke, Higher Grade School, Pentre; D Evans, Treorky; J. Evans, Havod; Uriel Edwards, Ystrad; J. W. Jones, Penygraig; D. S. Thomas, Bazaar, Pentre; Rees Davies, Abernant; T. Thomas, Tynywern, &c. At the chapel the Rev. D. Griffiths, Cwmdare, read and prayed.

        The Rev. J. Grawys Jones then said that letters of apology and regret for their inability to be present had been received from Mr. John Rees, H.M. Inspector of schools, Swansea; Mr. Griffiths R. Jones, Cardiff; and others. He then feelingly referred to the long connection of the deceased with that church. He had been a model deacon for over 33 years, and longer still the leader of the congregational singing.

        The Rev. W. J. MORRIS, Pontypridd, said he could say a good deal of the deceased. It was 45 years last September that he (the speaker) came to live under Mr. John's roof, and he lived in the house for over four years, and no one knew a man better than an inmate of his own household. It was there a man generally showed his real character. They said of old Edwards, Groeswen, that he was a builder for both worlds, and he might say of the deceased that he was a worker for both worlds. He would not attempt to say how much he was indebted to the deceased for the help he had given him for the four years he had been under his roof. He looked back with great pleasure to that time. The deceased was a born leader, but had no wind or conceit in him. He did not know whether he left much property to his children, but he was sure he could tell them on his death-bed that there was not a dirty shilling among them. He (the speaker) appealed to the children of the deceased, and those whom he might call his musical children, to carry on the old banner, and not let it touch the ground. Let them carry it unsoiled as the deacon had.

        The choir then sang the anthem, "Dyddiau dyn sydd fel gaswelltyn," very effectively.

        Rev. T. G. Jenkyn, Llwynypia, said he knew little of Mr. John in the house except from the influence he left on some of his children whom he knew, but he thought that was a good criterion to judge a man by. He did not let his temporary work hinder him from his spiritual duties. They had met to bury a good man - one who had lived so that death had no terror.

        Mr. M. O. JONES, Treherbert, said he found it very hard at times to speak in a funeral, but it was easy there. He had enough to say of the deceased. His paths had been strewn with the flowers of virtue. He knew deceased 30 years ago, and had found in him a friend, always ready to render a helping hand to any religious cause. He would never forget an occasion upon which the Ebenezer Choir, led by the deceased, came over the mountain to Carmel, Treherbert, when that church was in its infancy, to give a concert in its aid, walking back over the mountain the same night. He always looked upon the deceased as a model leader, who had left behind him a name unstained.

        Rev. D. THOMAS, Cymmer, also spoke of his long and familiar aquaintance with deceased.

        After a hymn had been sung, the procession reformed for the cemetery, where the Rev. Griffith Griffiths (Penar), Pentre Estyll, spoke a few words. Deceased was so full of music that he believed that one of the first characters in the celestial region whom he would look out for would be David and his harp, and the next would be the late Ambrose Lloyd, the composer of the hymn-book he had used so long.

        The Rev. J. DAVIES, Zoar, then effectively prayed and the choir having again sung, the vast crowd slowly turned their backs upon all that was mortal of one to whom the words of the Saviour were especially applicable, "Behold an Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile."

        The funeral arrangements were enstrusted to Mr. W. T. Harries, of Mill-street, and were admirably carried out.

        We append a list of those who placed wreaths upon the coffin :- Mrs. David John, four children of the deceased, Ebenezer Choir, Mrs. Evans, Brynbach, Brynaman; Major Sloper, J.P., Cardiff; Mrs. J. W. Jones, Park lane, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Evans, solicitor, Swansea; Mr. and Mrs. Chalke, Pentre; the teachers of the Bodringallt Schools; Mr. David John, Cardiff; Mr. J. Preece, Porth.

   3. • Date: 6 April 1907
      • Page: Page 12
      • Citation:

        With the Teachers at Oxford.

        PRESENTATION TO A WELSHMAN.

        [By Our Lady Correspondent.]

        On Saturday evening a crowd had assembled in Jesus College, Oxford, in connection with the N.U.T. Conference, in order to present Mr. Tom John, M.A., of Llwynypia (ex-chairman of the N.U.T. Executive), with an illuminated address and a purse of gold, for the excellent work done by him for education. The hall was filled to overcrowding, and the feeling of all present was intensely enthusiastic. The meeting, which was presided over by Mr. T. T. Jenkins, Merthyr, was opened with a solo, "Gwlad y Delyn," by Mr. James Nicholas, Cwmavon.

        On behalf of the Welsh teachers who had collected the money for this testimonial, Mr. Philip Thomas, of Neath, in the course of an admirable speech as to the ability and work of Mr. John, said that he had a very high opinion of Mr. John for more than one reason. He admired him as a Welshman, who had always kept in touch with all members of the teaching profession, and a lover of the children of the age. He was the first Welshman to sit on the Executive of the N.U.T. Secondly, he admired him as M.A. - a distinguished Welshman, and chairman of the Executive of the N.U.T. He had risen from the ranks by dint of hard, strenuous work and strong determination, but he liked him best of all as plain Tom John, the warm-hearted friend of education, and a patriotic and untiring Welshman. In conclusion, the speaker quoted a poetic effusion composed by our Welsh Poet Laureate (if we might call him so) - "Dyfed" - for this occasion:

        "Dyag dy wlad sydd yn dy ddyled,
        A chydnebydd hyny'n awr:
        Os mai bechan yw y deyrnged,
        Ti gei ynddi galon fawr;
        Pan fo'r llif i'r lan yn nesu,
        Iaith y mor sydd gan y don,
        Ac mae dyfnder calon Cymru
        Y tu cefn i'r anrheg hon."

        [The learned of your country are indebted to you,
        And acknowledge that though this tribute be small
        She [i.e. Wales] sends it with a big heart,
        And as the sea flows inland
        it brings the language of the waves
        and with it, the heart of Wales
        that lies behind this gift.]

        The address was beautifully designed, and contained several photographs - one of "Ysgol Comin," Aberdare, of which Mr. John is an "old boy"; Mr. and Mrs. John; Mr. John teaching a class of lads in the Rhondda; and Mr. John in his academic robes of M.A. graduate.

        Mr. Humphrey Lewis, of Llangollen, in presenting Mr. John with a purse of gold, said that so much was thought of Mr. John in the North that had not the subscription been limited to a certain amount, he had no doubt more than double could have been collected from individual members of the teaching profession. He wished Mr. and Mrs. John, as did Mr. Philip Thomas also, long life and happiness, and only regressed the fact that Mrs. John lay so ill at the Rhondda, while under other circumstances she would have been present to enjoy the eulogies of her husband.

        A magnificent case of cutlery, with an inscription, was presented to Master Dafydd John, on behalf of his mother, for silent and devoted service to the cause of education. This presentation was made by Miss Hannah Williams, of Cardiff, a member of the Executive of the N.U.T., who lamented the absence of Mrs. John, but hoped she would have a speedy recovery to health. Miss Williams said she had been Mr. John's colleague on the Executive and Central Welsh Board for many years, and felt the greatest pleasure in being able to associate with him in the many good educational works on behalf of the teachers and children of Wales.

        Mr. T. W. Berry, Director of Education in the Rhondda Valley, said one never knew a teacher try to get a transfer or wished to leave Mr. John. The testimony borne him by his staff was always of the highest and best. Mr. John had found out the true condition of the teacher's fitness - love of the child, etc. - and never failed to practise it. Whether Mr. John was in the County Court, the Higher Grade School, or County School, he always kept the one principle in view - the child - from the child to the teacher, and the teacher to the parent.

        Mr. A. R. Pickles (president-elect), on behalf of the Executive and teachers of England, bore testimony to Mr. John's fine qualities, shown particularly in the energy and devotion with which he ever attended to his work on the Executive. He went on year after year, like Tennyson's "Brook," and the least one could say of him was that the spirit of Wales lived in him.

        Dr. Macnamara, M.P., who was received with great acclamation, observed that it was not necessary for him to say how glad he was to have been invited to that meeting. He was as truly enthusiastic and Welsh at heart as the others who had made the presentation to Mr. John. He was a Devonshire lad, born in Canada of Irish parents, but wholly Welsh on that occasion (great applause). He could faithfully say he had been sustained on many occasions by Tom John's unflagging good temper, cheerfulness, and urbanity; and in his capacity as member of the Executive, as president and ex-president, he had accomplished a great work for Wales (applause).

        Mr. T. P. Sykes (president of the N.U.T. Executive) said if he had come to any success at all during his year of office as president of the N.U.T., he owed it to his friend, Mr. Tom John, who had been nothing but kindness to him. He also sincerely regretted the absence of Mrs. John, and they were all sorry for hte reason which kept her away.

        Mr. J. H. Yoxall, general secretary, who next spoke, said he had in all humility to allow he was purely English. He could not call himself a Yorkshire Welshman, like Mr. Pickles, nor even a Celt, like Dr. Macnamara, but he was a Saxon; still, he could appreciate to the full the strong characteristics and many virtues of the Welshmen.

        Mr. Tom John, in replying, said words were too weak to express what was at his heart that evening. No words could adequately express the gratitude he felt towards them all for their kind feelings. It was all the harder, as someone was missing. First of all, he wished to thank his friends for their speeches for they had taught him that there was nothing more popular at present than to be Welsh. They were going on, making some progress, but the world must become infinitely better. He was glad he was a teacher in the people's schools, for after all the glory of the world depended upon the work of the teacher in the people's schools; and if he had done anything to help that cause, he thanks God for sending him into the world (loud applause).

        Master Dafydd John, son of Mr. Tom John, on behalf of his mother, thanked all those for the kindly feelings which had prompted them to give a present to his mother.

        "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," following a solo by Mr. D. Cynon Evans, Abercynon, who sang "Cymru Fydd" very nicely, concluded the meeting.

6. 1881 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG11/5305/18/29
7. 1891 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG12/4426/42/78
8. 1901 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG13/5016/74/42
9. 1911 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG14/32372/257
10. Papur Pawb
    1. • Date: 9 July 1898
       • Page: Page 4
       • Citation:

         MAE SON AM DANYNT

         MR TOM JOHN, LLWYNPIA.

         Un o fechgyn "sweet 'Berdar" sydd ger em bron. Yno y cafodd ei eni, yno y treuliodd flynyddau hapus maboed, ac yno y gosodwyd i lawr sylfaeni ei yrfa ddefnyddiol. Pwy sydd yn gwybod rhywbeth am fywyd addysgol Aberdar nad yw wedi elywed am "Ysgol y Comin," ysgol sydd wedi profi yn gychwynfa i lu sydd wedi cyrhaedd safleoedd o ymddiried ac anrhydedd?

         I'r ysgol hon y cyrchai y llencyn ffraeth Tom John. Wedi iddo basio y safonau arferol, cafodd y fraint o gyfranogi o fanteision Coleg Normalaidd Abertawe. Y prifathraw oedd Dr Evan Davies - enw yr hwn sydd yn adnabyddus a pharchus yn nglyn ag ysgolion Cymru. Llwyddai i fesar mwy na'r cyffredin i daflu ysprydiaeth i'w ysgolheigion. Mantais anmhrisiadwy i lanc o gyrhaeddiadau gafaelgar a dyheuadau uchelryw yw dyfod i gyffyrddiad am yspaid ag hyfforddwr o'r fath. Bu Tom John am ddwy flynedd yn llafurio dan gyfarwyddyd Dr Davies, a dwy flynedd bwysig oeddynt yn ei ymddadblygiad.

         Ar ei ymadawiad oddiyno, bwriadai ei dad, crydd wrth eft grefft, iddo fabwysladu y grefft yn yr hyder y buasai mewn tipyn yn medru gweithio fyny fusnes ar raddfa eang. Ufuddhaodd i'r gorchymyn tadol ac ymgymerodd a'r alwedigaeth; ond yn mhen dwy flynedd rhoddwyd cyfeiriad arall i'w fywyd drwy ymyriad yr hyglod genedlaetholwr, Mr Dan Isaac Davies.

         Perswadiodd Mr Davies y tad i ganiatau i'r crydd ieuanc ymgyflwyno i'r swydd athrawol. Oherwydd y safle oedd eisoes wedi gyrhaedd mewn dysgeidiaeth dwy flynedd o brentisiaeth ofynwyd oddiwrtho gan awdurdodau yr ysgol. Y cam nesaf iddo oedd sicrhau derbyniad i un o Golegau Hyfforddiadol y Deyrnas, a llwyddodd yn yr arholiad i basio yn ddigon uchel i gael derbyniad i Goleg Borough Road, Llundain. Ar derfyn ei gwrs colegawl, cafodd gyfleusdra i dreio ei ddawn athrawol yn Ysgol Penygraig, Cwm Rhondda. Rhyw ddwy filldir yn uwch yn y Cwm y mae Llwynpia, maes ei lafur er's blynyddoedd bellach. Meddylia yn uchel o'i ysgol, ac nid heb achos.

         Byddai yn werth i unrhyw un sydd yn teimlo dyddordeb dwfn yn addysgiaeth y to sydd yn codi i dalu ymweliad a hi. Mae yr adeilad wedi ei drefnu yn y fath fodd ag i gyfateb gofynion y dull newydd o addysgu sydd yn ymweithio i Ysgolion Elfenol ein gwlad. Heblaw y darpariadau arferol, ceir yma ystafelloedd cyfaddas ar gyfer dysgu coginiaeth i'r genethod ac egwyddorion saerniaeth i'r llanciau fyddont yn y safonau uwchaf. Anhawdd i'r cyfryw ddarpariadau er meithrin iawn ddefnyddiad o'r deall, y llygad, a'r llaw, i gael cefnogydd mwy brwdfrydig na Mr John.

         Nid yw efe wedi cyfyngu ei weithrediadau y tufewn i furiau yr ysgoldy. Mae y fath "fyn'd" ynddo fel nas gall aros yn llonydd. Gweithia a theithia o ddechreu'r flwyddyn hyd y diwedd. Mae yn aelod o Lys Prifysgol Cymru, o Bwyllgor Trefniadol Bwrdd Canolog Addysg, ac o Bwyllgor Trefniadol Undeb Cenedlaethol yr Ysgolfeistri.

         Fel un yn dwyn mawr sel dros fuddiannau ei wlad mae wedi cymeryd rhan flaenllaw yn y symudiad sydd yn ymgynnyg at siorhau cydnabyddiaeth briodol i'r hen iaith yn ysgolion dyddiol y Dywysogaeth. Efe oedd un o'r ddirprwyaeth ddygodd yr achos i sylw Mr Acland, ac yr oedd yn un o'r "llefarwyr" ar yr achlysur.

         Creda y dylai ysgolfeistr ar bob cyfrif gymeryd rhan mewn materion lleol o bwys i'r trigolion, ac felly gweithia yn egniol gyda mudiadau gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol y rhanbarth poblog yn mha un y preswylia. Yn ei olygiadau gwleidyddol cymer ei le gyda'r flaen-fyddin yn y blaid Ryddfrydol. Mae yn Genedlaetholwr o'r math rhagoraf, ac ni phetrusa ddefnyddio ei ddylanwad er dwyn o gwmpas yr undeb hwnw ag a wna Gymru fechan yn alluog i sicrhau ei hawliau yn mhob ystyr.

         Fel golygydd "Gwasg Rydd Morganwg," dyry fynegiad clir a diamwys i'w argyhoeddiadau yn yr erthyglau arweiniol, o wythnos i wythnos. Hyderwn y cawn cyn hir y pleser i'w longyfarch fel llywydd Undeb Cenedlaethol yr Ysgolfeistri. Os yw brwdfrydedd a gweithgarwch cyson dros addysg, ac ymgyflwyniad i'r gwaith o geisio goleuo, a gwella a dyrchafu y werin yn rhoi hawl i eistedd yn y gadair anrhydeddus hono, mae Tom John, o Lwynpia, yn sicr o'r anrhydedd.

          

          

          

         Translation:

         THERE’S NOISE ABOUT THEM [1]

         MR. TOM JOHN, LLWYNYPIA

         One of the "sweet 'Berdar" [2] boys near him. There he was born, where he spent the happy years of youngsters, and there he laid down the foundations of his useful career. Who knows something about Aberdare's educational life that has not heard about "Ysgol y Comin," a school that has proved a starting point that has reached sites of trust and honor?

         The witty young man Tom John came to this school. Having passed the general school-leaving examination, he was able to attend Swansea General College. The headteacher, Dr Evan Davies - a well-known and respected name among Welsh education establishments. He dedicated an extraordinary amount of time to his scholars. It is an invaluable advantage for a young man of intelligence and ambition to have such a mentor. Tom John studied for two years under the direction of Dr Davies, and they were two important years in his development.

         After leaving college, he intended to follow his father’s trade as shoemaker, in the confidence that he would have been able to work a great deal of business on a large scale. He felt obliged to his father to undertake this occupation; but at the end of two years another direction was given to his life through the intervention of the celebrated nationalist Mr Dan Isaac Davies[3].

         Mr Davies persuaded the father to allow the young lad to enter the teaching occupation. Because of his already evident vocation, a two year apprenticeship teaching was requested from the school authorities. The next step for him was to obtain a reception to one of the Kingdom's Training Colleges, and he succeeded in the exam to pass high enough for an admission to Borough Road College, London. At the end of his college course, he was given the opportunity to pursue his teaching talent at Ysgol Penygraig, Cwm Rhondda. Llwynpia, a couple of miles higher up the Valley, is where he has worked for years now. The school thinks highly of him, and not without cause.

         It would be worth anyone who feels deeply interested in education to pay a visit. The building is organized in such a way as to match the requirements of the new teaching method introduced in the Elementary Schools of our country. Apart from the usual provisions, there are suitable rooms for teaching cookery to the girl and joinery to the boys to the very highest standards. It would be hard for such provisions for nurturing the use of the intellect, the eyes and the hands, to have a more enthusiastic supporter than Mr John.

         He has not restricted his operations to the walls of the schoolroom. He is so dedicated that he just can not stand still, and works and travels from the start of the year to the end. He is a member of the Court of the University of Wales, of the Organizational Committee of the Central Education Board, and of the Organizational Committee of the National Union of Schoolmasters.

         As one who takes great pride in the interests of his country, he has taken a leading role in the movement which seeks to ensure proper recognition of the old language[4] in the Principality's daily schools. He was one of the delegations who brought the case to Mr Acland[5]'s attention, and he was one of the "spokespersons" on the occasion.

