Preece Family Tree

Events

Parents

Families

Attributes

Pedigree

1. David Godfrey Thomas
   1. Laura Maud Sutton
      1. Henry Edward Thomas
         1. Sarah Griffiths

Ancestors

Source References

1. Wills on file
   1. • Page: Thomas Griffiths (1849-1927)
2. UK Government: National Probate Calendar
   1. • Date: 4 January 1928
      • Page: Thomas Griffiths
      • Citation:

        GRIFFITHS Thomas of Longfield West Cross Swansea died 14 February 1927 Probate Carmarthen 4 January to William Thomas Griffiths civil servant and Sarah Thomas (wife of Henry Edward Thomas). Effects £61581 8s. 1d.

3. South Wales Daily News
   1. • Date: 15 February 1927
      • Page: Page 8
      • Citation:

        FROM PITBOY TO DIRECTOR.

        DEATH OF MR THOMAS GRIFFITHS, M.E., J.P.

        SERVICES TO THE COALFIELD

        The death occurred at his residence, "Longfield", West Cross, Swansea, yesterday, at the age of 77 years, of Mr Thomas Griffiths, M.E., J.P., formely a director and general manager of Messrs Insoles' Cymmer Collieries, Porth.

        The late Mr Griffiths' career was a remarkable example of the triumph of personality, ability, and industry over initial obstacles and difficulties. Beginning as a door boy, he worked for ten years as a collier, and then step by step rose until he became, when still comparatively young, manager of the Cymmer Colliery, where he first worked as a door-boy. His career was also remarkable for unusually long service, as in 1919 he completed 50 years' service in an official position with the company and 43 years as the general manager of the Cymmer Colliery. His predecessor, the late Mr Jabez Thomas, held the position for 42 years.

        GREAT RESCUE WORK.

        Over 50 years ago, the late Mr Griffiths won the regard of the whole coalfield by his daring rescue and exploration work in colliery disasters, and his great work in this direction is shown by the fact that he was a leader of rescue and exploration parties in the following disasters: Dinas, 1860; Pentre, 1871; Naval (Penygraig), 1880; Gelli, 1883; Naval, 1885; Mardy, 1885; Wattstown, 1887; Park Slip, Tondu, 1892; Great Western Colliery, Pontypridd, 1892; Albion Colliery, Cilfynydd, 1894; Tylorstown, 1896; Llest Colliery, Garw, 1899; Sengbenydd, 1901; Clydach Vale, 1905; and Wattstown, 1905.

        His exploits formed a veritable romance. He had been working at the Cymmer Colliery for six years, when, in 1856, the great explosion, at which 114 men lost their lives, so affected him that he abandoned underground work and worked for two years at a blacksmith's and fitter's shop. He returned to the mine, however, and in 1870 he was appointed manager of the Cymmer Colliery. His gallantry in later disasters was therefore all the more notable.

        Mr Griffiths used to declare that the most difficult exploration work he did was at the Cambrian Collieries, Clydach Vale, where an outbreak of fire and deadly fumes made the work highly dangerous. So far as falls of roof were concerned, the worst explosion in his experience was at the Dinas Colliery, where he and his heroic band of workers failed to penetrate one fall, and the bodies of many entombed men were not recovered for some years, until the late Mr Daniel Thomas, M.E., drove through from the 4ft. to the 6ft. seams.

        At the time of these early colliery catastrophes the presence of carbon monoxide was not known. Mr Griffiths often expressed the view that ignorance of the presence of the gas had caused the death of many a rescue worker. Its presence was first revealed at the Tylorstown explosion, where several lamps were found burning whilst the men lay dead, provied that satefy lamps burnt freely where this gas was present, although a very small percentage of it in the atmosphere would prove fatal.

        PUBLIC SERVICES.

        Though devoted to his profession, Mr Griffiths accomplished a great deal of public work, and was an ex-chairman of the Rhondda Urban Council. He first represented his ward on the old Rhondda Local Board, and became a member of the Rhondda Council upon its formation, rendering valuable public services.

        All movements for public welfare received his support, and his charity was unbounded, although most unostentatious. A Welsh-speaking Welshman, with a strong but genial personality, he exercised great influence in his district, and had a solid reputation as a peacemaker in the coalfiend. He was a member of the Conciliation Board from its inception, and was also chairman of the Coalowners' Association in 1911-12, and had repeatedly given expert evidence before Royal Commissions and other bodies. When, in 1906, all classes of the Rhondda community united in presenting him with a full-length oil painting of himself for his great public services, Colonel D. Watts Morgan, M.P., D.S.O., recalled that the late Mr Griffiths was once within an ace of being made a miners' agent - an illustration of his cordial relations with the men. His work on the magisterial bench was also marked by his kindness and shrewd sense.

