Preece Family Tree

Events

Parents

Media

Gwilym Lewis

Attributes

Pedigree

1. John Lewis
   1. Catherine Roberts
      1. Anne Lewis
      2. John Lewis
      3. Catherine Lewis
      4. Thomas Lewis
      5. Mary Lewis
      6. Jane Lewis
      7. Robert Lewis
      8. Gwilym Lewis

Ancestors

Gwilym Lewis *19 September 1866 +3 February 1936

John Lewis
*about 1817
+11 December 1889

John Lewis
*
+...

Catherine Roberts
*about 1822
+30 September 1890

Robert Roberts
*about 1794
+31 December 1847

Anne
*about 1791
+...

Source References

1. 1871 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG10/5410/142/23
2. Rhondda Leader
   1. • Date: 21 December 1918
      • Page: Page 4
      • Citation:

        Clydach Vale.

        Mr. Gwilym S. Griffiths, 15 Park-terr., Clydach Vale, passed away on Saturday morning, the 30th ult., at the age of 38 years, after a long and painful illness of over two years' duration. Deceased, who was the third son of Mr. John Griffiths, hairdresser, Llwynypia-road, Llwynypia, and of Mrs. Griffiths, 48 Sherwood, Llwynypia, had been residing in Clydach Fale for the past 14 years. He leaves a widow and six children, whose ages range from 14 to 4, to mourn his loss.

        The funeral took place at Llethrddu Cemetery, on Thursday, the 5th inst., Mr Timothy Williams, newsagent, Llwynypia, officiating.

        The mourners included Messrs. John Griffiths (father), John S. Griffiths, 23 Sherwood; R. Steadman Griffiths, Railway View; Lance Corpl. Aneurin S. Griffiths, M.G.C., Grantham (brothers); Messrs. Morgan Owen. Tyntyla-road, Llwynypia; Gwilym Evans, The Bungalows, Ystrad Rhondda (brothers-in-law); Gwilym Lewis, headmaster, Llwynypia Schools (uncle); Gwilym James, Court-street, Tonypandy; Hugh J. James, under manager, Glamorgan Colliery; T. James. Clydach Vale; - Martin, Berw-road, Tonypandy; Tom Davies, Gilfach Goch; D Thomas, Clydach Vale (brothers-in- law); John Griffiths, Wm. Edwards, T. Thomas, Cwmaman, Aberdare; W. Griffiths, headmaster, Blaenyewm Schools; Joshua Davies, mechanic, Naval Collieries; Wm. H. Lewis, Penygraig; Abraham Lewis, De Winton-terrace, Llwynypia; Emlyn Lewis, Clydach Vale; Morgan John Powell, Tonypandy (cousins).

        Among the members of the general public who attended we noticed Second Lieut. James Williams, M.G.C., Grantham; Messrs. Howard Jones, Rhondda Food Inspector; D. Brychan Jones, Tony-pandy; Ivor D. Griffiths, headmaster, Gelli Boys' School; John Hammond, check-weigher, Llwynypia; Evan Lewis, Sherwood; Owen G. Davies, outfitter, Blaenclydach; Christmas Evans, Maesderwen, Llwynypia; Wm. Richards, Sherwood; Gwilym Hammond, Rhondda-terrace; Dd Lewis, Turberville-street, Llwynypia; Dd. Howells, Court-street, Tonypandy; James Gronow, Clydach Vale.

        The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs. J. Griffiths and Sons, Tonypandy.

   2. • Date: 7 March 1914
      • Page: Page 5
      • Citation:

        Presentation to Mr. Gwilym Lewis, Mardy.

        An interesting event took place in the Workmen's Hall, Mardy, on Friday evening last, before a crowded audience, Mr. G. Lewis, who for twenty years had been headmaster of the local schools, being presented with handsome tokens of respect and appreciation of his services during his long residence in the town.

        Councillor H. E. Maltby, M.E., occupied the chair, and was supported by Mr. T. W Berry (Director of Education for the Rhondda), Dr. S. Glanville Morris, Rev. Joseph Evans, Miss C. E. Davies (headmistress), Mr. D. L. Williams (the new headmaster), Mr. W. Lavis (late chief mechanic of the Mardy Collieries), Rev. J. Hope Evans, and Mr. Alfred Evans (Royal Stores).

        After the Chairman in a very able manner had opened the proceedings, he called upon the Rev. Joseph Evans, who, in eulogistic terms, spoke of the very kind and willing manner Mr. Lewis had rendered yeoman services in the social and musical functions held for the benefit of the different religious denominations, irrespective of sect. Mr. Lewis was always natural. He was always himself and nobody else. He was always modest - too unassuming, and never pushed himself anywhere. He (the speaker) wished him prosperity and happiness in his new sphere of work.