         He believes that every schoolmaster should take part in important local issues for the residents, and so should work energetically with the political and social organizations of the populous region in which he lives. In his political views he takes his place with the front-army in the Liberal party. He is a nationalist of the foremost type, and does not hesitate to use his influence to secure the unity which was enable our little Wales to secure its rights in every sense.

         As editor of the “Glamorgan Free Press”, he makes clear and unambiguous statements of his convictions in the editorials week by week.. We hope we will soon have the pleasure of congratulating him as President of the National Union of Schoolmasters. If enthusiasm and constant activity for education, and dedication to the enlightenment, enhancement and advancement of the people count for anything, then Tom John of Llwynypia is sure to have the honour of taking the chair.

          

         [1] Flowery way of saying "local news".
         [2] Slang abbreviation of "Aberdare".
         [3] Dan Isaac Davies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Isaac_Davies
         [4] "the old language" - ie, Welsh
         [5] Sir Arthur Dyke Acland, 13th Baronet - Liberal MP who spoke often on school reform: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Arthur_Dyke_Acland,_13th_Baronet

11. South Wales Echo
    1. • Date: 29 June 1898
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         Rhondda : Serious Accident to Mr T. John

         Mr Dan Lane, proprietor of the switchback, horses and swings, and Mr Herbert, Mr Gardner, Mr Goodwin, Mr Howard, Professor Page, and Mr Brewer, who also have exhibitions on Pandy Field, devoted Tuesday's takings to the Mid-Rhondda Relief Fund. The Relief Committee were told to make as much as they possibly could. School children sold penny tickets, and admission to the different entertainments was by ticket. Never had such a number of children been seen together in Mid-Rhondda. It is expected that from £80 to £100 will be realised. Willing workers were found in a large number of the Workmen's Committee and the head teachers and staffs of the Mid-Rhondda schools, the School Board having granted a half-holiday for the occasion. An unfortunate accident befel Mr Tom John, so well-known as the member of the executive of the N.U.T. In trying to avert the fall of two little children he was struck by a rotating car, and received a severe cut on the forehead, necessitating nine stitches. Mr John, however, was able to walk with his friends to the surgery of Dr. Williams, who attended to him. He is progressing favourably. The day was the anniversary of his birthday. He had taken a most prominent part in the Mid-Rhondda Relief Committee proceedings, and the most cordial sympathy is felt with him. Aldernam Richard Lewis gave 1,000 tickets for distribution and Councillor D. W. Davies a similar number to destitute children to enable them to participate in the enjoyment, and most of the business men distributed some as well.

12. South Wales Daily News
    1. • Date: 1 July 1898
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         THE ACCIDENT TO MR TOM JOHN.

         Mr Tom John, of Llwynypia, is recovering as well as can be expected after his nasty accident on his birthday anniversary. The Ystradyfodwg School Board (writes a correspondant) are a fine, sensible body of men to work under. At their School Management Committee they passed a resolution expressing "regret at the accident which befel Mr Tom John while attempting to save a child from what might have been a fatal fall, and deeply sympathised with him in his misfortune, which will cause him to be abset for some time from duty; we recommend that his absence from school be permitted and approved by the School Board." If Schools Boards generally treated their teachers with the same sympathy and urbanity as the Ystrad School Board, the teachers would be a happy body of people, and happy teachers mean a happy school.

    2. • Date: 1 April 1891
       • Page: Page 7
       • Citation:

         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.

    3. • Date: 8 October 1881
       • Page: Page 4
       • Citation:

         LLANTRISSANT SCHOOL BOARD.

         THE FINANCES OF THE BOARD.

         The monthly meeting of the Llantrissant School Board was held on Friday, Mr Gwilym Williams in the chair.

         <snip>

         Miss Mary John had some while since been appointed head mistress of Cymmer (new) Girls' School at a salary of £40 per annum, together with the grants. Mr John, of Llwynypia, brother of Miss John, now appeared before the board, and said that as the advertisement for the mistress, which was put in the newspapers, stipulated that the school would be opened on August 8th, and Miss John could not get disengaged in time, he had engaged a locum tenens. The school, however, had not been opened until this month, so he had had to pay the lady two months' salary for nothing. As he had been misled by the advertisement, he asked the board to recoup this outlay. - The matter was adjourned for a month.

    4. • Date: 10 January 1894
       • Page: Page 6
       • Citation:

         FUNERAL OF AN ABERDARE MUSICIAN.

         On Tuesday the funeral of Mr David John, Harriet-street, Trecynon, Aberdare, took place at Aberdare Cemetery. The funeral, which was an exceedingly large one, left the house at 2.30 for Ebenezer Church, where the deceased, who was a native of Cardiganshire, was a member since he came to Aberdare in 1849. Owing to the great interest taken by Mr John in musical matters at Aberdare since he first resided here, the funeral was a very representative one, being attended by ministers and leading members of churches from all parts of Glamorgan. On the arrival of the body at the chapel, where deceased had been for so many yaers deacon and singing conductor, the organist played the "Dead March" in Saul. The Rev. D. Griffiths, Cwmdare, read and prayed, and his pastor, the Rev. J. Grawys Jones, feelingly spoke and read letters of apology which had been received from Mr John Rees, H.M. Inspector of Schools, Swansea; Mr Griffith Jones (Caradog), and others. The Rev. W. I. Morris, Pontypridd; Rev. T. J. Jenkyn, Llwynypia; Mr M. O. Jones, Treherbert; and the Rev. David Thomas, Cymmer, followed, all bearing high tribute to the sterling Christian character of the deceased. The procession was then re-formed, and the choir sang all the way from the chapel to the cemetery. At the grave the Rev. G. Griffiths, Pennar, Swansea, spoke, and the Rev. J. Davies, Soar, prayed. The mourners were Mr and Mrs Tom John, Llwynypia; Mr and Mrs J. W. John, Ynyshir; Miss Mary John, Cymmer; and Miss Margaret John, Bodringallt (sons, daughters, and daughters-in-law of the deceased); Mr and Mrs Davies, Dowlais; Mr Evan Lewis, Swansea; Mrs Lewis, Walter-road, Swansea; Mr John Jones, Llwynypia; Mr Scott, Rhondda; Mrs Thomas, Pontypridd; Miss Roberts, Dowlais, and Mrs Morgans, Merthyr. A number of magnificent wreaths were laid on the coffin. Mr D. Harris, Trecynon, was the undertaker. The coffin was made of solid oak, with massive brass mountings.

    5. • Date: 11 August 1894
       • Page: Page 6
       • Citation:

         BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS

         PREECE-JOHN - On Wednesday, August 1st, at Ebenezer, Trecynon, Aberdare, by the Rev J. Grawys Jones, John Preece, Porth, to Margaret John, of Trecynon (late of Bodringalt Schools).

13. Glamorgan Free Press
    1. • Date: 13 August 1898
       • Page: Page 6
       • Citation:

         The Recent Accident to Mr Tom John.

         TOUCHING MESSAGE FROM ACROSS THE SEAS.

         THE "FREE PRESS" IN CANADA.

         Mr Tom John has received many expressions of sympathy since the accident whith befell him whilst rescuing two little girls from a very perilous position, but perhaps not one of those messages has touched him more deeply than that which he received from two former pupils who now earn their living in distant Canada. The young men referred to are Daniel Thomas and Douglas Lewis, whose names are very familiar throughout Mid-Rhondda, and their letter to Mr John is as follows:

         "Carmore, Alberta, N.W.T., Canada, July 19th, 1898.

         Dear Sir, - Having understood through the medium of the "Glamorgan Free Press" of the serious accident which occured to you while doing duty to the coming generation, we trust that you have fully recovered.

         We are,
         Your schoolboys,
         Daniel Thomas.
         Douglas Lewis.
         from Tonypandy and Llwynypia, fitters.

14. W W Price: Park Schools Centenary - Its History
    1. • Page: Some Past Pupils
       • Citation:

         Mrs. Mary Griffiths (née John), Cymmer, Porth

15. The Cambrian
    1. • Date: 3 August 1900
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         SAD FATALITY AT LANGLAND.

         MR COLLWYN LEWIS CAUGHT BY THE UNDERCURRENT.

         INQUEST AND VERDICT.

         Langland Bay has claimed another victim. As if the list were not already long enough! And this time the sorrow of the people of Swansea is intensified by the fact that the victim, Mr Collwyn Lewis, Secretary to the Intermediate and Technical Schools, was one of the most popular and promising young men in the district. He held a position which taxed his body and mind. But he loved his work, and none more proudly pointed to the successes of the schools and none more keenly felt disappointments. What would have been to many an arduous and trying work was to Mr. Collwyn Lewis a labour of love. He was a bright, sociable, and amiable young fellow, and it was good to know him. He won the respect and confidence of his Governors, who now lament the loss of a faithful and painstaking secretary. For some years Mr. Lewis took an active part in the Scientific Society, and it was due very largely to his labours as secretary a few years ago that the Society attained almost high-water mark. Of a sanguine disposition, deceased looked forward to a successful career. But alas! a cruel fate has decreed it otherwise. To the bereaved we extend our deepest sympathy. The father, Mr Evan Lewis, has been Curator of the Royal Institution of South Wales for over thirty years. He was proud of his boy, and so his grief is all the more intense. There is no doubt that Langland Bay is very dangerous, at certain tides, to even the strongest of swimmers. A powerful undercurrent or back-wash prevails after most storms and high tides and it is then that bathers, be they ever so cautious, should not venture out. These dangerous under-currents are always proclaimed by a low rumbling noise - by a warning note which we fear is not heeded as it should be. Mr. Collwyn Lewis was drowned on Sunday alternoon last. The news of the sad fatality spread with surprising rapidity, and caused a painful sensation throughout the district. The whole of the distressing circumstances were given at the inquest on Monday, a report of which appears below.

         THE INQUEST.

         The inquest was held at the Osborne Hotel on Monday afternoon, before Mr. F. H. Glynn Price, County Coroner. The foreman of the jury was Mr. C. W. Jones, Merthyr.

         Evidence of identification was given by Mr. Idris Evan Lewis, brother or the deceased. He said his brother was 28 years of age. He last saw him about one o'clock on Sunday morning, when he lunched at home. After lunch he left home, stating that he intended visiting some friends at Mumbles. He was then in his usual health and spirits. At six o'clock a messenger came and informed him that his brother was exceedingly unwell at Langland. He immediately set off in a conveyance, but upon arriving at the Bay, he found him dead. Deceased had been in good health for the last 13 years.

         Mr. Stanley Mansel Jones, 3, Brunswick-place, Swansea, stated that he was bathing with deceased at about four on Sunday evening. Whilst in the water, he felt a strong under-current running, and, after shouting to deceased, he turned to go out; but deceased replied, "Stick to it, old chap." Almost immediately afterwards deceased shouted that he was "caught." Witness at once ran for the life-buoy, at the same time calling for help, and upon his return a young man named Nichols took it and went to the assistance of deceased, whilst he held on to the end of the rope. Deceased sank when Nichols had got within a few yards of him. Replying to a juror, witness said they bathed only a few yards from the edge of the water, but the waves were high. They had only been in the water about four minutes when deceased cried out that he was caught. The body might have been in the water about 20 minutes. It was washed out first, and then brought in shore by the current. It would have been impossible for him to have helped the deceased, on account of the undercurrent. Besides, he could not swim much, whilst he understood deceased was a strong swimmer.

         Frederick Henry Nichols, of Dorset House, Bryn-road, Swansea, said that he was bathing at Langland about 4.45, when a young man named Fred Lewis drew his attention to deceased who, he saw, was on his back moving as if swimming. He heard a remark from someone as to deceased being all right, and he replied, "Yes, he's all right," his reason for saying so being that the water was shallow where deceased was. He saw nothing more until he observed a person coming with a life-buoy. The buoy was given him, and he swam out with it. After going some distance, he saw the back of deceased's head some yards away from him. He continued swimming, but when he reached the place where he expected to find deceased, he saw no signs of him. Not being a strong swimmer, he was then obliged to turn back. He estimated the distance he had swum at 50 yards. He did not feel any current.

         Wm. Howells, who keeps a refreshment house at Langland Bay, deposed that noticing a boat being taken down towards the water, he ran down to see what was the matter. He saw Mr. Hemmings, coal merchant who lived near the Bay, taking off his coat, and was told that someone was drowning, Together with Mr. Hemmings, he rushed into the water, and they had not gone very far when his companion stumbled over a rock. Just then the body of deceased came up between them. He assisted Mr. Hemmings (who was just out of his depth) to his feet, and they carried the body out of the water, and laid it upon the sand, where efforts were made towards re-animation. The sea was not very rough, nor was there any under-current running.

         In answer to a juror, witness said he could not say what arrangements the District Council made about the boat which was kept in the Bay. If the boat had been afloat the man in charge would have done all he could to save deceased.

         Dr. Arthur Lloyd Jones. Rotherslade-lane, said he was called to the Bay about 5.30 on Sunday evening. He there saw deceased on the sands, surrounded by a party of helpers, who had apparently been doing everything possible towards re-animation. He found him lifeless, and not responsive to any stimulus or further effort, which was continued for an hour. He attributed death to suffocation by drowning, and he opined that it was hastened by deceased having had a heavy meal, a portion of which become [sic] impacted in his wind-pipe.

         A Juror: Would you suggest that that man could have died solely from drowning?

         Witness: The only explanation I can give from the evidence, and the appearance of the deceased when found, is that he must have been alarmed at something like a current or backwater, and having got his mouth under the water, he swallowed some. Now people frequently forget that salt water acts as an emetic, and so I think that deceased must have vomited, and whilst doing so took a deep inhalation, which brought the food back his lungs. He did not think deceased's heart failed him.

         Hy. Smith, Chapel-street, was called to speak of the arrangements for the protection of bathers. He said he was employed by the District Council to take charge of the boat for the safeguarding of bathers. His hours on week-days were from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 8 to 12. He considered it was too rough on Sunday to launch the boat, but it was not dangerous for bathing, as there was no current running.

         P. C. Roberts deposed to finding on the body of deceased a watch (which had stopped at 5.5), and other articles, which he produced.

         The Coronor having summoned up, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was due to suffocation, caused by the lungs becoming impacted whilst bathing.

         RESOLUTION OF SCHOOL GOVERNORS.

         A meeting of the Governors of the Swansea Intermediate and Technical Schools was held in the Guildhall on Monday afternoon. Present: Mr. R. Martin (Chairman), Dr. Rawlings, Mr. W. Watkins (Mayor), Mr W. Williams, Mr. Fred. Rocke, Mr. W. Walters, J.P., Ald. Gwilym Morgan, Mr. T. Freeman, Mrs. R. Martin, Mrs. T. Freeman, Miss Broche, Miss Benger (Principal Girls' School), and Mr. D. C. Johns (Clerk).

         Mr Martin paid a high tribute to the zeal and devotion of Mr. Collwyn Lewis, whose sad death he greatly deplored. He devoted heart and soul to the work of the schools. No work was too great, or any sacrifices too much to promote the interests of the schools. He (Mr. Martin) knew no official more devoted to his duties, and by his death they had lost a valuable and faithful secretary. He moved a resolution which recorded the Governors' high sense of the deceased's services, and their deep sympathy with the bereaved parents.

         The Mayor seconded.

         Mrs. Freeman said that Mr. Lewis was a most excellent Secretary. He worked hard, and was always most kind. She voted for the appointment, and if every appointment was justified so well, it would be a great pleasure to all.

         Miss Benger said that many men did their work carefully and enthusiastically, but Mr. Collwyn Lewis did more: he was ever ready to help those around him. She deeply deplored his death, and she could not refrain from bearing testimony, not only to his devotion to duty, but to his invariable kindness.

         The resolution was carried in silence, and on the suggestion of Mrs. Freeman, it was decided to send a wreath.

         THE FUNERAL.

         The respect and esteem in which the late Mr. Collwyn Lewis was held, and the poignancy of the sorrow felt at his sad death, were evidenced in a striking manner yesterday (Thursday), when the funeral took place. Blinds were down in almost every house in Walter-road and Mansel-street, and along the whole line of route taken by the cortege there were abundant manifestations of regret and sympathy. The coffin was covered with beautiful wreaths, sent by the following: Father, mother, and brother; Mr. and Mrs. J. Preece, Porth; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. John, Ynishir; Miss Mary John, Cymmer; The Swansea Scientific Society; the Misses Bertha, Flossie, and Annie Rowlands, Cardiff; Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Eton Grove; Mr. and Mrs. J. White, Windsor Lodge; the Misses Langdon; Mr. and Mrs. Aynsley, Lansdown-terrace; Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Davies, Gwydr Gardens; Mr., Mrs., and Miss Lamb, Walter-road; Mrs. J. Lewis, Oxford-street; Mr. Arthur Luty; Mr. Bracewell, Mumbles; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lewis, Mumbles, the Governors of the Swansea Intermediate School; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Arthur Davies, the boys of the Swansea Grammar School, Miss Binger, Swansea High School; Mr. Bowman, do.; Mr. and Mrs. Marley, do.; the staff of the Swansea High School; Mrs. Jenkins, Osborne Hotel, Langland; Mr. George Jones, Mr. D. M, Lewis, Mr. Fred. T. Jenkins, Mr. Ivor Davies, Mr. B. Chalke, Mr. Sid Owen, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Williams, Mr. C. H. Glascodine, Mr. S. Mansel Jones, the Walter-road Congregational Church, Mr. and Mrs. R. Lewis Hicks, Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard, Mr. and Mrs. David Roberts, Mr. Kenyon Clegg, Mr. James Brown ("Cambrian"), the President and Council of the Royal Institute of South Wales, Mr. and Mrs. J. Roberts, Cleveland-terrace; Mr. Willie Richard and Sidney I Harris, Miss John and Evan Griffiths, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. Nash and Clem, etc.