        On retiring from an active part in the management of the Cymmer Collieries a few years ago, the late Mr Griffiths retired to West Cross, where his death occurred.

        Mr Griffiths was twice married, his second wife predeceasing him two years ago. He is survived by one son and two daughters - Mr W. T. Griffiths, mineral valuer to the Inland Revenue Department for South Wales; Mrs H. E. Thomas, wife of the agent for the Powell Duffryn Co., Bargoed, and Mrs Rhys Morgan, of Abercynon.

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

        BURIAL OF MR T. GRIFFITHS, J.P.

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

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

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

   3. • Date: 15 February 1927
      • Page: Page 1
      • Citation:

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

4. 1911 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG14/32417/98
5. Western Mail
   1. • 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.

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

        LATE MRS. MARY GRIFFITHS, J.P.

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

        They included the following:-

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

        [etc, etc]

   3. • Date: 13 August 1914
      • Page: Page 1
      • Citation:

        MORGAN-GRIFFITHS. - On August 11th, at Victoria Chapel, Mumbles, by the Rev. J. D. Jones Lampeter. Rhys Morgan, third son of Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Morgan, Penpound, Porth, to Elizabeth, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Griffiths, Maesgwyn, Porth. No cards.

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

        [DEATHS.]

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

6. Colliery Guardian
   1. • Date: 18 February 1927
      • Page: Page 406
      • Citation:

        OBITUARY.

        Mr. Thomas Griffiths, J.P., who died on Monday, aged 77 years, had a distinguished career, both in personal advancement and in conspicuous rescue work. He was formely a director of Insole's Cymmer collieries, in the Rhondda, and retired a few years ago from the position of general manager, which he had held for over 40 years. So far back as 1860 he commenced work in that colliery as door boy, and won his way forward by determined effort and signal ability. His personal association with the wormen, and their confidence in his fairness and judgment, gave him enormous influence with them, both in colliery control and in rescue operation, where the presence of "Griffiths, Cymmer" evoked the heartiest of co-operation. He had served as chairman of the Coal Owner's Association, and also taken prominent part in the proceedings of the Conciliaton Board; and amongst his other distinctions was 40 years membership first of Rhondda local board and afterwards in its successor, the urban council. He has repeatedly been called to give evidence on Royal Commissions and on similar inquiries that necessitated expert testimony, was a governor of the Welsh University, a life member of the Institute of Engineers, and in 1906 had a public presentation of a portrait and silver plate in recognition of his rescue work and public service. His life story would embody romance of the South Wales coal field, as can be indicated by a bald record of some of the principal colliery accidents with which he was associated in rescue work - namely, Pentre in 1871, Penygraig 1880, Gelli 1883, Naval 1885, Mardy in the same year, Wattstown 1887, Park Slip 1892, Great Weslam in the same year, Albion 1894, Tylorstown 1896, Senghenydd 1901, Clydach Vale and Wattsown 1905. His experiences in the prolonged efforts due to the underground fire at Clydach were exceptional in a remarkable degree, and he always recalled that as the most difficult exploration work undertaken. He was a widower, and leaves one son and two daughters - Mr. W. T. Griffiths, mineral valuer for South Wales to the Inland Revenue Department, Mrs. Thomas, wife of the agent to Powell Duffryn Co., and Mrs. Rhys Morgan.

7. 1921 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG15/26782/88
8. General Register Office: England & Wales Birth Index
9. General Register Office: England & Wales Marriage Index
10. Y Darian
    1. • Date: 20 August 1914
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         Priodas Dan o'r Porth yn y Mumbles.

         Am un-ar-ddeg o'r gloch boreu dydd Mawrth, Awst 11eg, yn Addoldy y Wesleyaid yn y Mumbles, unwyd mewn glan briodas Mr. Rhys Morgan, Penpound, Porth, a Miss Elizabeth Griffiths, Maesgwyn, Cymmer, Porth.

         Y Parch. J. D. Jones, Cellan, Sir Aberteifi, gymerodd at y gwasanaeth, fel hoft gyfaill i'r par dedwydd ac i deulu Maesgwyn. Yr oedd organyddes yr addoldy wrth yr organ, a melus ei seiniau. Y mae Mrs. Morgan yn ferch i un o arweinwyr enwocaf y fasnach lo, ac un o arwyr dewraf llawer o danchwaoedd pyllau Morgannwg, sef Mr. Thomas Griffiths, M.E., J.P., Maesgwyn, Cymmer, a Longfield, West Cross, Mumbles.