        Mr. T. W. Berry (Director of Education) paid a tribute to Mr. Lewis' personality and long service. He pointed out that Mr. Lewis had rightly construed his duty in living amongst the people, and thus gaining their sympathy and respect. He said Mr. Lewis was very genial, and his bonhomie disposition was a great asset in his difficult work. As a musician of considerable ability he had made an impression in Mardy which would never be obliterated. His work as trainer, organiser and conductor of the oratorial concerts had had a great uplifting influence as well as an educational effect of great value. There was not a church in Mardy that had not directly or indirectly benefited by his labours, while many had received substantial monetary advantages from his concerts. Though he had had his own distinct religious tenets, he was nevertheless most catholic in his conceptions, and always willing to give a helping hand when called upon to do so, or when he saw a deserving opportunity. Mr. Berry said it was not an infrequent event in school-life for a master to have to give the children the cane, but this was a complete reversal of that custom, for the children of his late school now presented him with a stick - a beautiful walking-stick. The children could well afford to choose the stick, because they knew that Mr. Lewis was one who used the cane in school very sparingly.

        The Director referred to the case of the Patriarch, who, after seven years' faithful service, received Leah as his reward and a further seven years brought him Rachel, whereas twenty years' service in Mardy had brought neither Leah nor Rachel for Mr. Lewis. Where were the ladies of the Rhondda to allow such a generous man to toil alone? Perhaps it was his excessive generosity which placed marriage beyond his reach. He congratulated Mr. Lewis on his appointment to the headship of Rhondda's largest school and the school of his apprenticeship. Of course, his departure would be a loss to the Technical Evening Classes, a loss to the churches and the musical society of Mardy, but Llwynypia should gain as a result. Mr. Lewis would be missed by the parents with whom he worked, well enjoying their goodwill. As an old pupil of Mr. Tom John, M.A., one would expect him to have caught the infection of good-natured administration. In conclusion, he wished Mr. Lewis every success in his new sphere of influence.

        Miss C. E. Davies then, on behalf of the teachers, gracefully presented Mr. Lewis with a silver-mounted dressing case. She spoke of the cordial relations that had always existed between her and Mr. Lewis, and wished him all success.

        Mr. D. L. Williams (the new headmaster), on behalf of the scholars, presented a silver-mounted walking-stick, saying that he had known Mr. Lewis for twenty years, and he wished to follow in his footsteps, and hoped with the same success.

        Councillor Maltby, who presented the purse of gold, spoke of Mr. Lewis' sterling qualities, and the loss Mardy would sustain after his departure.

        Dr. Morris presented the illuminated address, and recounted some of the good work done by Mr. Lewis, adding that he was over-generous - generous to a fault.

        His remarks being enthusiastically received by the audience. The address read as follows:-

        "AN ADDRESS Presented to Gwilym Lewis, Esq., Mardy.

        "Dear Sir, - On behalf of your many friends in Mardy, we ask you to accept this address, together with the accompanying purse of gold, as a small token of the respect and high esteem in which you are held amongst us.

        "For the last twenty years you have occupied the position of Headmaster of the Mardy Schools, and, in this capacity, have always taken such a great interest in the welfare of those under your charge, that you have gained their affection, and the regard and esteem of the parents.

        "You have, on every possible occasion, generously given your great musical abilities to assist any good cause, regardless of sect, and thereby earned the gratitude of all interested in the welfare of the locality. In this connection, you have produced some of the most important works of the great masters of music, and we would particularly refer to the brilliant performance, given in 1909, of Mendelssohn's "Elijah" by the Mardy Musical Society under your able conductorship.

        "Whilst we greatly regret your departure from our midst, we sincerely trust your future may be prosperous and happy, and that in your new position as Headmaster of the important Schools at Llwynypia, you may be, as you have been at Mardy, successful in securing the goodwill and respect of all who come in contact with you.

        "Signed on behalf of the Committee:- H. E. Maltby, chairman; S. Glanville Morris, treasurer; Alfred Evans, secretary. December, 1913."

        The address contained the photographs of the recipient and the signatories, the schools, and a general view of Mardy.