         The chief mourners were Mr. Evan Lewis (father), Mr. Idris Evan Lewis, B.A. (brother), Mr. Evan Idris Lewis (cousin), Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia (cousin), Mr. J. Preece. Porth (cousin). The cortege left Walter-road shortly after two o'clock. The attendance of friends and sympathisers was large and representative. We noticed, among others, Mr. R. Martin (Chairman Intermediate and Technical Committee), Mr. Richard Lewis; Mr. John White. J.P., Mr. Aynsley, and Mr. Meredith (Ben Evans and Co.); Mr. John Roberts, Mr. D. Roberts. Mr. D. Thomas. M.E., Ald. John Griffiths, Mr. Evan Griffiths, Ald. Gwilym Morgan, Mr. Halden (Clerk of School Board), Rev. Evan Jenkins, Dr. E. le Cronier Lancaster, Mr. J. R. Leaver, Mr. Charles Davies, Mr. W. Terrill, and Mr. James Brown ("The Cambrian"), representing the Swansea Scientinc Society; Mr. John Powell, Mr. D. C. Johns (Town Clerk's Office), Mr. W. A. Davies (solicitor), Mr W. A. Davies, Mr. F. C. Eddershaw, Mr. W. C. Jenkins. Mr. T. Rees ("Daily Leeder" [sic]), Mr. A. Hoskins, Mr. Rouse, junr., Mr. Haydn Evans, Mr. J. P. Long, Mr. S. P. Wills, junr., Mr. J. T. Davies (metal broker), Mr. Brace, junr., Mr. Ernest Jones (Castle Square). Mr. Julius Smith. Mr. M. Williams. Mr. Walter Lewis, Mr. W. J. Lloyd (chemist). Mr. Parson (commercial traveller), Mr. Alfred Davies, representatives of the Indefatigable Lodge of Freemasons (of which deceased was a member); Mr. H. J. Thomas, Mr Davies (Wind-street), Mr. W. E. Harris, Mr. Sid Harris, Mr David Williams (late Principal Swansea Training College). Mr. Percy Bracewell, masters at the Swansea Intermediate and technical Schools, etc. The service at the Danygraig Cemetery was reverently and impressively conducted by the Rev. Evan Jenkins, pastor of Walter-road Congregational Church. In the course of a brief address, the rev. gentleman, who was labouring under deep emotion, referred to the bright young life that had been cut down in a most sudden and unexpected way. The life of their dear departed friend was a life of singular devotion to duty, a life that endeared itself to a large circle of friends. The scene at the graveside was very affecting, the bereaved father seemed overcome with grief, and deep was the sympathy felt for him and his in their great hour of tribulation.

         The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Pritchard, Oxford-street.

         At the Swansea Board of Guardians yesterday, a vote of sympathy was passed with Mr. and Mrs. Evan Lewis in the loss of their son.

16. Wills on file
    1. • Date: 9 May 1913
       • Page: Tom John (1849-1924)
17. Western Mail
    1. • Date: 13 January 1925
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         OBITUARY.

         RHONDDA LADY J.P.

         The death took place at Langfield, West-cross, Mumbles, on Monday at 64 years of age of Mrs. Mary Griffiths, J.P., wife of Mr. Thomas Griffiths, late general manager of Insole's Cymmer Collieries, Rhondda Valley, lately residing at Maesgwyn, Porth. Mrs. Griffiths had distinguished herself by a career of remarkable activity during the war, when she was an active supporter of all the local organisations and charities. She was a woman of wide sympathies and extensive activities, and great (possibly too great) demands were then made on her strength. In her capacity of justice of the peace for Glamorgan, member of the Pontypridd Board of Guardians, chairman of the Porth Cottage Hospital Ladies Committee, chairman of the County School Governor for Porth, commissioner for Rhondda of the Girl Guides, and similar offices, she occupied a great sphere in the life of a great population for some years past. She was a sister of the late Mr. Tom John, of Llwynypia, the well-known educationist and Welsh Eisteddfodwr.

         Mr. Thomas Griffiths, M.C., J.P., her husband, who up to July last was general manager, consulting engineer, and a director of Insole's Cymmer Collieries, and consulting engineer to the Windsor Collieries, &c., occupied a high position in the coal industry of South Wales and has sat as chairman of the Coalowners' Association. Not only was he of great repute in the engineering sphere of the Welsh coal trade, but he has given singular instances of heroism and intrepidity in Welsh coal disasters. Several years ago he was the recipient of a great testimonial from the public of the Rhondda in recognition of his personal quality and his heroism in colliery disasters.

         In July last Mr. Griffiths retired from business and went to live at Langfield, West Cross, Mumbles, which house he had used as a holiday resort for some years previously.

    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: 19 July 1923
       • Page: Page 8
       • Citation:

         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.

    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: 11 April 1924
       • Page: Page 8
       • Citation:

         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.

18. General Register Office: England & Wales Birth Index
19. Certificate on file
    1. • Date: 9 July 1849
       • Page: Birth - Thomas John
    2. • Date: 1 August 1894
       • Page: Marriage - John Preece / Margaret John
20. 1871 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: RG10/2778/112/21
21. Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo
    1. • Date: 12 January 1894
       • Page: Page 7
       • Citation:

         DEATH OF AN ABERDARE MUSICIAN.

         DAVID JOHN, TRECYNON, PASSES INTO HIS LAST LONG SLEEP.

         On Friday morning at Trecynon there passed away an old musician, who may be considered the pioneer of music in Aberdare, in the person of Mr. David John. Mr. David John originally came to Aberdare from Cardiganshire, and settled down at Trecynon around 1850. At once he took active steps in musical organisation, and started a choir at Ebenezer Independent Chapel. About 1862 his choir performed almost all the choral music of the "Messiah." He also performed most of the music of "Judas Maccabeus," followed by Mozart's "Twelfth Mass," when he was assisted by "Caradog's" choir, who were then appearing as pioneers of orchestral music. In the other concerts Mr. John was aided by Mr. Lawrance, organist of St. David's, Merthyr, then the only capable accompanist, perhaps, in the district. Mr. John also had a great leaning towards glees, Bishop's and Mendelssohn's being learnt by his choir, as also were "Owain Alaw's", "Tanymarian's," and other Welsh composers' anthems. Mr. John figured also as a conductor in competitive music, but this was only a secondary part of his programme. When the Welsh Choir went to London there was no more ardent supporter of "Caradog's" choir than himself. During all these years he also acted as precentor, and only relinquished the office some years ago, but such was his love of music that he attended the performance of the "Elijah" by the Aberdare Choral Union last Christmas. He was twice presented with handsome testimonials by the church and musical friends. He was a musical educator himself, and has a family of well-known elementary teachers - Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia Schools, who also conducted oratorio and other performances; Mr. J. W. John, Ynyshir Board School; Miss John, Cymmer Board School; and Miss Margaret John, Bodringallt Board School.

         AN IMPOSING CEREMONY.

         The funeral of Mr. John took place on Tuesday, and a huge concourse of people attended. It was in the highest degree affecting, for the dead musician had a strong and deep hold on the affections of the people who knew him. The body was enclosed in a chastely polished coffin of real Welsh oak, and bore on the panel shaped brass plate the following inscription:-

         DAVID JOHN,
         Died 5th January, 1984,
         Aged 71 Years.

         It was borne from the house on the shoulders of his brother deacons to the chapel, where a long and exceedingly impressive meeting was held. The Revs. J. Grawys Jones (pastor), D. Griffiths, Cwmdare; J. Davies, Soar; D. Thomas, Cymmer; G. Griffiths, Pentre Estyll; W. I. Morris, Pontypridd; M. O. Jones, Treherbert; and several others took part in the funeral obsequies at the chapel, in the house or at the cemetery. The choir, under the able leadership of Mr. W. E. Thomas, had turned out en masse, and rendered with moving effect at the services and on the way the following well-known hymns "Pen Nebo," "Nantgau," "Barford," "Abergele," "Dymuniad," "Eifionydd," "St. Luke," "Henryd," "Talybont," "Lousanne," and "Rhuddlan," in addition to which that beautiful anthem, a special favourite with the deceased, "Dyddiau dyn sydd fel glaswelltyn," was given at the chapel in a most touching manner. We should mention that the chapel accompanist, Mr. T. B. Lewis, played the "Dead March" while the people were entering the chapel, again repeating the same as they left. The coffin was literally covered with the most beautiful of wreaths. These were sent by the widow, Mrs. John, the four bereaved children, Ebenezer Chapel Choir, Mrs. Evans, Brynbach; Major Sloper, J.P., Cardiff; Mrs. J. W. Jones, Park-lane; Mr. and Mrs. J. Moy Evans, Swansea; Mr. and Mrs. Charles, Pentre; teachers of the Bodringallt School; Mr. David John, Cardiff; and Mr. J. Preece, Porth. At the service in the chapel, the Rev. J. Grawys Jones announced that he had received letters regretting inability to attend, and expressing profoundest sympathy from Caradog, Inspector James, Cardiff, and others.

         The mourners were Mrs. John, the widow, Mr. Tom John and Mr. John William John, sons; Miss Mary John and Miss Margaret John, daughters; Miss May John, grand-daughter; Mrs. Tom John, daughter-in-law; Miss Gretta John and Miss Nellie John, grand-daughters; the brothers and brother-in-law, David, Evan, Scott, and David; Mrs. Davies, Dowlais; Mrs. Lewis, Swansea; Mr. John Jones, Llwynypia; Mrs. and Miss Morgan; Mrs. Evans and Mr. Roger Jenkins and Mr. Jenkins.

         Among those present were the following - Revs. J. Davies, W. Harris, D. Sulgwyn Davies, W. S. Davies, W. M. Morgan, J. Grawys Jones, Aberdare; - Edmunds, Hirwain; W. I. Morris, Pontypridd; D. Thomas, Pentre; G. Griffiths (Penar), Pentre Estyll; Messrs. Alderman Thomas Williams, J.P., Merthyr; W. Humphreys, G. George, Morgan Davies, Richard Wigley, W. Charles, J. Treharne (Tibarog), Owen Harris, W. Davies, cashier, Gadlys; John Phillips, T. B. Lewis, T. Thomas, Ty'nywern; J. Thomas, M. J. Harris, H. C. Morris, D. Lewis Edmunds, J. Rees, Co-operative, Aberaman; R. H. Lewis, H. Wigley, Daniel Griffiths, John Thomas (tailor), - Jones, grocer, Bell-street; D. Arthur Thomas (sculptor), J. Davies, colliery manager, Aberaman; Daniel Evans, Hirwain-road; - Smart, dentist, Bristol; Mr. Preece, ironmonger, Porth; Rees Powell, Rees Evans, Aberdare, Professor Richard Howells, Hywel Cynon, D. H. Wigley, R. Hopkins, A.C., D. Richards, Carmarthen; and the following representing the scholastic profession:- Messrs. M. O. Jones, Treherbert; Gomer Jones, inspector of schools; J. W. Jones, Penygraig; John Evans, Hafod; J. Griffiths, Hugh Thomas, Miles Thomas, Park; T. Thomas, Barry Dock; Chalke, Pentre; and David Evans, Treorky.

         From the chapel, the funeral slowly proceeded to the cemetery, where the mortal remains of the fine old Welshman were placed in their last resting place, amidst several manifestations of sorrow. It can be truly said of him that he died as he lived, a quiet, peaceful, and trusting death. It will be a long time ere the memory of "Dafydd John" will fade from the minds of the residents of Trecynon, and particularly the members of the Ebenezer Chapel and Choir.

         The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Mr. W. T. Harris, Carpenters Arms, Trecynon. The mourning was supplied by Mr. G. George, Bee Hive, Aberdare, and Mr. H. I. Dix, Bridgend Mews, provided the mourning coaches and carriages.

    2. • Date: 5 March 1897
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         THE LATE MRS. JOHN - The funeral of Mrs. John, wife of the late Mr. David John, Harriett-street, Trecynon, and mother of Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia, took place at Aberdare Cemetery on Saturday.

22. Y Gwladgarwr
    1. • Date: 23 January 1875
       • Page: Page 6
       • Citation:

         TRECYNON, ABERDAR.

         CYFLWYNIAD TYSTEB. - Nos Lun, Ionawr 18fed, cynaliwyd cyfarfod i'r dyben o gyflwyno tysteb i Mr. David John, arweinydd canu cynulleidaol a chôrawl eglwys Ebenezer, Trecynon. Cymerwyd y gadair gan y Parch W. Edwards, gweinidog, am haner awr wedi saith. Canwyd tôn i ddechreu, yna arseth gan y llywydd. Deuawd gan Mary a Margaret John. Mr J. Williams, London Warehouse, yn darllen yr anerchiad, yr oedd wedi ei osod allan yn ardderchog. Mr. William Owen, un o'r côr, yn cyflwyno y pwrs i Mr. John, yn yr hwn yr oedd £40. Cydnabyddodd Mr. John hwy am y rhodd mewn ychydig o eiriau pwrpasol. Rhoddodd hanes y canu yma er ys pum mlynedd ar ugain yn ol, yn nghyda'r cwrs yr oedd ef wedi ei gymeryd yn ystod y cyfryw amser. Yna, darllenwyd enwau'r tanysgrliwyr gan Tiberog, ysgrifenydd y dysteb. Wedi hyny, canwyd gan Mr. Daniel Davies a'i gyfellion, Mr. Daniel Lewis, Miss Mary Ann Evans, Mr. T. D. John, Ysgolion Llwynypia; areithiwyd yn bwrpasol gan Mr. Morgan Rowlands, Mr. Roger Jenkons, y Parch W. Harris, Trecynon y Parch W. Morris, Pontypridd, a Mr. Richard Wigley. Traddodwyd anerchiaudau barddonol gan Mr. Richard Williams, Ehedydd Cynon, a Tiberog. Yna, cafwyd cystadleuaeth mewn darllen ar y pryd, yn nodiant y Sol-ffa; buddugol, Mr. Edward Lewis. Buddugol ar ddarllen triawd ar y pryd oedd D. Davies, a'i gyfeillion, a D. J. Lewis a'i gyfeillion. Cafwyd cyfarfod dyddorol ac adloniadol iawn. Bydd yn dda gan gyfeillion Mr. John glywed am yr anrhydedd hyn. - Un oedd yno.

          

          

          

          

         TRECYNON, ABERDARE.

         PRESENTATION OF TESTIMONIAL. - On Monday, January 18th, a meeting was held with the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Mr. David John, congregational singing and choral conductor of Ebenezer church, Trecynon. Rev. W. Edwards, the minister, took the chair at half past seven. A tune was sung first, followed by a speech by the president. Duet by Mary and Margaret John. Mr J. Williams, London Warehouse, read the address, which was excellently laid out. Mr. William Owen, one of the choir, presented the purse to Mr. John, which contained £40. Mr. John thanked them for the gift in a few purposeful words. He gave a history of the singing for the last twenty-five years, together with the course he had taken during that time. The names of the subscribers were then read by Tiberog, the testimonial secretary. After that, Mr. Daniel Davies and his friends, Mr. Daniel Lewis, Miss Mary Ann Evans, Mr. T. D. John, Llwynypia Schools, sang a song; and purposeful addresses were given by Mr. Morgan Rowlands, Mr. Mr. Roger Jenkons, Rev. W. Harris, Trecynon Rev. W. Morris, Pontypridd, and Mr. Richard Wigley. Poetic addresses were given by Mr. Richard Williams, Cynon Sky, and Tiberog. Then there was a contest in sight-reading, in the notation of the Sol-fa; won by Mr. Edward Lewis. D. Davies, his friends, and D. J. Lewis and his friends were the winners of a trio reading at the time. It was a very entertaining meeting. Friends of Mr. John heard of this honor. - One who was there.

23. Tarian Y Gweithiwr
    1. • Date: 22 January 1875
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         TRECYNON.

         CYFLWYNIAD TYSTEB. - Nos Lun, y 10fed cyfisol, cynaliwyd cyfarfod yu Ebeneser, i'r dyben o gyflwyno tysteb i Mr. David John, arweinydd canu cynulleidfaol a chorawl eglwys Ebeneser. Cymerwyd y gadair gan y Parch W. Edwards, gweinidog y lle. Canwyd tôn i agor y cyfarfod. Wedi cael anerchiad gan y llywydd, aed yn mlaen yn y drefn ganlynol:- Deuawd gan Mary a Margaret John. Darlleniad yr anerchiad gan Mr. J. Williams, London Warehouse, yr hwn oedd wedi ei osod allan yn hardd a destlus. Cyflwyniad y gôd a'r arian i Mr. John gan Wm. Owen, un a aelodau y côr, yr hwn oedd yn cynwys £40. Siaradodd Mr. John ychydig o eiriau byr a phwrpasol ar dderbyniad y dysteb. Rhoddodd ychydig o hanes y canu pan y daeth yma gyntaf, er ys pum mlynedd ar ugain yn ol, yn nghyd a'i gysylltiad ag ef o hyny hyd yn bresenol. Wedi hyny darllenwyd enwau y tanysgrifwyr gan Tiberog, ysgrifenydd y dysteb. Triawd gan Daniel Davies a'i gyfeilliony yn nesaf cawd anerchiad barddonol gan Darlwyn, Hedydd Cynon, a Tiberog. Cymerwyd rhan yn y cyfarfod hefyd gan Daniel Lewis, gan Mary Ann Evans, Morgan Rowlands, Roger Jenkins, Parch. W. Harris, Parch. W. Morris, Pontypridd; Mr. T. D. John, Llwynypia Schools, sef mab gwrthddrych y dysteb; a Mr. Richard Wigley. Cafwyd cystadleuaeth darllen cerddoriaeth ar y pryd, yn nodiant y sol-fa; y buddugol Edward Lewis. Buddugol ar ddarllen triawd ar y pryd oedd David Davies a'i gyfeillion, a D. J. Lewis a'i gyfeillion. Cafwyd cyfarfod dyddorol ac adlonol iawn. Bydd yn dda gan luaws o hen gyfeillion Mr. John glywed am hyn - mae ganddo luaws o honynt. Yr oedd ef yn un o gadfridogion y cor mawr. - GOHEBYDD.

          

          

          

         TRECYNON.

         TESTIMONIAL PRESENTATION. - Monday, the 10th instant, a meeting was held at Ebenezer, with the sole purpose of presenting Mr. David John, congregational singing and choral conductor of Ebenezer church. The chair was taken by the Rev. W. Edwards, the minister of the place. A tune was sung to open the meeting. Addressed by the president, the following proceeded:- Duet by Mary and Margaret John. Reading of the address by Mr. J. Williams, London Warehouse, which was beautifully and neatly laid out. Presentation of the purse and the money to Mr. John by Wm. Owen, a choir member, which contained £40. Mr. John a few brief and purposeful words on the receipt of the testimonial. He gave a little history of the singing when he first came here, twenty-five years ago, and his connection with it from then until now. The names of the subscribers were then read by Tiberog, the testimonial secretary. A trio by Daniel Davies and his friends next is given a poetic address by Darlwyn, Hedydd Cynon, and Tiberog. Daniel Lewis, Mary Ann Evans, Morgan Rowlands, Roger Jenkins, Rev. W. Harris, Rev. W. Morris, Pontypridd; Mr. T. D. John, Llwynypia Schools, son of the recipient of the testimonial; and Mr. Richard Wigley. There was a music reading competition at the time, in the sol-fa notation; the winner was Edward Lewis. Winning trio reading at the time were David Davies and his friends, and D. J. Lewis and his friends. There was a very daily and entertaining meeting. Many old friends of Mr. John heard about this - he has a lot of them. He was one of the generals of the great choir. - CORRESPONDENT.

    2. • Date: 18 January 1894
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         [paragraph breaks added]

         CLADDEDIGAETH MR. DAVID JOHN

         ARWEINYDD Y CANU YN EBENEZER, ABERDAR, AM YN AGOS I BUM MLYNEDD A DEUGAIN.

         Ymddangosodd hanes ei farwolaeth yn rhifyn diweddaf o'r DARIAN. Hawdd iawn ydoedd casglu nad dyn cyffredin oedd yn cael ei gladdu o Harriet Street, Trecynon, prydnawn dydd Mawrth, y 9fed o Ionawr. Canys gwelid y blinds i lawr ar y ffenestri, a gwelid y tyrfaoedd yn dod o wahanol gyfeiriadau. Yr oedd yr angladd i godi am haner awr wedi dau o'r gloch; yn y ty cyn cychwyn, darllenwyd a gweddiwyd yn ddwys gan ei weinidog, y Parch. J. Grawys Jones. Yr oedd yn drefn i fyned i Ebenezer i gynal gwasanaeth crefyddol cyn myned i Gladdfa Gyhoeddus Aberdar.

         Gyda chychwyn, ymffurfiwyd yn orymdaith. Yn blaenori yr oedd gweinidogion, lleygwyr, a boneddigion ereill, yn dilyn ac o flaen y corff yr oedd y cantorion yn gor cryf a lluosog. Caoasant emynau o brogram paratoedig ar gyfer yr amgylchiad. Ar ol cyraedd yr Addoldy, tra yr oedd y dorf yn cymeryd eu lleoedd, a'r corff yn cael ei ddwyn i fewn, chwareuwydd yr Alar don ar yr offeryn, gan Mr. T. Lewis, chwareuydd y capel. Yr oodd y cantorion i gyd yn llenwi yr oriel, ac o dan arweiniad Mr W. F. Thomas, arweinydd corawl y lle. Dechreuwyd y gwasanaeth trwy ddarllen a gweddio gan y Parch. D. Griffiths, Cwmdar.

         Yna siaradodd Mr Jones, y gweinidog ychydig eiriau. Dywedodd fod y dydd hwnw yn ddiwrnod tywyll iddynt hwy fel eglwys, eu bod yu claddu un oedd wedi bod yn gymeriad amlwg iawn yn yr eglwys am lawer iawn o flynyddoedd. Eu bod wedi bod yn gobeithio y cawsai y brawd David John fyw am ychydig flynyddoedd i ddyfod, er iddynt gael cynal ei Jiwbili ar ei ddyfodiad i'r lle, ond mai nid dyna oedd ewyllys yr Arglwydd. Ond er fod y diwrnod yn dywyll iddynt, fod i'r cwmwl ei ochr oleu. Dywedai pe cawsai Mr John fyw ychydig fisoedd, y buasai wedi bod yno am bum' mlynedd a deugain, ac wedi bod trwy yr holl gyfnod hirfaith yn arweinydd y gan, a'i fod felly hyd ef farwolaeth.

         Yr oedd wedi bod yn llenwi y swydd o ddiacon am lawer o flynyddoedd. Dywedai fod yn yr eglwys ddynion rhagorol yn y blynyddoedd hyn, ond fod Mr John, yn herwydd ei safle fel arweinydd, wedi bod y cymeriad mwyaf amlwg yn yr eglwys. Yr oedd wedi derbyn llythyrau oddiwrth amryw hen gyfeillion ddymunasent fod yn yr angladd, ond nad oedd yn bosibl iddynt. Enwodd Mr J. Hees, Inspector of Schools, Abertawe; a Caradog. Gan fod yno amryw frodyr a chyfeillion i Mr John - rai a i hadwaenent yn dda, ei fod yn myned i alw arnynt hwy i siarad, gan ei fod yntau yn bwriadu pregetbu pregeth angladdol iddo y Sul dilynol.

         Galwodd ar y Parch W. Morris, Pontypridd. Dywedai Mr Morris y galiasai ddweyd llawer iawn am ragoriaethau Mr John, fod yr amser yn fyr iddo gael. Na wyddai yn iawn pa beth i'w ddywedyd. Daethai i aros i'r lle hwn pan nad oedd ond llanc ieuanc dwy ar bymtheg ar hugain oed. Ymaelododdyn eglwys Ebenezer, a bu yn aros o dan gronglwyd Mr John am yn agos i bedair blynedd. Gwyddai yn dda am ei weitbgarweh a'i ffyddlondeb yn yr eglwys; ond cael cyfleusdra i'w adnabod yn ei dy ei hun oedd y fantais oreu er ei adnabod yn iawn. A pha mor ddysglaer bynag oedd yn ei ragoriaethau a'i rinweddau yn yr eglwys. yr oedd yn llawn mor ddysglaer ei gymeriad fel dyn didwyll, gonest, a phur, ac fel penteulu duwiol yn ei cy ei hun. Wrth lafurio yn dda ar gyfer y byd arall, nid oedd yn esgeuluso hwn, ond gwnelai y goreu o'r ddau, Nis gallasai ddywedyd pa mor ddyl edus oedd i Mr David John.

         Galwyd yn nesaf ar y Parch T. J. Jenkyn, Llwynpia. Sylwai fod ei frawd wedi son am Mr John yn ei gartref, yn herwydd ei gysylitiad â rbai o deuiu Mr John - mai fel dyn oddicartref yr oedd af wedi dod i gyffyrddiad ag ef, a'i adnabod yn dda. A pba mor ddysglaer bynag oedd yn ei gartref, ac yn ei gylchoedd cartref, er ei fod wedi codi te[u]lu oedd yn anrhydedd i'w cael. &c.

         Mr. M. O. Jones, Treberbert, a ddywedai ei fod yn teimlo yn anbawdd i siarad. Ei fod nos Sul diweddaf yn nghapel King's Cross, Llundain, yn gwrandaw ar Dr. Owen Evans yn traddodi pregeth angladdol ar ol diacon o'r eglwys - teulu mewn galar, eglwys mewn galar. Ei fod yn meddwl ar y pryd mor anhawdd oedd pregethu; ei fod yntau yn teimlo yn anhawdd i siarad ar yr amgylchiad. Yr oedd yn adnabod Mr. John er ys deng mlynedd ar hugain. Iddo y pryd hwnw gael rhagarweiniad i gymeriad y dyn. Yr oeddent yn cychwyn eglwys ieuanc yn Nhreherbert, ac eisieu cymorth arnynt. Gofynodd i Mr. David John roddi cynorthwy iddynt, a gwnaeth hyny. Daeth ei gor o Ebenezer, gan gerdded yr holl ffordd yn groes i'r mynydd yn ol a blaen, er cynal cyngerdd i'w cynorthwyo. Gofynai pwy oedd yn b’arod i wneud peth tebyg yn awr. Ei fod wedi bod yn edrych ar Mr. John fel motto i fod yn debyg iddo fel arweinydd. Ei fod yn teimlo yn alarus iawn wrth feddwl ei fod wedi ymadael, ond er ei fod wedi ymadael, ei fod yn teimlo fod ei ddylanwad yn aros, a'i fod yno yn y canu ragorol y dydd hwnw.

         Y Parch. D. Thomas, Cymer, a dffywedodd ychydig eiriau am ei adnabyddiaeth o'r dyn rhagorol, a'i ddefnyddioldeb a'i wasanaeth, ac a ddilynodd trwy weddi.

         Sylwasom fod yno amryw gerddorion yn y capel. Gwelsom Mri. Rees Evans, a Dan Griffiths, Aberdar; Mr. Hywel Cynon, Aberaman; Alaw Brycheiniog, Cefn; a Mr. Richard Morris, Hirwann. Gallasai fod yno ereill na welsom. Ymffurfiwyd yn orymdalth i fyned tua'r gladdfa Gwelsom yn blaenori yr orymdaith y Parchn. Morris, Pontypridd; Thomas, Cymer; Griffiths, Cwmdar; Grawys Jones; Davies, Llwydcoed; Rees, Salem; Penar, Pentre Estyll; Silyn Evans, a Davies, Soar, Aberdar; Edmunds, Hirwaun; Jenkyn, Llwynpia; Davies, Ynyshir; Sulgwyn Davies, Siloh; Morgan (M.C.), Bryn Seion; Harris (B.), Heolyfelin; Mri. Thos. Williams, Gwaelodygarth; Thomas, Tynywern; Jeffreys, Treherbert; J. Rees, Aberaman; M. O. Jones, Treherbert; Hywel Cyoon, Aberaman; G. George, Aberdar.

         Canodd y cor, ffurfiedig o'r gwahanol gapelau, y tonau canlynol yn y capel, ar y ffordd, ac wrth y bedd, - Pen ftebo, Nantgau, Burford, Abergele, Dymuniad, Eifionydd, St. Luke, Henryd, Talybont, Lausanne, Rhuddlan, a chanwyd hefyd yr anthem, "Dyddiau dyn" yn ystod y gwasanaeth yn y capel. Sylwai rhai o'r cerddorion oedd yno nad yn ami y clywyd y fath garu rhagorol.

         Siaradwyd wrth y bedd gan y Parch G. Griffiths (Penar), Pentre Estyll, a gweddiwyd gan y Parch. J. Davies, Soar; ac wedi canu emyn gan y cor, ymadawsom a'r fangre gysegredig, lle y gorphwys gweddillion gwr a wasanaethodd ei Dduw a'i oes mor ffyddlon a neb o'i gydoeswyr yn y byd. Gadawodd weddw i ala u ar ei ol, dwy ferch, a dau o feibion. Y mae pob un o honynt yn llenwi cylchoedd o anrhydedd mewn cymdeitbas - y merched yn ysgolfeistresi, a'r meibion yn ysgolfeistri, un o honynt yn bur adnabyddus fel arweinydd, cerddor, golygydd, a beirniad, Mr. Tom John, Llwynpia. Boed nodded yr Arglwydd dros y weddw hyd ei bedd, a'i fendith ar y plant a'i hiliogaeth hyd byth.

         -- CYMYDOG.

          

          

          

         Translation:

         BURIAL OF MR. DAVID JOHN

         SINGING LEADER AT EBENEZER, ABERDARE, FOR NEARLY FORTY YEARS

         The story of his death appeared in the last edition of the TARIAN. It was very easy to see that it was no common man of Harriet Street, Trecynon, who was buried on Tuesday, January 9th. For the blinds were seen down on the windows, and the crowds were seen coming from all directions. The funeral began at half past two; in the house beforehand, the minister, the Rev. J. Grawys Jones, read and prayed intensely. They then went to Ebenezer to hold a religious service before the burial at the Aberdare Public Cemetery.

         Initially, a parade was formed. At the front came the ministers, lawyers, and other gentrymen, following behind and in front of the coffin were a great crowd of singers in strong voice. They sang hymns from a specially prepared programme. After arriving at the sanctuary, while the crowd took their places, and the body was brought in, the Alardon quarry choir sang, led by Mr. T. Lewis, chapel quarryman. All the singers filled the gallery, under the leadership of Mr W. F. Thomas, the choral leader of the place. The service was started by the Rev. D. Griffiths, Cwmdar reading and praying.

         The minister, Mr Jones, then spoke a few words. He said that this day was a dark day for them as a church, as they buried one who had been a very prominent character in the church for many years. They had been hoping that the brother David John would have lived for a few more years to come, so they could celebrate his Jubilee of his arrival to the place, but that was not the will of the Lord. But even though the day was dark for them, the cloud would have a silver lining. He said that if Mr John had lived a few months longer, he would have been there for forty years and had been for a long period of time as leader of song, which he was until he died.

         He had held the post of Deacon for many years. He said that the church had had many excellent men in these years, but that Mr John, because of his position as leader, had been the most prominent character in the church. He had received letters from various old friends who would have liked to have been at the funeral, but could not attend. Mr J. Hees, Inspector of Schools, Swansea; and Caradog[1]. He was going to call brothers and friends of Mr John - those who had known him well - to speak now and himself intended to preach a full eulogy to him on Sunday.

         He called on Rev. W. Morris, Pontypridd. Mr Morris said that he could say a great deal about Mr John's merits, but that time was too short and he did not know what to say. He came to the chapel when he was only twenty-five years old. He joined Ebenezer church, and stayed there under Mr John’s leadership for about four years. He knew well about his dedication and his faithfulness in the church; but having the opportunity to identify it in your own was the advantage of it to know it properly. And how deeply it was his excellency and his merits in the church. His character was so full of discernment as a sincere, honest man, and a man, and as a godly family in its own right. When working well for the rest of the world, he did not neglect this, but he would do the best of both, could not tell how Mr David John was.

         The Rev. T. J. Jenkyn, Llwynypia, was called next. His brother had mentioned Mr John at home having known Mr John's family. He had been totally at home in their house and consequently knew them very well. And he was a very busy lad who was at his home, and in his home circles, although he had raised a family that was honored to have. & c.

         Mr. M. O. Jones, Treberbert, said he felt inclined to speak. Last Sunday night in King's Cross chapel, London, he heard Dr. Owen Evans[2] deliver a funeral sermon after a deacon of the church - a family in grief, a church in grief. He thought at the time how difficult it was to preach; that he, too, found it difficult to speak on the circumstance. He had known Mr. John for thirty years. He then had an introduction to the character of the man. They started a young church in Treherbert, and sought help. He asked Mr. David John helped them, and he did. His choir came from Ebenezer, walking all the way across the mountain to and fro, to hold a concert to assist them. He asked who was ready to do a similar thing now. That he had looked up to Mr. John as an example, wishing to be a leader like him. That he felt very sad at the thought that he had left, but that although he had left, he felt that his influence was staying, and that he was there in the excellent singing that day.

         The Rev. D. Thomas, Cymer, and said a few words about his knowledge of the great man, his usefulness and his service, and followed with prayer.

         We noticed that there were several musicians in the chapel. We saw Mr. Rees Evans, and Dan Griffiths, Aberdare; Mr. Hywel Cynon, Aberaman; Alaw Brecknock, Cefn; and Mr. Richard Morris, Hirwann. There could have been others we didn't see. We formed a procession to go to the burial ground. We saw the procession was led by the Revs. Morris, Pontypridd; Thomas, Cymer; Griffiths, Cwmdar; Grawys Jones; Davies, Llwydcoed; Rees, Salem; Penar, Pentre Estyll; Silyn Evans, and Davies, Soar, Aberdare; Edmunds, Hirwaun; Jenkyn, Llwynpia; Davies, Ynyshir; Sulgwyn Davies, Siloh; Morgan (M.C.), Bryn Zion; Harris (B.), Heolyfelin; Messrs. Thos. Williams, Gwaelodygarth; Thomas, Tynywern; Jeffreys, Treherbert; J. Rees, Aberaman; M. O. Jones, Treherbert; Hywel Cyoon, Aberaman; G. George, Aberdare.

         The choir, composed of the various chapels, sang the following tunes in the chapel, on the road, and at the grave, - Pen ftebo, Nantgau, Burford, Abergele, Dymuniad, Eifionydd, St. Luke, Henryd, Talybont, Lausanne, Rhuddlan, and also sung the anthem "Dyddiau dyn" ["Man's Days"] was during the chapel service. Some of the musicians present noticed that such outstanding singing was rarely heard.

         The Rev. G. Griffiths (Penar), Pentre Estyll, spoke at the grave, and the Rev. J. Davies, Soar, prayed; and having sung a hymn from the heart, we left the sacred place, where the remains of a man who served his God as faithfully as any of his contemporaries in the world. He left a widow behind him, two daughters, and two sons. All of them fill circles of honor in society - the girls being schoolmistresses, and the sons being schoolmasters, one of them quite well known as a conductor, musician, editor, and adjudicator, Mr. Tom John, Llwynpia. May the Lord give protection over the widow to her grave, and bless the children and her offspring for ever.

         -- A NEIGHBOUR.

          

         [1] Caradog - conductor of the Côr Mawr, of which several members of the John Family were members: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffith_Rhys_Jones

         [2] Rev Dr Owen Evans - a well-known figure in the Welsh chapels: https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3714206/3714214/56/evans

    3. • Date: 1 November 1906
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         Porth

         Marwolaeth Sydyn.

         Gofidus iawn genym gofnodi marwolaeth sydyn ac annisgwyl y chwaer ragorol ei hysbryd Mrs M Preece, Maesyrhaf, o'r lle hwn, priod anwyl Mr J Preece, Ironmonger, Hannah street, yr hyn a gymerodd le prydnawn dydd Mercher diweddaf, y 24ain. Merch ydoedd yr ymadawedig i'r diweddar Mr David John, o dref Aberdar, a chwaer i'r brodyr Tom John, ysgolfeistr, Llwynypia, a T W John Ynyshir, a Miss M John, ysgolfeistre, Cymmer, ger y lle hwn. Bu Mrs Preece hefyd yn ysgolfeistres llwyddianus am flynyddau yn ysgol Bodringallt, Rhondda. Mae'r gymydogaeth yn cydymdeimlo yn fawr a Mr Preece, yn ngwyneb y tro chwerw hwn, sydd wedi ei amddifadu o wraig ofalus, dyner ac anwyl, ac a'r chwe' plentyn sydd yn wylo ar ol eu hanwyl fam. Amddiffyniad y nef fyddo drostynt oll.

          

          

         Porth

         Sudden Death.

         We are deeply saddened to record the sudden and unexpected death of the excellent sister Mrs M Preece, Maesyrhaf, from this place, wife of Mr John Preece, Ironmonger, Hannah street, which took place last Wednesday afternoon, the 24th. The deceased was a daughter of the late Mr David John, of the town of Aberdare, and a sister of the brothers Tom John, schoolmaster, Llywnypia, and T W John Ynyshir, and Miss M John, schoolmistress, in nearby Cymmer. Mrs Preece was also a successful schoolmistress for years at Bodringallt School, Rhondda. The whole neighbourhood expressed their sincere condolonces to Mr Preece as he faced this bitter experience of having been bereaved of his solicitous, loving and dear wife, and to the six children greatly missing their beloved mother. May the protection of heaven be over them all.