        Mr. Lewis, amidst hearty applause, thanked the various donors for their very great kindness. He said that he had always found Miss Davies and Mrs. Humphreys splendid colleagues, and that he had never had a cross word with either of them. He asked Mr. Williams to convey to the lads his warm thanks for the walking-stick, adding that although he had had occasion to use the cane, which the boys deserved, they had now retaliated by giving him the stick, which he did not deserve. He said that although he and Councillor Maltby differed on many important questions - they had had many hot arguments, but had never come to blows. He did not, for instance, agree with the Councillor on the question of Home Rule for Ireland, but all would agree that women the world over should be home rulers. He confessed that he had not yet mustered sufficient courage to subject himself to home rule in a matrimonial sense; he would strongly recommend his bachelor friends to try the experiment. He knew that all would quite understand how highly, how sincerely he appreciated and felt their kind expressions, and he reciprocated their good wishes. He would make new friends, but would keep the old. We must remember that as it takes two to make a quarrel, so it takes two to make a friendship. It is not a one-sided arrangement. To them as friends, much of his happiness was to be ascribed, and he would never forget them. He ended by saying, "Chwi wyddoch beth ddywed fy nghalon." [You know what my heart says.]

        An excellent miscellaneous programme was given during the evening, including penillion by Miss Gwen Williams (Trebanws) and Mr. W. D. Evans, accompanied on the harp by Mr. John Lewis (Trebanws); songs by Mr. David Rees, Mr. Tom Jones, Mrs. Clayton Jones, and Mrs. Tegwen Lavis; and recitations by Mr. Phil. Lewis. All the items were vociferously encored. Mrs. D. Roberts read some original complimentary verses. Mr. Henry Jones ably presided at the piano.

        The usual votes of thanks were rendered to the chairman and the artistes, and specially to Mr. Alfred Evans, who had worked so hard as hon. secretary in making the movement such a splendid success.

        The Rev. J. Hope Evans announced that on Sunday afternoon, May 24th next, the "cymanfa ganu" [singing festival] will take place at Siloa Chapel, when the church will make a presentation to Mr. Lewis, who has officiated there as precentor.

3. General Register Office: England & Wales Birth Index
4. Aberdare Leader
   1. • Date: 17 July 1915
      • Page: Page 3
      • Citation:

        THE INTERMENT of the late Mr. Richard Stedman Griffiths, 22 Llanwonno Road (the report of whose death appeared in our last week's issue) took place on Wednesday, the 7th inst., at the Aberdare Cemetery. The Rev. I. J. Williams officiated at the house, and at the graveside the Rev. W. D. Morris, Soar (C.M.). The mourners were: First coach. Widow; Misses Jane Mary Griffiths and Bessie Griffiths, daughters; Edgar and Evan Griffiths, sons; Mrs. E. Davies, Llangammarch, sister; 2nd coach, Messrs. William and John Griffiths, brothers; Mrs. E. Edwards, Mrs. James Edwards, nieces; Mrs. J. Griffiths and Miss G. Griffiths, Llwynypia; 3rd coach, Miss Maggie Griffiths, Mrs. L. Lloyd, Mrs. S. J. Garbett. M. J. Thomas and Bessie Bird; 4th coach, Mr. Evan Davies, Miss Maggie John, Mrs. Hannah Thomas, and Mr. Price. Troedyrhiw, cousins: 5th coach, Mrs. Annie Thomas, Mrs. B. Morris, Mrs. E. J. Jones, Cwmaman, Mrs. Evans, Aberaman; J. J. Griffiths; 6th coach, Mrs. Harries. Mrs. Jennie Jarvis, Miss Owen, Miss Thomas, and Mrs. Chapman. Following the hearse were: Messrs. Morgan and Stephen John Griffiths, sons; John Griffiths, Tommy Thomas, John Griffiths; Llwynypia; Thomas George Morris and Richard Jones, brothers-in-law; Ivor Jones, Jeremiah Evans, Tom George, Merthyr; A. S. Griffiths, W. D. Griffiths, William Griffiths, Penygraig; W. Edwards, Llew Richards, Roger John, Troedyrhiw; Gwilym Lewis, Llwynypia; Robert Francis, John Williams, Penydarren; Henry Davies, George Bird, Walter Thomas, W. P. Carter, W. Pearce, Tredegar; Tom Davies, Mr. Harries. Resolven, and Mr. Theo Chapman. Beautiful floral tributes were sent by: (1) Widow and children; (2) Mr. and Mrs. Richard Jones, Brynhyfryd, and children; (3) Miss Richards, Cwmaman Girls' School; (4) Fireman and Workmen, 7ft. seam, Shepherd's Pit; (5) Mrs. James Edwards and Mr. David Thomas; (6) Mr. W. F. Carter, Tredegar.