    4. • Date: 15 August 1907
       • Page: Page 6
       • Citation:

         Claddedigaeth Mrs. Tom John.

         Daearwyd yr hyn oedd farwol o Mrs Margaret John, Ceinfan, Tonypandy, anwyl briod Mr Tom John, M.A, yn mynwent Llethrddu prydnawn dydd Mercher diweddaf. Yr oedd tyrfa fawr yn y gynhebrwng, yn cynwys cynrychiolaeth gref o Undeb Cenedlaethoi Cyfranwyr Addysg. Derbyniodd Mr John dros 300 o lythyrau yn datgan cydymdeimlad ag ef, a hyny oddiwrth ddynion yn cynrychioli pob gwedd a sefyllfa ar gymdeithas. Gwasanaethwyd ar yr achlysur gan y Parchn E Richards, Tonypandy; T Williams, Clydach Vale; W Charles, M A, Treorci; a T G Jenkyns. Salem, Llwynypia. Ar y ffordd i'r gladdfa canodd Cor Ebenezer amryw o donau cynulleidfaol adnabyddus.

          

          

          

         Burial of Mrs. Tom John.

         The mortal remains of Mrs Margaret John, Ceinfan, Tonypandy, the beloved husband of Mr Tom John, M.A, were buried at Llethrddu Cemetery last Wednesday afternoon. A large crowd attended the ceremony, including strong representation from the National Union of Teachers. Mr John received over 300 letters expressing condolences, from men representing every facet of society. The service was conducted by the Revs. E Richards, Tonypandy; T Williams, Clydach Vale; W Charles, M A, Treorchy; and T G Jenkyns. Salem, Llwynypia. On the way to the burial ground the Ebenezer choir sang several well-known congregational tunes.

24. UK Government: National Probate Calendar
    1. • Date: 12 September 1907
       • Page: Margaret John
       • Citation:

         JOHN Margaret of "Ceinfan" Tonypandy Glamorganshire (wife of Thomas John) died 1 August 1907 Administration Llandaff 12 September to the said Thomas John schoolmaster Effects £851 12s.

    2. • Date: 23 July 1924
       • Page: Tom John
       • Citation:

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

25. Y Dydd
    1. • Date: 26 June 1874
       • Page: Page 10
       • Citation:

         [Mr. GOL -]

         Dydd Marwth diweddaf, ymwelodd eich gohebydd âg ysgoldy Brytanaidd y Glanmorgan Coal Co., Llwynypia. Cefais y croeswiad mwyaf, twymgar gan yr ysgolfeistr. Cymro o waed coch cyfan ydyw Mr. Thomas D. John, mab yr hen gerddor enwog Mr. David John, Aberdar. Y mae Thomas John, yn gerddor campus fel ei dad. Y mae yn ddigon o dal runrhryw ddyn sydd yn hoff o ganu i fyned i'r ysgoldy uchod i wrando ar leisiau swynol y plant yn canu pob math o donau, y rhai a ddysgir iddynt gan eu hathraw galluog. Yn ddiweddar, y mae ein cyfaill wedi credu yn hen ddiareb Gymreig, 'fod dau yn well nag un,' ac yn wir daeth i'r un teimlad a'ch gobehydd, sef mai

         Gwell i ddyn golli'i ddanedd, - a'i ben,
         Na byw heb ymgeledd,
         A rhywfo mewn dull rhyfedd
         Ei hun heb un bun i'r bedd.

         Y mae Mr. John yn enwog iawn fel ysgolfeistr o'r radd flaenaf; rhifa ei ysgolheigion tua 350 o nifer, y rhai yn ol deall eich gohebydd, sydd yn ysgolheigion da iawn i gyd ar y cyfan. Dymunwn bob lwyddiant i Mr. John a'i briond serchoglawn tra ar y blaned isloerawl, ac wedi hyny i feddianu un o etifeddiaethau y Cristion yn y byd a ddaw,

         Rhoddwn yn llon ar bob pryd
         Barch lle y dylai parch fod;
         Dysgwn edmygu o hyd
         Ddynion rhin weddol o nod.

         Cewch ysgrif eto mor fuan ag y hydd i bethau ddyfod i drefn.

         Yr eiddoch yn gywir, Uthr Wyon, Tonypandy.

          

         [Dear SIR -]

         Last Tuesday, your correspondent visited the British schoolhouse of the Glanmorgan Coal Co., Llwynypia. I had the most warm, welcoming welcome from the schoolmaster. Mr. Thomas D. John, son of the famous old musician Mr. David John, Aberdare, is a red-blooded Welshman. Thomas John is a fine musician like his father. It is enough to catch any man who likes to go to the schoolroom above to listen to the charming voices of the children singing all kinds of tunes, taught to them by their able teacher. Our friend has recently believed in an old Welsh dialect, 'that two are better than one,' and indeed he came to the same feeling as your hopeer, that

         Better for a man to lose his thigh, - and his head,
         Don't live without care,
         And sex in a strange way
         Himself without a single bun to the grave.

         Mr. John is very famous as a first-class schoolmaster; his scholars number about 350 in number, those according to your correspondent's understanding, who are generally very good scholars. We wish Mr. John and his affectionate prodigy every success while on the sublime planet, and thereafter to occupy one of the Christian's inheritances in the world to come,

         We give happily at every meal
         Respect where respect should be;
         We still learn to admire
         Gentlemen of quite a goal.

         I will write again as soon as things get in order.

         Yours faithfully, Uthr Wyon, Tonypandy.

          

          

26. Cymru
    1. • Date: 1894
       • Page: Vol 6 Page 176-179
       • Citation:

         DAFYDD JOHN.

         Nid oes angen gwneyd ymddiheurawd am symledd Cymreig y pennawd hwn - Dafydd John. Os yw talent, defnyddioldeb, sefyllfa fydol anrhydeddus, ac yn arbennig cymeriad crefyddol uchel yn hawlio gosod Mr. neu Mrs. o flaen enw y sawl a'u meddianna, mae hanes gwrthrych yr ysgrif hon yn hawlio hynny. Ond byddai gwneud hynny yn symud yr hen gymeriad ardderchog y safwn uwch ei ben i ryw bellter dieithr. Fel Dafydd John yr adwaenasom ef gyntaf yn ein mabandod. Dan yr enw hwn y tyfodd, yr enillodd glodydd, y cododd un o deuleoedd goraf cymdeithas. Ac fel Dafydd John y cydymdeimlid ag ef yn ei gystudd byr, ac yr wylid am dano ar ddydd ei augladd gref a thywysogaidd, yr hon nid oedd lai na swn cymeriad cyfoethog a phur yn cerdded nes y teimlai yr ardaloedd. Yn Heol y Felin, Aberdâr, yr wyf yn cofio Dafydd John gyntaf; a'r argraff gyntaf wnaed ar fy meddwl ieuangaf i ynglyn ag ef oedd nad oedd Aberdâr erioed wedi bob heb ei Dafydd John. Yr oedd i mi fel pe buasai wedi bod yno crioed, a'r ardal yn byw, yn symud, ac yn bod ynddo: ac onid yw yn rhyfedd fel mae argraffiadau mebyd o ran eu cywirdeb yn tyfu arnom; yn wir, nid yw Aberdâr ac Heol y Felin yr un i mi fyth er y dydd y rhoed gwyneb byw mynegiadol Dafydd John dan dyweirch eu claddfa. Yng ngwyneb hyn, un o'r newyddion dieithriaf i mi oedd mai nid yn Aberdâr y ganwyd ef.

         I sir Benfro a phlwyf Cilgeran y perthyn yr anrhydedd o fod yn enedigle iddo ef; ac mae symledd ei enw yn ein hadgofio o un hen gymeriad arall o'r un cyfenw, a wnaeth y plwyf uchod yn adnabyddus trwy Gymru.

         Diau i natur mor fyw a'i eiddo ef fod yn syllu gyda dyddordeb lawer awr ar yr eogiaid yn symud yn fawreddog yn nyfroedd ariant y Teifi; ac o'r briadd y gallwn berswadio ein hunain iddo fyw yno nyd yn bymtheg oed heb fod aml un o honynt wedi rhoi help i'w fagu. Pwy a ŵyr sawl gwaith y bu ei ysbryd ieuanc yn ymson yng nghysgod yr hen gastell sydd ar goryn y graig! A diau iddo wrando y gwynt yn plethu ey gynghaneddion perorol o gwmpas ei ystlysau hynafol lawer gwaith; a sylle ar yr awel yn tyner gerdded rhwng yr iorwg mân ar y muriau profedig. Gallem feddwl mai crenlondeb oddiar law amgylchiadau oedd symud y bachgen penfelyn, llathraidd ei gorff a byw ei lygad, o afael dylanwadau mor lân a dyrchafol a hyn cyn cyrraedd ei ugain oed. Ond symud a fu. Y pryd hwnnw yr oedd y Merthyr yn atynnu y miloedd. Yr oedd ei masnach yn fywiog, a'i manteision bydol yn gweithredu fel cyfaredd ar drigolion y tir. I'r neb a breswyliai mewn lle mor anghysbell a Chilgeran, rhaid fod meddwl am fyned i'r Merthyr y pryd hwnnw fel symud i eithafion daear. Cefnai bechgyn anturiaethus ar eu cartrefi gwledig am y lle hwn, am gael eu gweled byth ond hynny, a dalient yn hir i ysgwyd y cadach gwyn oddiar y buarth neu oddiar dwyn uchaf y tir. Pa ryfed! Hyd eto nid eodd y ffordd haiarn yn ymddolennu trwy ein dyffrynnoedd tirion, ac hyd llethrau ein mynyddoedd moelion. Porai y gwartheg a'r praidd yn hamddenol a digyffro heb gael eu dychrynnu gan ru y gerbydres na gwich yr agerbeiriant. Dyddian y coach mawr oedd y dyddiau hynny; ac mor hyfryd oedd hirdaith ar ei ben, ac awelon iachus ein gwlad yn rhoi gwrid ar y gruddiau, tra'r llygaid yn ymloewi wrth edrych ar y prydferthwch amrywiol a orweddai o gwmpas. O! hen ddyddiau syml! O! hen fywyd barddonol! Ai ynfydrwydd yw datgan fy ngofid na anesid fi pan derynasent?

         I'r Merthyr y daeth Dafydd John beth ebynnag; ac i natur mor fyw, rhaid fod argraffiadau y daith a'r lle newydd yn lluosog a dyfnion. Yr oedd yn y Merthyr y pryd hwn un a adnabyddid hyd ymhell am ei aml rinweddau a'i alluoedd, o'r enw Rosser Beynon. Yr oedd natur wedi gadael Rosser ar dir uchel iawn, heb son am y gwaith llwyr a wnaeth gras arno. Yr oedd yn gynllun o foneddwr, ac i un a feddai natur mor iraidd a Dafydd John, nid bychan o beth ydoedd hynny. Eithr un o ragoriaethau pennaf y gŵr hwn yn syniad Dafydd ieuanc oedd ei fod yn gerddor gwych. Darganfyddodd y cerddor oedd yn Rosser y cerddor oedd yn Dafydd. Y "baswr," chwedl y cerddorion, dynnodd sylw y gŵr craff; ac mae'r neb a glywodd Dafydd John yn canu yn tystio yn groew fod Rosser yn llygad ei le. Beth a fu yr argraffiadau a dderbyniodd yn y Merthyr oddiwrth y gŵr enwog hwn, ac amryw ragorolion ereill, yn arbennig ei weinidog, y Parch. Benjamin Owen, hawdd casglu oddiwrth yr ysbryd addfwyn, crefyddol, caredig, ac hunanaberthol a'i nodweddodd ef i derfyn ei oes.

         Yn Heol y Felin, Aberdâr, y gwelwyd ef nesaf, a gwelwyd ef hefyd i fantais. Cyflwynodd ei lythyr aelodaeth i Ebenezer, eglwys Anibynnol y lle, ac ymdaflodd i waith heb oedi. Gwnaed ef yn arweinydd y gân yn yr eglwys, ymgeisiodd yntau i godi côr sylweddol, ac i hyfforddi yr ieuenctyd yn ffordd y gerdd, a gwnaeth hynny, a pharhaodd yn arweinydd cynulleidfaol hyd defyn ei daith. Daeth Aberdâr ar ol hyn yn enwod am ei galleoedd cerddorol. Yma "y ganwyd y Côr Mawr," chwedl Watcyn Wyn. Yma y bu ei arwr Caradog yn cerdded dan dremiad edmygol o lygaid. Yma y bu Gwilym Cynon, - "Cochyn Bach," - yn arwain ei rengoedd i fuddugoliaeth aml. Yma y bu Richard Morris, - "Dic Bach," chwedl gwyr Hirwaun, - yn dysgu ei gôr i gystadleuaeth ar ddarnau Handel ac ereill. Yma ar hyd y blynyddau y bu Rhys Evans yn darpar gwleddoedd cerddorol blynyddol i'r miloedd. Yma y bu Dan Rhys yn codi ac yn coethi chwaeth mewn caniadaeth gysegredig. Ond yr oedd yna hen Aberdar, ac yr oedd Dafydd John yn byw yn honno, a hynny cyn i'r gwŷr enwog hyn brofi eu bodolaeth, a chyn i ereill ddaeth yn enwog yn y lle ar ol hyn ddyfod allan o'u cadachau.

         Un o ffeithiau amlwg holl Forgannwg y pryd hwnnw oedd Côr Ebenezer, dau ei arweiniad ef. Mae aml un yn fyw yn awr a gofiant yn dda y fath anrhydedd oedd yn eiddo i'r neb oedd yn aelod o gôr Dafydd John. Ac un o'r breintiau prinion oedd cael eistedd uwchben y cloc ar yr oriel. Nid oedd ond ychydig yn gymwys i'r safle honno yn yr adeg foreu honno ar ganiadaeth. Un o ddirgelion pennaf bechgyn bychain yr ardal oedd gweled Dafydd Dafis Cae Rhymni, William Owen, Morgan Roland, Roger Jenkyn, a William Thomas Cendon, yn tynnu seiniau amrywiol allan o'r ffurfluniau rhyfedd a'r llyfr hirgul; a'r nesaf peth i wyrth yn eu golwg oedd gwaith Dafydd John yn canu ac ysgogi ei fraich yr un pryd, gan roi arwydd i'r naill lais ar ol y llall, a llwyddo yn y diwedd y gael yr "amryw ddoniau" terfysglyd yma i gyd-derfynu i'r eiliad. Tybid fod yn rhaid ei fod yn ddeheuig ac yn alluog. Rhaid fod y peth bach fforchog hwnnw oedd ganddo yn gwnyd swn wrth ei daro yn erbyn ei benglin, yn anghyffredin o ddrud, ac mai dim ond Dafydd John a "ffeiriad y plwyf" oedd y penglin oedd i'w daro. A sut oedd gwneud y d, t, l, a'r d, m, s, cyn dechreu fel y gwnai efe! Ac yr oedd rhyw gamp yn ei waith yn peswch ac yn cymeryd swn eilwaith, ac yn tatle ei lygad byw o gwr i gwr o'r côr, ac yn dweyd, - "Nawr, 'sgwelwch chi'n dda." Ai arwydd o gynnydd ynnom yw ein bod yn colli yr ymsyndod syml yma o'n natur? Beth bynnag, hyfryd yw myned yn ol at yr hen fywyd a'r ryfeddodau.

         Yr oedd anthem dda yn swyn mawr iddo ef. Cofia rhai yn dda y canu mawr fu ar "Cwymp Babilon" tua 1859, pan oedd y Diwygiad yn cerdded y tir; ac anrhydedd nid bychan oedd bod yn ddewisedig i ganu yr unawd nen y deuawd neu y triawd oedd ynddi, anrhydedd o godai ddyn i'r fath safle nes tybied y gallai hyfforddio edryeh i lawr mewn tosturi ar holl aelodau ereill y côr. Erbyn hyn yr oedd yr arweinydd yn ddigon uchel yn syniad yr eglwys a'r dref i "estyn iddo dysteb" o harmonium. Ac ni bu mwy o ddyddordeb ynglyn a thysteb nemawr i dro, oblegid dywedid mai dyna yr harmonium gyntaf i ddod i Aberdar. Pa ryfedd fod plant y lle yn edrych gyda pharchedigaeth i gyfeiriad ty Dafydd John, ac yn ymgasglu yyn dyrrau o dan y ffenestr yn hirnos y gaeaf i wrando y swn hyfryd a wnai y "presant newydd"? Ac mor fwyn oedd gweled ei hen athraw Rosser Beynon yn croesi y mynydd gyda'r hwyr i'r "cwrdd cwflwyno," ac i gydlawenhau a'r cyfeillion mewn pennill a chân.

         Os oedd rhywbeth allai Dafydd John ei ffieiddio yn fwy na'r llall, culni a cheidwadaeth meddyliol oedd hynny. Cofleidiai ef y newydd ar yr amod fod gwasanaeth newydd i gael ei gyflawni. Os oes rhyw ddiffyg amlycach na'r llall mewn cerddorion fel dosbarth, diffyg eangfrydedd a mawrfrydigrwydd yw hwnnw. Fel rheol dynion unpeth ydynt, ac nis gallant deimlo dyddordeb angerddol mewn dim ond yn eu hoffbeth, ac anaml y ceir hwynt yn cymeryd golwg eang ar berthynasiaeth, mawr oedd mintai a wthiai ei hunan ar wlad y gân, sef cyfundrefn y Tonic Solffa. Cyhoeddai plant yn Hen Nodiant eu hanathema uwch ei phen yn ddiarbed, a deuai ysbryd hynach na'r Hen Hodiant i'r golwg yn fynych. Disgybl yr hen gyfundrefn oedd Dafydd John, ac er i Morgan Roland - aelod o'i gôr, fyned yn arwr i'r gyfundrefn newydd yn ei gylch, safodd yr hen arweinydd yn dawel i wylio'r ffrwythau; a phan welodd fod y gyfundrefn newydd wedi profi hawl i fodolaeth, croesawodd hi gyda'r eangfrydedd mwyaf; ac wedi credu o hono ef fel un o benaethiaid y bobl, dilynodd lluaws ei esiampl.