5. 1881 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG11/5305/28/50 f.
6. Western Mail
   1. • Date: 16 September 1935
      • Page: Page 1
      • Citation:

        [DEATHS]

        OWEN. - 13th September, at 17, Berw-road, Llwynypia, Mary Jane, wife of Morgan Owen, daughter of late John Griffiths, Hairdresser, Llwynypia, and niece of Gwilym Lewis, ex-Schoolmaster. Funeral leaving residence Tuesday, 17, at 2.15 p.m. for Trealaw Cemetery; Gentlemen only.

   2. • Date: 4 February 1936
      • Page: Page 6
      • Citation:

        EDUCATIONIST AND MUSICIAN

        Death of Mr. G. Lewis, Llwynypia

        The death took place at Cardiff Royal Infirmary on Monday of Mr. Gwilym Lewis, Berw-road, Llwynypia, aged 69, a leading Rhondda educationist, musician, and Freemason. Mr. Lewis retired from the position of schoolmaster at Llwynypia about six years ago, after 45 years' service with the Rhondda Education Committee. Mr. Lewis went to Bangor College after acting as a pupil teacher at Llwynypia School, and took up an appointment at Pentre Secondary School on his return. In a very short time he was appointed headteacher of the Mardy Boys' School, being one of the youngest men in the Rhondda to obtain such a position, and eventually he was transferred to the headship of Llwynypia School, a position he held until his retirement.

        Mr. Lewis was a brilliant musician when a young man, and went to America as the accompanist of the Royal Welsh Choir before he took up his studies in Bangor. On his return he was chosen as accompanist in many of the concerts held in Mid-Rhondda, and he was in considerable demand as an adjudicator. Mr. Lewis had for many years been prominent in the order of Freemasons, being worshipful master of the Merlin Lodge, Pontypridd. Since his retirement Mr. Lewis had been secretary of the Mid-Rhondda Professional and Business Men's Institute. He was a bachelor.

   3. • Date: 7 February 1936
      • Page: Page 12
      • Citation:

        LATE MR. GWILYM LEWIS, LLWYNYPIA

        Mr. Gwilym Lewis, Berw-road, Llwynypia, was buried at Trealaw on Thursday with Masonic rites.

        The officiating minister was Mr. Timothy Williams, Llwynypia.

        Chief mourners were :- Messrs. Morgan, Haydn, Gwilym, and Gerald Owen; John, Morgan, Aneurin, Arnold, Graham, and S Griffiths; Robert, Haydn, and A. Lewis; Gwilym and Evan Evans, John and Morgan Davies, Morgan Powell, and James Williams (nephews); and G. Jones (cousin).

7. General Register Office: England & Wales Death Index
8. UK Government: National Probate Calendar
   1. • Date: 11 March 1936
      • Page: Gwilym Lewis
      • Citation:

        LEWIS Gwilym of 17 Berw-road Llwynypia Glamorganshire died 3 February 1936 at Royal Infirmary Cardiff Administration (with Will) London 11 March to Abraham Lewis miner.
        Effects £161 17s. 8d.

9. Notice of Interment - Trealaw Cemetery
   1. • Date: 12 December 1889
      • Page: John Lewis
   2. • Date: 3 October 1890
      • Page: Catherine Lewis
   3. • Date: 4 February 1936
      • Page: Gwilym Lewis
   4. • Date: 2 December 1918
      • Page: Gwilym Griffiths
10. Tarian Y Gweithiwr
    1. • Date: 9 October 1890
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         MARWOLAETH SYDYN.

         Aeth Mrs. Catherine Lewis, priod y diweddar Mr. John Lewis, 7, Argyle-terrace, Llwynypia, i ymweled a'i mab Mr. Tom Lewis, goruchwyliwr un lofeydd Cwmgarw. Cyrhaeddodd ei mab, John Lewis (yr hwn oedd newydd ddychwelyd o'r Amerig), yno yn ddyogel. Wedi trenlio ychydig o amser yn mhreswylfod ei phlant (Mr. A. Jenkins), aeth gartref dydd Mawrth, ac yn hollol annysgwyliadwy cydiodd anhwylder ynddi yn sydyn, a gorfu arni neillduo i'r gwely. Cymerwyd y gofal mwyaf tyner oedd yn bosibl am dani, ond bu farw mewn ychydig amser, a hyny yn hollol annisgwyliadwy. 'Roedd Mrs. Lewis yn 67 mlwydd oed. Yr oedd yn fam dyner a duwiol. Bu yn aelod yn nghapel Salem (A.), Llwynypia, am flynyddan meithion, a chawn ei bod yn gyson a'i phroffes. Un o blant yr ymadawedig yw Gwllym Lewis, y perdonydd enwog, ac am flynyddan is-athraw Ysgol Llwynypia. Mae Mr. Lewis yn erfydydd ar hyn o bryd yn ngholeg Bangor. Daearwyd yr hyn oedd farwol o Mrs. Lewis, dydd Sadwrn, yn Nghladdfa Gyhoeddus Trealaw. 'Roedd John Edwards y cyfeiriwyd ato yn byw drws nesaf i Mrs. Lewis, a chludwyd y ddau i'w gorphwysfa yr un diwrnod ac i r un gladdfa. Rhoddodd rhai canoedd eu presenoldeb ar yr achlysur pruddaidd.

          

          

          

         SUDDEN DEATH.

         Mrs. Catherine Lewis, wife of the late Mr. John Lewis, 7 Argyle-terrace, Llwynypia, was visiting her son Tom Lewis, superintendent of one of the Cwmgarw collieries. Her son, John Lewis (who had just returned from America), arrived there safely. After a short period of time at the residence of one of her children (Mr. A. Jenkins), she went home on Tuesday, and suddenly became unwell and soon became bedridden. The gentlest possible care was taken for her, but she died in a short time, which was totally unexpected. Mrs. Lewis was 67 years old. She was a gentle and godly mother. She was a member of Salem (A.) chapel, Llwynypia for many years, and was always faithful to her religious convictions. One of the deceased's children is Gwilym Lewis, the well-known pianist, and for many years the assistant teacher of Llwynypia School. Mr. Lewis is currently a student at Bangor College. The mortal remains of Mrs. Lewis were buried on Saturday at Trealaw Public Cemetery. John Edwards referred to [in the previous article on the same page] lived next door to Mrs. Lewis, and both were transported to their resting place at the same burial ground on the same day. Several hundred were present on this saddest occasion.

11. The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workmans News
    1. • Date: 10 October 1890
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         LLWYNYPIA.

         SAD INCIDENT. - On Saturday the remains of Mr John Edwards, Argyle-terrace, who died from the effects of an accident at Llwynypia on Tuesday were interred at Trealaw. The same day the remains of Mrs Catherine Lewis, of Argyle-terrace were also deposited in the cemetery. Mrs Lewis died suddenly while on a visit to Cwmgarw on Tuesday. Mr Edwards and Mrs Lewis lived next door, and were conveyed together to their last resting place amidst the profoundest sorrow. Edwards had been a leaader of the choir practising at Bethel English Baptist Chapel at Tonypandy for years, and was a consistent member of the church. Mrs Lewis was also a member of Salem Welsh Congregationalists Church and was ever faithful to her religious convictions. She was the mother of Mr Gwilym Lewis the well-known pianist, who is now a student of Brecon College.

12. Wills on file
    1. • Date: 13 November 1934
       • Page: Gwilym Lewis (1866-1936)
13. 1911 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: RG14/32399/215
14. 1921 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: RG15/26717/83
15. 1901 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: RG13/5020/192
16. Pontypridd District Herald
    1. • Date: 14 October 1893
       • Page: Page 8
       • Citation:

         YSTRADYFODWG SCHOOL BOARD.

         At a meeting of the above Board held at Pentre, on Monday, under the presidency of Mr. W. W. Hood, it was agreed to lease an acre of land, at 1 1/2d per yard, on the De Winton estate at Llwynypia, for the site of a new school to be built next year.

         The Rev. W. Lewis, (vicar), objected to the school-management committee transferring or promoting teachers from one school to another without consulting a general meeting of the Board.

         It was decided to adopt a precept of £6,000 for the ensuing six months.

         Mr Gwilym Lewis, assistant master at the Ystrad Higher Grade School, was appointed master of the Maerdy School, and Miss Jones, Ferndale, was appointed head mistress of the Pontygwaith School.

         A vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman and vice-chairman for their excellent services on the Board during the last three years.

         This was the last meeting previous to the election.

17. General Register Office: GRO Digital Image
    1. • Date: 16 October 1866
       • Page: Birth - Gwillim Lewis
18. Burial Register - Trealaw Cemetery
    1. • Page: Plot P907
19. Thomas Preece: Gravestone photographs
    1. • Date: 5 October 2021
       • Page: John, Catherine & Gwilym Lewis, Trealaw Cemetery
       • 
       • Citation:

         There is an inscription on the horizontal stone, but it is overgrown and unreadable.