         Meddwl yn anturio i'r mynydd oedd eiddo yr hen gerddor hwn, iddo ef yr oedd rhyw swyn mewn ymgodymu â'r anhawdd. Iddo ef y perthyn yr anrhydedd o fod y cyntaf yn dwyn y Dreithgan i Aberdar. Yr oedd efe yn dysgu y corawdau anhawdd i'w gôr o leiaf ddeng mlynedd cyn i neb arall anturio gwneyd. A phan gofier nad oedd cymorth harmonium na pherdoneg i'w gael y pryd hwnnw, nid gorchwyl dibwys ydoedd hynny o beth. A mawr y cyfrro ar noson y cyngerdd, pan groesai Mr Edward Lawrence y mynydd gyda brig yr hywri chwaren y berdoneg gyda'r côr, ac nid rhyfedd ei fod yn rhywun yn syniad y dorf pan gofier mai efe oedd yr unig un yn yr holl gylchoedd fedrai gyflawni hynny o orchest. Dyma afiaeth; dyma syndod melus; torf o gantorion a'u llyfrau costfawr o'u blaen, a phob llais fel pe bai yn penderfynu gwneyd mwy o swn na'r llall, - y dyn ieuanc llathraidd, penfelyn, gloew 'i lygaid, yn bwrw ysbrydiath i galonnau y llu gydag ysgogiad ei law, a swn yr offeryn fel gwyrth yn cerdded trwy y rhyfeddodau. Dyna gyfnod arwrol! Y fath dreuni i ni ddyfod i wybod gymaint nes ŷm yn methy synnu at ddim ond at ambell un sydd yn gallu. Y pryd hwnnw nid oedd Sauvage, Eos Morlais, Ben Davies, Edward Lloyd, na Lucas, na David Hughes, na Ffrancon i gymeryd yr alawon a'r deuawdau, &c., i fyny. Ond yr oedd mwnwyr a glowyr cyffredin yn ufudd at yr alwad, ac os nad yn canu yr unawd neu y deuawd darparodig yn y gwaith, deuai rhyw unawd neu ddeuawd cyffredin arall. Ond nid oedd dim fel cael Dafydd John gyda'i lais cyfoethog ac ystwyth i ganu, "Arm, arm, ye brave." Mae rhywrai yn fyw heddyw a gofiant fel y fflamiai ei lygaid, ac fel yr oedd ysbryd y gân yn mynnu ei ffordd hyd yn eod trwy aelodau ei gorff. O! hen bererin anwyl; sut yr ymdarawet â'r llithriadau meithion a throellog gyda'th anadliad byr a'th besychiad aml! Ond dyna, nid oes dim a roi disgleirdeb at rywbeth fel ffyddlondeb a "gwyned ein goraf." Ac nid rhyfedd fod yntau, "was ffyddlawn," yn tynnu "encore" byddarol bob tro y canai yr hen gân ardderchog honno.

         Un o neilltuolion diwygiad crefyddol yw fod ysbryd canu yn meddiannu y cyfnod a'i profa. Un o'r rhai mwyaf crefyddol yn y cyfnod hwn oedd y diweddar Barch. J. Davies, Caerdydd, neu fel yr adnabyddid ef yn gyffredin - "Davies bach Aberaman." Y mae swn ei areithiau ar y Genhadaeth ar glustiau cannoedd yn awr. Yr oedd Cymru yn awr wedi ei angerddoli gan y newydd am ferthyrdod John Williams Eromanga; a Hiraethog wedi canu ar ei ol, a rhyw gerddor wedi canu yn wylofus ar ei eiriau, - "Cwyn, cwyn am y dewr"; a mynnai Dafydd John droi yr anthem i helpu'r araeth, a daeth y nefoedd yn agos iawn wrth ei chanu lawer gwaith. Dyna oedd hanes ein hen gyfaill anwyl, troi pob ffrwd at wasanaeth crefydd. Enwoced oedd ei gôr, a charediced oedd yntau, fel y deuai rhyw frawd o eglwys wan dros fynydd y Rhondda a chais gwylaidd am wasanaeth y côr i gynnal cyngherdd yn y cwm hirgul hwnnw; a dyna'r arweinydd parod a'i gôr ar lechwedd y mynydd un prydnawn yn ymlwybro at yr eglwys anghenus; ac wedi canu a derbyn "diolch" a "llond pen cyn cychwyn," mae llewyrch llu o lanternau yn hollti duwch yn mynydd, a chôr cyfan "ar ei draed ac ar ei ddeulin yn ceisio dringo i fyny fry." Pwy o honynt, ag sydd fyw, sydd wedi gallu anghofio y rhamantusrwydd o groesi y mynydd yn y nos? Gwrando y gwynt yn cwynfannu o amgylch ystlysau yr hen Ben Pych; clywed y Rhondda Fach yn ymdroelli dan bont hen y Lluest Wen ac heibio gwadnau Castell Nos, ac yna dros Daran y Bwllfa gweled fflamau y gweithiau tân o ddyffryn eu cartref fel yn rhuo croesaw. Dyna lle byddai adrodd ystoriau am ysbrydion, am y "twlwyth teg," "bendith y manau," a llu ereill. Byddai mamgu rhywun wedi gweled "canwyll corff" yn rhywle yn y wlad, a chyn pen wythnos yr eodd corff yn myned y ffordd honno. Ar ganol y stori byddai dwy seren o dân yn ymddangos o'u blaenau, ac O! 'r fath ddychryn, a cholli anadl, ac nid oedd yr oll ond dafad wedi dyrchu ei llygaid i edrych ar oleuni y lantern. O! hen gyfnod syml, cartrefol. Onid oedd y tren yn greulawn i fyned a hwn oddiarnom?

         Gwyddai ein hen gyfaill sut yr oedd defnyddio cerddoriaeth i ddychrynnu yr ysbryd drwg, fel Dafydd ar ei delyn gynt. Os bu rhyw ysbryd gwaeth na'i gilydd trwy Gymru, ysbryd dadleuon bedydd oedd hwnnw. Cafodd Aberdâr wybod am hwn. Cofia rhai y ddadl ffyrnig gymerodd le rhwng y diweddar Barch W. Edwards, Ebenezer, Aberdâr, a'r Parch T. Price, o'r un lle. Un o aelodau Mr Edwards oedd Dafydd John, ond bu yn ddigon mawrfrydig i fyned a'i gôr trwy ganol y rhyfol i gynorthwyo côr y Bedyddwyr i gynal cyngherdd, ac ni fu dylandwad mwy gorchfygol erioed ar unrhyw dyrfa na'r weithred garedig honno.

         Cafodd y "Côr Mawr" ei gefnogaeth lwyraf ef, a soniai am y fuddugoliaeth gyda dagrau o lawenydd. Arweiniodd yntau ei gôr i gystadleuaeth, ac arweiniodd ef i aml fuddugoliaeth. Er hynny, nid yr Eisteddfod eodd ei faes anwylaf ef. Gartref ar hen oriel y capel y byddai ei fryd ef, ar hirnos gaeaf yn dysgu hen donau cysegredig, ac ambell hen anthem Gymreig, yn arbennig anthemau a thonau Ambrose Lloyd. Ei ddadl uchaf ac olaf o blaid haeddiant tôn fyddai, - "gwaith Lloyd." Yr oedd rhyw gydnawsedd ysbryd rhwng y ddau, fel yr oedd yr arweinydd yn gallu edmygu gwaith y cyfansoddwr. Ie, y canu cysegredig, i Dafydd John, a daliodd i arwain y gân yn Ebenezer, Aberdar, am dros ddengain mlynedd, heb gymaint a diwrnod o "bŵd," heb ddisgwyl ceiniog yn dâl, a bu farw yng nghanol y gwaith.

         Os yw Duw yn claddu y gweithiwr mae yn dwyn ei waith ymlaen. Yr oedd yntan am i'r gwaith i fyw ar ei ol. Gwelsom ambell bren fu unwaith yn gryf a changhennog, ond mae ei ddyddiau olaf yn nesu; ond tra mae efe eto ar ei draed, plennir planhigyn ieuanc yn ei gysgod, ac y mae yr hen fywyd a'r bywyd ieuanc yn sirad a'u gilydd, a'r hen yn gofyn, - "Gaf fi fyned yn awr, a wyt ti wedi cael digon o afael ar y tir, wyt ti wedi casglu digon o nerth i fyw; yw anrhydedd cymeriad ein hiliogaeth ni yn ddiogel yn dy law?" Ac mae'r hen fywyd yn ddigon ufudd i roi'r tir i fyny i arall pan ddaw ei awr. Cafodd y brawd ieuanc Mr. W. Thomas, arweinydd presennol côr yr hen arwr, bedair blynedd o gysgod tawel i ymdyfu; ac mae dylandwad a chysgod yr hen arweinydd yn cyrraedd drost heddyw ac yn debyg o gario ei ddelw ddymunol arno.

         Ydyw, y mae Dafydd John wedi myned! Ac mor anhawdd yw sylweddoli hynny. Mor llethol yw'r syniad fod yn rhaid i Heol y Felin ac Ebenezer fod heb Dafydd John. Byw heb yr hen arweinydd oedd yn codi gwerth y canu cysegredig yn ein meddyliau, byw heb yr athraw fyddai yn gwella calon a meddwl ei ddosbarth, byw heb y diacon bucheddol, un oedd fel "cenned hedd" pryd bynnag y codai ar ei draed. Mor chwithing yw meddwl na chaf byth eto ei weled yn codi yn y "sêt fawr," ac yn chwalu mynyddau anghydwelediad wrth droi y naill law yn y llall. Os digwydd imi gael noson gartref ar aelwyd gynnes fy mam, ni chaf ond hynny glywed ei besychiad adnabyddus ef ar ei ffordd adref o gyfarfod gweddi yr hen chwaer dlawd. Mor oer a diswyn yw hen "heol y cefn" byth er y dydd y peidiodd swn ei forthwyl diwyd ef ar yr hen arffedfaen brofedig, ac y ciliodd llewyrch caredig ei lusern ffyddlon o'r hen ffenestr fechan ysgwar yn nhalcen ei weithdy gwyngalchog. Yr oedd gweled y ffenestr oleu, fechan, a chlywed ergyd y morthwyl, yn cadw pob "ysbryd" i ffwrdd pan y cerddwn trwy dduwch "heol y cefn" ar hirnos gaeaf yn nyddiau mebyd. Ond y llewyrch a giliodd, a'r ergyd a beidiodd, a dyna lawer aeth yn eisieu i mi yn hynny. Y fath foddlonrwydd oedd gweled ei gysdgod ar y llen gwyn yntynnu y pwythau ar awr ddiweddar a thawel. Tybiwn y gallaswn gysgu yn well, a bod y noson honnu yn noson ddigwyddiadol yn fy hanes. Ie, yr hen weithdy glân! Y fath anrhydedd oedd i'r neb a esgynnai ei risiau yn hwyr y dydd i wrando yr hen weithiwr diwyd yn adrodd hanes hen gymeriadau'r Merthyr ac Aberdar oddiar ei "ffwrwm waith." Hiraethais lawer gwaith am ddod yn ddigon hen ac yn ddigon pwysig i gael rhan o'r uchelfraint. Y fath ffaith gysegredig oedd cefn ty Dafydd John yn fy meddwl ieuanc fel nad oeddwn byth yn gallu rhedeg heibio iddo yn ddiddefosiwn. Nid oedd arnaf ofn yr hen foneddwr, ond yr oedd arnaf ofu rhywbeth oedd ynddo ef hefyd - ofn ei burdeb a'i feddwl glan, ofn santieddrwydd ei syniad. Ymddadblydogg yr ofn i fod yn barchedigaeth sanctaidd, ac ni bu llwch mwy cysegredig dan wadnau fy nhraed erioed na llwch ei feddrod ef ar ddydd ei gynhehrwng urddasol. Bu ei air caredig a'r fywyd pur yn ysbrydiaeth i'm calon ar lawer tro, ac y mae calonnau lu ar hyd Cymru hen, calonnau myfyrwyr a fuont yn pryderu am eu dyfodol, ac yn ymgodymn a'u gwersi, a adseiniant fy negeiriau. Huned yn dawel. Brenin fywyd fu ei fywyd ef. Un o hen urddasolion y tir ydoedd; a bydd Mr. Tom John, ysgolfeistr, Llwynypia, golygydd y Glamorgan Free Press, ac aelod o "Bywllgor gweithredol Undeb Cenedlaethol Athrawon;" * Mr. John W. John, ysgolfeistr arall yn Ynyshir, a'u dwy chwaer, Mary a Margaret, dwy ysgolfeistres arall yn y Rhondda, yn fythol well ac yn blant i un sydd a'i goffadwriaeth mor fendigedig. Colled anfesurandwy a gafodd ei weddw garedig, ond mae cofio am ei thynerwch tuag ato yn falm hyfryd i'w chlwyf, ac yn gymhorth i sychu ei deigryn. †

         Pentre, Abertawy. PENAR.

         * Ac aelod o Lys uchaf Prifysgol Cymru. - Gol.
         † Yr wyf yn diolchgar i Mr. John Jones, ysgolfeistr, Trealaw, Pontypridd, am amryw o fanylion yr ysgrif. - Penar.

          

          

          

         DAFYDD JOHN.

         There is no need to make an apology for the Welsh simplicity of this headline - Dafydd John. If talent, usefulness, honorable worldly position, and especially high religious character were a reason to use Mr or Mrs before the name of the person who possesses these qualities, then the life story of this article's subject would have such a claim. But to do so would distance this great old character from us. We have known him from childhood simply as Dafydd John. It was under this name that he grew, won praise, and raised one of society's best families. And as Dafydd John we sympathized with him in his brief affliction, and spoke of him on the day of his strong and princely funeral, when this name reminded us of the rich and pure character whose echo was still heard around the area. At Mill Street, Aberdare, I first remember Dafydd John; and my first impression as a small child was that Aberdare had never been without Dafydd John. He seemed to me to have been ever there, living in the area, moving, and existing in it: and is it not strange how these early impressions become reality for us; in fact, Aberdare and Mill Street have not been the same for me ever since the day Dafydd John's expressive living face was buried under the turf of their burial ground. In the face of this, one of the strangest pieces of news for me was that he was not born in Aberdare.

         The honor of being born belongs to Pembrokeshire and the parish of Cilgerran; and the simplicity of his name reminds us of one other old character of the same surname, who made the above parish known throughout Wales.

         No doubt, given his love of nature, he stared with envy for many hours at the salmon moving majestically in the waters of the Teifi; and from the privilege of persuading ourselves that he lived there at the age of fifteen without many of them having helped to raise him. [1] Who knows how many times he wandered as a young lad in the shadow of the old castle on the rocky outcrop! No doubt he heard the wind weaving his ancient cynghanedd [2] around the ancient walls many times; listening to the sound of the breeze while gently walking between the fine ivy on the strong and steady walls. We may consider it a cruel blow that moved the little boy, bright in body and lively of eye, from such pure and uplifting influences before reaching the age of twenty. But the move took place. At that time Merthyr was attracting thousands. Trade there was lively, and the town's worldly advantages worked their spell on the inhabitants of the countryside. For anyone who lived in a place as remote as Cilgerran, thinking of going to Merthyr at that time must have been like moving to the extremes of the earth. Adventurous boys would leave their rural homes for this place, their parents never believing or hoping to see them again, and before long they shook off the white cloth of the farmyard [3] or the far away country hills. How strange! Yet the railways did not yet meander through our gentle valleys, and along the slopes of our bare mountains. The cows and flocks grazed leisurely and calmly without being intimidated by the roar of the carriage or the squeak of the steam. Those were great coach days; and how beautiful was the long journey with the healthy breezes of our country bringing a glow to the cheeks, while the eyes glittered as they gazed at the varied beauty that lay around. Oh! simple old days! Oh! old poetic life! Is it foolishness to declare my distress that I was not born before these days passed away?

         Thus came Dafydd John to Merthyr; and to a person with such a lively nature, the impressions of the journey and the new place must have been multiple and deep. In Merthyr at this time was one well known for his many qualities and abilities, called Rosser Beynon. Nature had placed Rosser on very high ground, not to mention the perfection he had worked to add to these graces. It was the plan of a gentleman, and for a fresh young man such as Dafydd John, it was no small feat. But one of the greatest virtues of this young man in Dafydd's mind was that he was a great musician. The musician Rosser discovered the musician in Dafydd. The "bass", legend among musicians, drew the attention of this discerning man; and those who heard Dafydd John sing can testify vividly that Rosser was right. What impressions he must have received in Merthyr from this famous man, and from various other virtuous individuals, especially his minister, the Rev Benjamin Owen, are easy to infer from the gentle, religious, kind, and self-sacrificial spirit that characterized him to the end of his life.

         We next see him at Mill Street, Aberdare, and in a very advantageous light. He presented his membership letter to Ebenezer, the local Congregational church, and he commenced work without delay. He became the church choirmaster; he tried to build a substantial choir, and to train the young people in music and he did so, and he remained a congregational conductor until the end of his journey. Aberdare later became known for its musical ability. Here Watcyn Wyn's legendary "Great Choir was born". It was here that his hero Caradog walked under an admiring eye. It was here that Gwilym Cynon, "Cochyn Bach", [4] led his ranks to frequent victory. Here Richard Morris, "Dic Bach", the legend of Hirwaun, taught his choir for the Handel competition and others. It was here over the years that Rhys Evans provided annual musical feasts for the thousands. It was here that Dan Rhys elevated and refined people's tastes toward sacred song. But this was old Aberdare, where Dafydd John lived, and that was before these famous men proved their existence, and before others became famous in that place having left their rags behind them.

         One of the prominent features of the whole of Glamorgan at that time was the Ebenezer Choir, which he conducted. Some are still alive who I well remember such the honour of being a member of Dafydd John's choir. And one of the rare privileges was to sit above the clock in the gallery. Only a few were prepared to take that position during the morning singing. One of the great mysteries for the little local boys was to see Dafydd Dafis Cae Rhymni, William Owen, Morgan Roland, Roger Jenkyn, and William Thomas Cendon, pulling various sounds out of the strange notations the elongated book; and the next miracle in their eyes was the work of Dafydd John singing and waving his arms at the same time, signaling to one voice after another, and finally bringing the boisterous "multiple harmonies" to coincide as one. It was thought that he must be skilful and capable. That little fork thing he had in his arsenal that he struck against his knee, must have been unusually expensive, and only David John and the "fairest of the parish" might strike it. And how to start with the d, t, l, and d, m, s, [5] as he does! And his little habit of coughing and making another noise, and fixing his eye from one man to another, and saying, - "Now, if you please". Is it a sign of progress in us that we are losing this simple way of being? Anyway, it is lovely to go back to the old life and the wonders.

         A good anthem was a great charm to him. Some remember well the great singing of "The Fall of Babylon" around 1859, [6] when the Revival walked the land; and it was no small feat to be chosen to sing the duet or trio solo in it, an honour that raised a man to such a position that he would be tempted to look down in compassion at all the other members of the choir. The leader was now held in high enough regard by the church and town to "extend to him a testimonial" of a harmonium. And never had there been more interest in such a testimonial, because it was said to be the first harmonium to come to Aberdare. No surprise that the children of the town looked with reverence in the direction of Dafydd John's house, and gathered in crowds beneath the window in the winter evenings to hear the lovely noise made by the "new present"? And how enjoyable it was to see his old teacher Rosser Beynon cross the mountain in the evening to the "dedication meeting", and to rejoice with his friends in verse and song.

         If there was something that David abhorred more than another, it was narrowness and mental conservatism. He embraced the new provided that it could be put into service. If there is a deficiency in musicians as a class, that is a lack of breadth and magnanimity. They are usually single-minded men, and they can only feel passionate about their own interests, and are rarely open-minded about related fields. A large group of proponents of the Tonic Solfa system pushed for it in the Land of Song. Children of Traditional Notation proclaimed their unrelenting opposition to it, and a spirit older than the Old Notation often appeared. Dafydd John was a student of the old system, and although Morgan Roland - a member of his choir, became a hero of the new system, the old conductor stood silently to look for the fruit; and when he saw that the new system had proved its right to existence, he welcomed it with the utmost open-mindedness; and this leader of people having believed in it, many followed his example.

         This old musician's mind went to the mountain, and he saw a certain charm in contending with its difficulty. To him belongs the honour of being the first to bring the 'treithgan' [7] to Aberdare. He taught his choir the difficult beats at least ten years before anyone else ventured it. And when you remember that there was no harmonium or keyboard instrument available at that time, that wasn't a trivial task. And great was the excitement on the night of the concert, when Mr Edward Lawrence came over the top of the mountain in the evening with the choir, and no wonder the crowd marvelled when we remember that he was the only one in the whole area that could achieve that with great feat. This is community spirit; here's a sweet surprise; a crowd of singers and their precious books in front of them, with each voice as if it decided to make more noise than the other - this bright fair-headed young man with a glow in his eyes, inspiring the hearts of the masses with each movement of his hand, and the sound of the instrument like a miracle walking through the wonders. [8] What a heroic time! It was such a pity not to discover this until the moment when it became plain. At that time there were no Sauvage, Eos Morlais, Ben Davies, Edward Lloyd, or Lucas, or David Hughes, or Ffrancon to take up the solo melodies and duets, &c. But these were ordinary iron miners and coal miners who obeyed the call, and if the soloist or duo were at work, some other soloist or duo would come. But there was nothing like getting Dafydd John with his rich and agile voice to sing, "Arm, arm, ye brave". [9] There are those alive today who remember well the flame in his eyes, and how the spirit of the song filled his body. Oh! dear old pilgrim; how you dealt with the long and winding glissando with your short breath and frequent coughing! But there we are, there is nothing to bring brilliance to something like loyalty and "let's be our best". And no wonder that he, "a faithful servant", drew a deafening encore every time he sang that excellent old song.

         One of the peculiarities of religious revival is the spirit of singing inherent to the period and that proves it. One of the most religious of this period was the late Rev J. Davies, Cardiff, or as he was more commonly known - "Davies bach Aberaman". The sound of his speeches on Mission has now reached the ears of hundreds. Wales was now fascinated by the news of John Williams's Erromango martyrdom; [10] and Hiraethog sang about him, and some musicians sang these words dolefully about him, "Lament, lament about the brave"; and Dafydd John insisted on using the anthem to help the sermon, and the heavens came very close during the singing of it many times. That was the story of our dear old friend, he put every stream at the service of faith. Famous was his choir, and kind was he also, as when some brothers from a weak church over the Rhondda mountain made a humble request for the choir's service to hold a concert in that long valley; and the conductor made ready with his choir and went up the slope of the mountain one afternoon and trekking towards the needy church; and having sung and received "thank you" and "being filled up to the head before starting", the glow of a multitude of lanterns split the blackness of the mountain, and there was seen a whole choir "on its feet and using hands trying to climb up". Which of them, who is alive, can forget the romanticism of crossing the mountain at night? Hearing the wind walk around the slope of the old Pych; hearing the Rhondda Fach winding under the old White Lluest bridge and past the Castell Nos, and then over Taran y Bwllfa, seeing the flames of the work of fire from the valley of their home as a roaring welcome. That is where stories would be told about ghosts, about the "fairies", "the blessing of the mothers", [11] and many others. A grandmother would have seen a "corpse candle" [12] somewhere in the countryside, and within a week a body would take that road. At the centre of the story two stars of fire would appear before them, and O! Such a fright, and the breath would be gone, and all but a sheep had rolled her eyes to look at the light of the lantern. Oh! simple old time and homely. Wasn't the train cruel to go and take these from us?

         Our old friend knew how to use music to intimidate the evil spirit, as did David formerly on his harp. If there had been some worse spirit throughout Wales, that was the spirit of baptismal controversy. [13] Aberdare came to hear about this. Some remember the fierce debate that took place between the late Rev W. Edwards, Ebenezer, Aberdare, and the Rev T. Price, of the same place. One of Mr Edwards' members was Dafydd John, but nevertheless he humbly took his choir in the midst of the war to assist the Baptist choir in holding a concert, and no crowd had ever had a more dominant influence than that kind act made possible.

         The "Côr Mawr" had his highest support, and he spoke of the victory with tears of joy. He led his choir to competition, and led it to multiple victories. However, the Eisteddfod was not his favourite field. At home in the old chapel gallery, his focus on a winter evening would be to teach sacred tunes, and some old Welsh anthems, especially Ambrose Lloyd's anthems and tunes. His highest and final argument in favor of the tonic solfa would be "Lloyd's work". There was a certain solidarity of spirit between the two, so that the conductor could admire the composer's work. Yes, this was sacred singing to Dafydd John, who continued to lead the singing in Ebenezer, Aberdare, for over forty years, without so much as a day of "ill humour", without expecting a penny in payment, and died in the middle of the work.

         If God buries the worker he carries forward his work. He also wanted the work to live after him. We have seen many trees that were once strong and putting out branches, nearing their final days; but whilst they still stand, a young plant is planted in their shadow, and the old and the young lives harmonize together, and the old asks, "May I go now, and have you gained enough power in the land, have you gathered enough strength to live; is the honour of the character of our nation safe in your hand?" And the old life is obedient enough to give the land up to another when its hour comes. Mr W. Thomas' young brother, current conductor of the old hero's choir, had four years of quiet shadow to rise; and the influence and shadow of the old leader falls upon him today and he is likely to carry on in this image.

         Yes, Dafydd John has gone! And how difficult it is to realize it. So overwhelming is the idea that Mill Street and Ebenezer must be without Dafydd John. Living without the old leader who raised the value of sacred singing in our minds, living without the teacher who would improve the heart and mind of his class, living without the lively deacon, one who was like a "peace keeper" whenever he rose to his feet. It is so sad to think that I will never again see him rise in the "big seat", to quieten mountains of dissonance by turning one hand in the other. If I happen to have a night at home in my mother's warm home, I can still hear his well-known cough on his way home from the poor old sister's prayer meeting. How cold and charmless the old "back road" has been ever since the day his diligent hammer ceased on the proven old limestone, and the kindly glare of his faithful lantern faded from the old square window in the gable of his whitewashed workshop. Seeing the small light window, and hearing the blow of the hammer, kept all "spirits" away when we walked through the darkness of the "back road" on a winter's twilight in our youth. But the glow has vanished, and the blow has ceased, and oh how I miss them. Such delight there was to see his ankles through the white curtain working away at a late and quiet hour. I felt I could sleep better, and that the night was significant in my history. Yes, the old clean workshop! It was such an honour for anyone who stepped this way late in the day to listen to the old diligent worker who was part of the story of the old characters of Merthyr and Aberdare by his "workmanship". I have many times longed to become old enough and important enough to achieve such stature. So sacred to me was the back of Dafydd John's house in my young mind that I was never able to run past it hurriedly. I was not afraid of the old gentleman, but I feared something that was in him too - afraid of his purity and clean mind, afraid of the soundness of his ideas. A sacred awe of this holiness, and there was never a more sacred dust under the soles of my feet than the dust of his tomb on the day of his dignified funeral. His kind words and pure life have been an inspiration to my heart on many occasions, and the hearts of many throughout old Wales, to the hearts of students who have been concerned about their future, and the encouragement for their lessons, and the echo of his words. Sleeping quietly. He was the king of life. He was one of the old dignitaries of the land; and Mr Tom John, schoolmaster, Llwynypia, editor of the Glamorgan Free Press, and a member of the "Executive Committee of the National Union of Teachers;" * Mr John W. John, also a schoolmaster in Ynyshir, and their two sisters, Mary and Margaret, are also schoolmistresses in the Rhondda, and their children remember him wonderfully. His kind widow has suffered an immeasurable loss, but remembering his tenderness towards her is a beautiful balm to her wound, and aids in drying her tears. †

         Pentre, Swansea. PENAR.

         * And a member of the highest Court of the University of Wales. - Ed. † I thank Mr. John Jones, schoolmaster, Trealaw, Pontypridd, for various details of the article. - Penar.

          

         [1] The exact meaning of this phrase is unclear.
         [2] A form of Welsh poetry.
         [3] Traditional white cloth worn around the head during farm work.
         [4] William Phillips, a well-known choirmaster.
         [5] Tonic solfa abbreviated names for do, ti, la and do, mi, so respectively - ie, scales and arpeggios.
         [6] The 1859 Welsh Revival is not as well known as the later one in 1904-05.
         [7] Some type of musical form.
         [8] ie, a very great miracle
         [9] From Handel's Judas Maccabeus.
         [10] A missionary who was killed and eaten by cannibals in the South Pacific.
         [11] Some kind of fairy folk.
         [12] Presumably a will-o'-the-wisp.
         [13] Infant vs adult baptism - the Congregationalists baptised infants; the Baptists don't - but also issues related to baptising those converted during the 1859 Revival and disagreements between denominations about accepting each other's baptisms as valid.

27. South Wales News
    1. • Date: 11 April 1924
       • Page: Page 8
       • Citation:

         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.

28. Glamorgan Gazette
    1. • Date: 25 April 1924
       • Page: Page 4
       • Citation:

         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.

29. Who's Who in Wales
    1. • Date: 1921
       • Page: Tom John
       • Citation:

         JOHN, Tom, M.A., J.P. (Glam., 1914), retired Schoolmaster; b. Trecynon, Aberdare, June 28, 1849; s. Dafydd John, Ebenezer, Aberdare; ed. Ysgoldy Comin, Aberdare, Dr. Evan Davies' College, Swansea 1862-63, and Borough Road, London, 1869-1870; degree: M.A., Honoris Causa, Wales; m. Margaret Lewis, 1873, and Diana Lewis (her sister), 1910; two dau. survive, M. J. John, Domestic Arts Teacher, Mon., and Madeline John, Inspector Ministry of Health. Member N.U.T. and Executive; President, 1905, Llandudno Conference; Member Executive C.W.B. from its inception, oldest existing member of same; Member Welsh University Court, Treasurer 1918 and 1919; Councillor Cardiff University College; Governor Porth County School; Member National Council of Music for Wales. W.A. Military Representative throughout. Rel. Congregationalist; Pol. Advanced Radical, but Constitutional; F.M. Merlin Lodge, not active lately. Recr. Music, Eisteddfodau, Cricket; Tennis and Golf after 60 years of age. Address: Caegwyn, Penygraig. Club: National Liberal.

30. 1921 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: RG15/26660/37
31. The Nonconformist
    1. • Date: 2 November 1899
       • Page: Page 13
       • Citation:

         [WALES.]

         - Next year's annual meetings of the Welsh Congregational Union will be held at Portmadoc from 2nd July to 5th July. A new feature will be introduced in the form of a children's meeting, of which Mr. Tom John, the Welsh representative of the National Union of Teachers, will be chairman, and Mr. R. Roberts (Llew Glas, Criccieth), will speak. The presidential address will be delivered by Rev. T. Johns (Llanelly), the chairman for the year. This will be followed by a general celebration of the Lord's Supper.

32. Carmarthen Weekly Reporter
    1. • Date: 18 April 1919
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         FUNERAL OF MR HENRY EVANS

         The funeral of Mr Henry Evans, formely of Gelly, took place on the 10th inst at the Tabernacle Chapel. The body was brought from Lampeter by motor car and was accompanied by the mourners. A large number of friends awaited the arrival of the cortege at the Tabernacle. The services were conducted by the Rev R. Evans, of Lampeter, who delivered a brief address. A portion of Scripture was read by the Rev T. Thomas, Albion House, and prayers were offered up by the Rev Stephen Thomas, Salem, and the Rev D. P. Roberts, M.A., B.D., Llandilo. The Rev Silyn Evans, Aberdare, a cousin of the deceased, delivered an address and spoke highly of his pure and holy life. At the graveside the Rev H. T. Jacob, Fishguard, officiated. The principal mourners were Mr and Mrs D. Evans, Mount Pleasant, Llandilo (son and daughter-in-law), and the Rev and Mrs Jones, Lampeter (son-in-law and daughter). Mr Tom John, J.P., was amongst the mourners.

33. Thomas Preece: Gravestone photographs
    1. • Date: 22 June 2018
       • Page: Tom & Diana John, Trealaw Cemetery
       • 
       • 
    2. • Date: 17 July 2018
       • Page: David & Sarah John, Aberdare Cemetery
       • 
       • 
       • 
       • 
       • 
    3. • Date: 22 June 2018
       • Page: Mary Adelina John et al, Trealaw Cemetery
       • 
       • 
    4. • Date: 22 October 2021
       • Page: Henry & Jane Scott, Treorchy Cemetery
       • 
       • Citation:

         I wasn't able to positively identify this grave, as the stone has fallen with the inscribed side downwards and is thus unreadable. I located the plot from the diagram, and also looked at the surrounding stones to check that I hadn't miscounted.

34. 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.

    2. • Date: 18 April 1924
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         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.

       • Citation:

         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.

    3. • Date: 18 April 1924
       • Page: Page 6
       • Citation:

         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.)

35. Evening Express
    1. • Date: 11 April 1904
       • Page: Page 2
       • Citation:

         MR. TOM JOHN HONOURED.

         DEMONSTRATION OF WELCOME AT LLWYNYPIA.

         A demonstration of welcome to Mr. Tom John, the newly-elected vice-president of the National Union of Elementary Teachers, was held at Llwynypia on Saturday. A procession of the children of the. Llwynypia, Pontrhondda, Clydach Vale, Tonypandy, Trealaw, and Dinas Schools, headed by a brass band, followed by the Llwynypia Drum and Fife Band and the general public, left the Llwynypia Station on the arrival of the up 6.11 p.m. train, the rear being brought up by several carriages, the first of which, conveying, amongst others, Mr. and Mrs. Tom John, was unhorsed and drawn by a number of boys and adults. A public meeting, presided over by Alderman Richard Lewis, J.P., was afterwards held at Ebenezer Chapel, Tonypandy, which was crowded. Complimentary speeches were delivered by the Rev. G. Jenkins (Llwynypia), Mr. R. S. Griffiths, and Mr. Price (president of the district Union), Mr. J. T. Lewis (schoolmaster), the Rev. W. Charles (Treorky), Mr. Gomer Jones (his Majesty's inspector), and the Rev. E. Edwards, and it was stated that Mr. John had been for seventeen years a member of the executive of the National Union of Teachers, and, although Wales only had 4,000 out of the 50,000 votes available, Mr. John's election had been carried by a record majority, he being, too, the first Welshman to fill the post. The presentation, which took the form of an illuminated address, was made by Mr. Austin Jenkins, the registrar of the Cardiff University College, who dwelt on the point that a nation as well as an individual could be judged by its heroes, and though he was favourably disposed towards athletics and maintained that local authorities should be given the control of the recreation of the people, and that he was delighted when a Welshman was selected as an international footballer, still, he would be sorry to see the day when the heroes of Wales were those men who could most skilfully kick a ball or kill men. The presentation was then formally made amidst prolonged applause, after which Mr. Tom John responded. Presentations were also made to Mr. Ted Hughes, conductor of the Mid-Rhondda Choir, and Mr. D. J. Roberts, master of the drum and fife band, on the occasion of recent successes at Mountain Ash and Abergavenny. Songs were rendered by Mr. W. Spencer Thomas (Trealaw), and Mies J. Lewis and Mr. David Evans (Llwynypia), the accompanist being Mr. W. T. David, the organist.

    2. • Date: 27 October 1896
       • Page: Page 2
       • Citation:

         MR. TOM JOHN SUMMONED

         FOR ALLEGED ASSAULT ON A SCHOOLBOY

         But Magistrates Approve the Punishment.

         Mr. Tom John, schoolmaster, Llwynypia, member of the executive of the Teachers' Union and editor of a Pontypridd weekly paper, was summoned at the Ystrad Police-court on Monday for assaulting a schoolboy named Charles Williams, Tonypandy, on the 15th inst. - It appeared from the evidence that the boy left the school at about three p.m. on the evening of the 14th inst., and on the following morning he was reported to the headmaster (Mr. John), who gave the boy a cut across the hands and buttocks. The boy complained of the punishment to his parents, who took him to Dr. Williams, Tonypandy, to be examined. - Police-sergeant Hayle said the marks he saw were only marks he would have expected to see after a lad had been slightly punished. - Dr. Williams spoke to examining the prosecutor, and to finding several bruises upon him. - Mr. Gale, assistant manager at the schools, was called, and said that the prosecutor had become unmanageable. Out of 53 possible attendances he had only put in his appearance 33 times. Witness had previously reported the boy on two occasions to Mr. John, wno reprimanded him. The ordinary cane was used by Mr. John. The punishment the boy received was not excessive. - The Bench upheld Mr. John's action and dismissed the case.

    3. • Date: 8 August 1907
       • Page: Third Edition, Page 2
       • Citation:

         LATE MRS. TOM JOHN

         The remains of Mrs. Tom John, Tonypandy, were laid to rest at Llethrddu Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral was attended by a large number of the general public, and by many well-known figures in the scholastic world, in which Mr. John, as ex-president of the National Union of Teachers, is so well respected. Owing to the illness of Mr. John's son, Dafydd, the service at the house was dispensed with. Officiating at the graveside were the Rev. T. Richards (Tonypandy), the Rev. T. G. Jenkin (Llwynypia), the Rev. T. Williams (Clydach Vale), and the Rev. W. Charles, M.A. (Treorky). Letters of condolence were received from the Bishop of St. David's; Mr. Arthur R. Pickles, president N.U.T.; Mr. J. H. Yoxall, M.P., secretary N.U.T.; Mr. T. P. Sykes, ex-president N.U.T.; Professor Anwyl, Aberystwyth; Mr. A. T. Davies, Welsh Educatioc Department; Mr. Harry Coward, ex-president N.U.T.; Mr. G. Sharples, ex-president N.U.T.; committee of the Aberporth Chair Eisteddfod, and many others.

    4. • Date: 11 November 1907
       • Page: Fifth Edition, Page 2
       • Citation:

         MR. TOM JOHN BEREAVED

         Mr. Tom John, M.A., Tonypandy, has sustained a further bereavement by the death of Mr. Dafydd John, his only son. Deceased, who was in his twentieth year, was a young man of winning disposition and gentle manners. Great sympathy is extended to Mr. John and the family in their second bereavement, it being only three months since Mrs. John was laid to rest.

    5. • Date: 8 October 1910
       • Page: Page 2
       • Citation:

         MR. TOM JOHN RESIGNS

         Mr. Tom John. M.A., ex-president of the National Union of Teachers, and headmaster of Llwynypia Schools, tendered his resignation to the Rhondda Education Committee on Friday, intimating that after 40 years' school service he intended to enter public life and seek a seat on the Rhondda District Council. The resignation was accepted.

36. Document copy
    1. • Date: 23 June 1904
       • Page: Illuminated Address to Tom John, Aberdare Library
       • Citation:

         Presented to Tom John, Esq.

         Presented to Tom John Esq Vice-President of the National Union of Teachers, June 23rd 1904.

         Dear Comrade,

         We the Old Boys of Ysgol Comin, Aberdare, heartily congratulate you upon your Election last Easter, at Portsmouth, to the proud position of Vice-President of the National Union of Teachers.

         You are the first Welshman upon whom this distinction has been conferred; and your fellow teachers in England and Wales have, in an unmistakeable manner, recognised your merit by giving you the unprecedented majority of 10,721.

         We felt extremely pleased when we heard of your Election as a Member of the Executive of the N.U.T. at Portsmouth seventeen years ago; and this feeling was renewed, year by year, when we heard of your success at each subsequent annual Election.

         We recognise your courage, persistency, and devotion to duty, and also the appreciation of your profession.

         The high and responsible position to which you have been elected, has been occupied by very eminent men; but we feel certain that the Old Boy of Ysgol Comin will add new lustre to the chair, which he will occupy at Llandudno next Easter.

         In addition to your many offices in connection with the N.U.T. as Chairman of Committees &c &c, your public work has been varied and useful. Literature, Music, the Eisteddfod and Local Industries have found in you a staunch supporter; withal you found opportunity to attend to Social and Religious work at home, and we are gratified to know that this has not been unappreciated by your immediate neighbours in the Rhondda Valley.

         Education - Primary, Secondary, and University - has however, received the lion's share of your attention; and the valuable character of your foresight and advice, has been acknowledged by the National Union of Teachers, The Welsh Central Board, and the Welsh University Court, of which you have been a faithful member for many years.

         In conjunction with Sir Isambard Owen, Sir John Williams, Mr Marchant Williams, Archdeacon Griffiths, and others, you some years ago, prevailed upon Mr Acland, Vice-President of the Council, to recognise the teaching of the Welsh Language in the Primary Day Schools of Wales; and the Principality, as a whole, to-day re-echoes the cheer of your old comrades in congratulating you on your election to the highest position of influence, which the vote of 50,000 of the teachers of England and Wales can give.

         We feel proud of the fact that we attended the same School in our boyhood, and we are delighted to know that the enthusiasm which you displayed then, not only in Scholastic matters, but also in Cricket and other games, has been devoted in mature years to the best interests of those around you; and that the magnetic influence of your personality has so often inspired others to labour in the same self-sacrificing spirit as the late lamented Dan Isaac Davies and yourself.

         We ask you to accept this Address as a mark of the regard in which you are held by your old School fellows; who pray that you may long be spared to serve the cause of Education; and that those blessings which tend to make the path of life a joyous one, be bestowed, in rich measure, upon you, and upon your beloved wife and family.

         Signed

         Jno Rees, President
         Isamabard Williams, Vice-President
         Daniel Hughes, Chairman of Committee
         John Giles, Vice-Chairman
         Rees Williams, Treasurer
         John Griffiths, Jno Evans, Secretaries

          

         Photographs of:

         Tom John (uncaptioned)
         Ysgol Comin, Aberdare - 1904, 1850 and 1866
         Aberdare
         Llwynypia Mixed School
         Llwynypia Infants School
         Llwynypia

         C. Kerishole, Esq., Solicitor, Aberdare
         John Rees, Esq., H.M.I. of Schools
         Dan Isaac Davies
         Alderman Goldsworthy, Newport, Mon
         John Giles, Esq., Aberdare
         David Hughes, Esq., High Constable, Aberdare

         Park School Reunion, 1904

         J. Richards, Esq., Swansea
         Sir J. Marchant Williams
         John Griffiths, Esq., Hd Master, Park Schools, Aberdare
         Gomer Jones, Esq. B.A., H.M.I. of Schools
         W. D. Lewis, Esq., formerly Hd Master at "Ysgol Comin"
         Councillor D. Evans, Whitland

37. Burial Register - Aberdare Cemetery
    1. • Page: David & Sarah John
38. Y Drych
    1. • Date: 8 February 1894
       • Page: Page 2
       • Citation:

         Y DIWEDDAR DAVID JOHN, TRECYNON

         Hyde Park, Pa., Chwef. 3. - Yr oedd yn chwith genyf ddarllen yn y DRYCH am farwolaeth y cerddor galluog David John, Trecynon, a diau fod canoedd yn teimlo yn gyffelyb. Daw i'm cof adgofion am ddygwyddiadau 40 mlynedd yn ol, cyn i gapel Ebenezer ddyfod i'w ffurf bresenol, pan oedd y scwar a'r grisiau ceryg o bob tu i'r drws oddi allan yn arwain i'r llofft. Yr oedd D. John yn arweinydd y gan yno y pryd hwnw, a'r Parch. W. Edwards yn ddyn ieuanc llawn bywyd. Ond y nddiweddarach - o 1850 i 1870, y daethym i i adnabyddiaeth agos a Mr John, pan yn cyd-addoli yn Ebenezer, ac yn mwynhau y canu yno dan ei arweiniad ef. Anaml y ceir dyn mor gyflawn ag ef. Yr oedd yn llanw dob cylch yn yr eglwys - yn ddiacon, athraw yn yr ysgol Sul, a gweddiwr gafaelgar, heblaw yn arweinydd y canu. Yr odd yn "ddyn round" yn ngwir ystyr y gair.

         Yn y Merthyr Express am Ion. 13, yn nglyn a hanes angladd Mr. John, crybwylla gohebydd am Lawrence, fel organydd. Cofus genyf finau ei weled yn chware yn Ebenezer mewn cyngerdd un tro, a mawr oedd ein syndod, oblegid nid oedd offerynau yn y capeli y pryd hwnw, nac ond yn bur anaml yn y tai. Cofiwyf am Mr. John yn cael yr harmonium gyntaf yn Trecynon, neu Heol y Felin, fel y gelwid y lle. Fel cymydog a phenteulu hefyd yr eodd Mr. John yn gymeriad i'w edmygu. Bum yn byw yn ei ymyl ar Church Row am ddeuddeng mlynedd; mae genyf adgofion melus am dano.

         Hyfrydwcch oedd genyf weled yn hanes yr angladd enwau personau a adwaenwn mor dda - Thos. Williams, Ysw., U. H., Merthyr, ond Trecynon gynt; David Lewis Edmonds a Morgan Williams. Da y cofiwyf am y ddau olaf yn cael eu gwneyd yn swyddogion yn Ebenezer. Mae mab a merch i Edmonds yn aelodau yn hen eglyws Hyde Park, sef Lewis a Mary Ann, a da genyf ddwyn tystiolaeth i'w bywyd dichlynaidd a'u gweithgarwch crefyddol. Gwelais hefyd enw Jacob Treharn (Tiberog). Ond pa le mae yr hen frodyr, Tomi Tomos Dafydd; Twmi Shencyn; T. Shencyn, Farrier, Timothy Davies, crydd; Dr. Williams, Creunant; Thos. Evans, pwyswr, a Shencyn Griffith? Eu lle nid edwyn ddim o honynt mwy; ond mae eu henwau yn perarogli a dylanwad eu cyngorion yn aros yn nghalonau canoedd o rai sydd ar wasgar yn mhedwar ban y byd. Cofion cynes at bawb o gwfeillion bore oes yn yr hen ardal uchod. - T. J. James

          

          

          

          

          

         THE LATE DAVID JOHN, TRECYNON

         Hyde Park, Pa., Feb. 3. - I was sorry to read in the DRYCH about the death of the able musician David John, Trecynon, and no doubt hundreds feel the same. It brings to mind memories of events 40 years ago, before Ebenezer Chapel came into its present form, when the square and the stone steps from the outside door led to the loft. D. John was the singing conductor there, and the Rev. W. Edwards was a young man full of life. But later - from 1850 to 1870, I came to know Mr John, when he worshiped at Ebenezer, and enjoyed singing there under his guidance. A man is rarely as complete as he is. He filled every circle in the church - a deacon, a teacher in the Sunday school, and an earnest prayer, besides being the conductor of the singing. He was a "round man" in the true sense of the word.

         At the Merthyr Express for Jan. 13, in connection with Mr. John's funeral, a reporter mentions Lawrence as an organist. I remember seeing him playing in Ebenezer in concert once, and we were very surprised, because there were no instruments in the chapels at that time, and very rarely in the houses. I remember Mr. John got the first harmonium at Trecynon, or Mill Street, as the place was called. As a neighbor and head of family, Mr. John is a character to be admired. I lived beside him on Church Row for twelve years; I have fond memories of him.

         It was wonderful to see in the funeral history the names of persons we know so well - Thos. Williams, Esq., U. H., Merthyr, but formerly Trecynon; David Lewis Edmonds and Morgan Williams. I well remember the last two being made officers of Ebenezer. A son and daughter of Edmonds are members of the former Hyde Park eglyus, Lewis and Mary Ann, and I wish to bear witness to their Christian life and religious activity. I also saw the name of Jacob Treharn (Tiberog). But where is the old brothers, Tomi Tomos Dafydd; Twmi Shencyn; T. Shencyn, Farrier, Timothy Davies, shoemaker; Dr. Williams, Crynant; Thos. Evans, presser, and Shencyn Griffith? Their place knows nothing of them any more; but their names perfume and the influence of their counsels remain in the hearts of hundreds of those scattered throughout the world. Warm regards to all the early morning relics in the old area above. - T. J. James

39. General Register Office: England & Wales Marriage Index
40. Notice of Interment - Trealaw Cemetery
    1. • Date: 8 April 1896
       • Page: Mary Adelina John
    2. • Date: 25 October 1906
       • Page: Margaret Preece
    3. • Date: 2 August 1907
       • Page: Margaret John
    4. • Date: 9 November 1907
       • Page: Dafydd John
    5. • Date: 11 April 1924
       • Page: Tom John
41. Ystradyfodwg School Board Diary - 1899
    1. • Date: 1899
       • Page: Page 88
42. Notice of Interment - Treorchy Cemetery
    1. • Date: 19 May 1905
       • Page: Ivor Hugh Williams
43. Burial Register - Trealaw Cemetery
    1. • Page: Plot D25
    2. • Page: Plot G604
    3. • Page: Plot Q676
44. Weekly Mail
    1. • Date: 10 August 1907
       • Page: Page 12
       • Citation:

         LOCAL OBITUARY NOTICES.

         MRS. TOM JOHN, LLWYNYPIA.

         Widespread sympathy is expressed with Mr. Tom John, M.A., Llwynypia (ex-president of the National Union of Teachers), at the death of his wife, Mrs. Margaret John, which took place at Ceinfan, Tonypandy, on Thursday night.

         Mrs. John had had a long and painful illness, and was in consequence unable to attend the recent National Union of Teachers' conference, at which she and Mr. John were to have been the recipients of a. presentation. Deceased was attended to by Dr. Edwin Morgan, who was in constant consultation with Dr. Maclean, of Cardiff, but, despite the best medical aid, she succumbed to an attack of internal cancer.

         By the death of Mrs. John a gap will be left in the social life of the district. The deceased lady was a prominent figure in all philanthropic work in the district in which she had lived, and worked assiduously for its social development. The daughter of the late Mr. Frederick Lewis, of Penygraig, she was married to Mr. Tom John 33 years ago. Throughout her life she has rendered her husband sympathy and encouragement in his public career and acted as a help-meet. Unassuming in her manner, the soul of integrity, and with a wonderful charm of womanly sympathy, she passed a useful life, assisting any cause of deserving charity, at the same time devoting herself to the best interests of her family.

         For the past two months Mr. John's son has also been laid up with a serious illness, and is now confined to his bed.

         The remains of Mrs. Tom John, Tonypandy, were laid to rest at Llethrddu Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral was attended by a large number of the general public, and by many well-known figures in the scholastic world, in which Mr. John, as ex-president of the National Union of Teachers, is so well respected. Owing to the illness of Mr. John's son, Dafydd, the service at the house was dispensed with. Officiating at the graveside were the Rev. T. Richards (Tonypandy), the Rev. T. G. Jenkin (Llwynypia), the Rev. T. Williams (Clydach Vale), and the Rev. W. Charles, M.A. (Treorky).

         Letters of condolence were received from the Bishop of St. David's; Mr. Arthur R. Pickles, president N.U.T.; Mr. J. H. Yoxall, M.P.. secretary N.U.T.; Mr. T. P. Sykes, ex-president N.U.T.; Professor Anwyl, Aberystwyth; Mr. A. T. Davies, Welsh Education Department; Mr. Harry Coward, ex-president N.U.T.; Mr. G. Sharples, ex-president N.U.T.; committee of the Aberporth Chair Eisteddfod, and many others.

    2. • Date: 10 August 1907
       • Page: Page 8
       • Citation:

         MARWOLAETH MRS. TOM JOHN.

         Gwn y bydd y darllenydd yn barod i gyduno a mi i ddatgan cydymdeimlad a Mr. Tom John yn ei brofedigaeth chwerw o golli ei amwyl briod, yr hyn a gymerodd le yn Ceinfan, Tonypandy, dydd Iau cyn y diweddaf. Bu Mrs. John yn dyoddef yn hir o dan anhwyldeb sydd yn pen llawer o flinder i'r hil ddynol yn y blynyddoedd hyn, sef y "cancer." Teimlir chwithdod mawr ar ei hoi mewn llawer cylch, ac nid llawer o wragedd wnaeth fwy o waith na Mrs. John yn ystod ei hoes, a hyny mewn ffordd hynod ddiymffrost. Anfynych, mewn cymhariaeth, y gwelid ei henw yn y newyddiaduron, gan mai ei phrif amcan bob amser ydoedd gwneud ei chymwynasau heb i'r byd wybod hyny; ond fe wyr y cyfarwydd yn ardal Tonypandy a'r cylch ei bod wedi gwneud llawer i sirioli aelwydydd yr ardal hono o dro i dro, a'i bod yn ei ffordd ddiymhongar wedi rhoddi cyfeiriad i fywyd llawer mab a merch ieuanc. Ond ar aelwyd Ceinfan y teimlir mwyaf o golled ar ei hol o bob man. Rhoddodd bob cynoithwy i'w phriod yn ei fywyd cyhoeddus, ac nid oedd dim yn ormod o aberth ganddi er mwyn rhwyddhau'r ffordd iddo ef roddi ei holl sylw i fywyd yr ysgol a'r gwahanol symudiadau addysgol. Y mae enw Mr. Tom John yn air teuluaidd ar bob aelwyd Gymreig, ac, yn wir, y mae yr un mor adnabyddus yn Lloegr hefyd, gan ei fod wedi llanw'r prif swyddau yn nglyn ag Undeb yr Athrawon; ond ychydig oedd yn gwybod am ymdrech ei briod i rwyddhau'r ffordd iddo, ac am ei medr i'w galonogi a'i wroli yn ngwyneb pob anhawsder. Teimlai bob amser fod gan ei phriod waith i'w wneud yn myd addysg Cymru, ac ymhyfrydai yn ei holl gynlluniau, a chydymdeimlai ag ef yn ei holl ymdrechion. Gwn, meddaf, y bydd Cymru Gyfan yn cydymdeimlo a Mr. Tom John yn nydd ei brofedigaeth lem.

          

          

          

         DEATH OF MRS. TOM JOHN.

         I know that the reader will readily join me in expressing condolences to Mr. Tom John in his bitter bereavement of the loss of his beloved spouse, which took place at Ceinfan, Tonypandy, on Thursday last. Mrs. John has long suffered under the disorder which is the head of much human suffering in these years, the "cancer." She is greatly missed in many circles, and not many women did more work than Mrs. John throughout her life, and that in a very restless way. By comparison, her name was rarely found in the journal, because her main objective was always to do her good without the world knowing; but it is well known in the Tonypandy and district that she has done much to brighten the homes of that area from time to time, and that in her modest way has given direction to the lives of many young sons and daughters. But it is in the Ceinfan household that she is most deeply missed. She gave her husband every consideration in his public life, and nothing was too much of a sacrifice for her to ease the way for him to devote all his attention to school life and the various educational movements. The name of Mr. Tom John is a household word in every Welsh household, and, indeed, he is equally well known in England, having filled the main posts in connection with the Teachers' Union; but little did he know of his spouse's efforts to ease the way for him, and of his skill of encouraging and urging him in the face of every difficulty. She always felt that her husband had work to do in Welsh education, and took pride in all his plans, and sympathized with him in all his endeavors. I know, I say, that the All Wales will sympathize with Mr. Tom John in the day of his acute bereavement.

45. Burial Register - Treorchy Cemetery
    1. • Date: 15 February 1911
       • Page: Burial - Jane Scott
46. findagrave.com
    1. • Page: Ann Evans / Henry Evans
47. General Register Office: England & Wales Death Index