         Hana Mr. Rhys Morgan o deulu gwir barchus, ei dad a'i frodyr yn swyddogion cyfrifol yn y Cymmer, etc., a Mr. Rhys Morgan ei hun yn athraw llwyddiannus a pharchus yn Abercynon bellach, ond gynt ym Mhenrhiwceibr. Mae'r ddau deulu yn flaenllaw gydag Ymneillduaeth Gymreig, ac yn cynrychioli dau enwad, sef yr Annibynwyr a'r Methodistiaid. Trefnwyd fod y briodas i fod yn y Mumbles brydferth, iach, lle y ceir cyfuniad o wlad swynol ogoneddus a'r mor a'i ramant a'i hud. Ac yn ol y dymuniad, cadwyd yr oil yn weddol o dawel, neb ond perthnasai a rhai ffrindiau mynwesol yn bresennol - yn y gwasanaeth syml ac urddasol yn yr addoldy, ac yn y wledd yn Longfield.

         Gyda'r par dedwydd yn llawenhau, gwelwyd Mr. a Mrs. T. Griffiths, Maesgwyn a Longfield; Mr. Ebenezer Morgan, Penpound, Porth; Mr. W. T. Griffiths, Caerdydd; Mr. a Mrs. Thomas, Bargoed; Mrs. James, Abertawe; Miss Griffiths, Pencoed; Mrs. a Mr. Thomas, Cymmer; Mr. Griff Morgan, Bedwas; Mrs. Howells, Porth; Mrs. Morris, Mountain Ash; Mr. a Mrs. Evan Lewis, Abertawe, a Mrs. J. D. Jones, Cellan, heblaw Mr. Llew Morgan, brawd y priodfab yn "best man," ac ni chyflawodd neb y swydd bwysig yn rhagorach, a'r ddwy Miss Morgan, chwiorydd y priodfab, wnaeth gyflawnu eu gwaith fel llawforwynion yn deilwng o'r cyfrifoldeb.

         Wrth y bwrdd ar ol gwledd mwynhawyd doniau hyawdl yn llawn cysuron a dymuniadau da i'r dedwydd bar. Tyner-dadol ydoedd anerchiad y tad, Mr. Thomas Griffiths, tra yn gollwng ei afael o'r ieuangaf o'i blant i wynebu ar ei byd newydd, ond gyda bendith gyfoethocaf calon tad. A swynol ac annwyl dyner ydoedd geiriau Mrs. T. Griffiths. Pa fam a merch sydd yn anwylach o'u gilydd? Dilynwyd yn deilwng o'r amgylchiad gan Mr. Thomas, Bargoed (yr hwn sydd yn briod a merch hynaf Mr. Griffiths), Mr. Evan Lewis, Abertawe, fel hen gyfaill i'r teulu Mr. E. Morgan, tad y priodfab, a'r Parch. J. D. Jones, yr hwn a ddarllenodd y tri phennill canlynol a gyfansoddwyd ar foreu'r briodas :-

         "Un hynod o wylaidd oedd Morgan,
         Fel carwr - rhyfeddol o 'shy,'
         Fe dystiodd rhyw fobi pur egwan -
         'Mi welais, rwy'n shwr 'German spy';

         Datblygodd yr athro llwyddiannus,
         A dringodd i ris ar ol gris,
         Ond heddyw ei fyd sydd mor felus -
         Mae Lizzie a'r 'ring' am ei bys.

         Os rhua magnelau y ddaear
         Nes crynu o'r cread i'w sail,
         A syrthio o ddewrion mor hygar
         Yn amlach na thorf Hydref ddail;
         Daeth bore annwylaf eich rhamant,
         Fu boreu erioed yn fwy braf,
         Yn orlawn yw'r cylch o ogoniant
         Mor agos yw mwyn wlad yr haf.

         Ni welodd priodas annwylach
         Na Lizzie o'r hyfryd Maesgwyn,
         Fu bachgen erioed yn hawddgarwch
         Na Rhys, iaith dyffrynoedd yw hyn;
         Boed heulwen o'r byd gwvnfydedig
         Yn llonni eich bywyd hyd oes,
         A chofiwch mai gwir fendigedig
         Yw'r cartref dan gysgod y groes."

         Ymadawodd y par dedwydd am y Brifddinas a lleoedd eraill, ac una eu lluosog gyfeillion, gyda'r nifer yn y briodas ac yn y wledd, i ddymuno i Mr. a Mrs. Rhys Morgan dyfodol o'r fath oreu. Disgyned bendithion cyfoethocaf nef a daear ar eu haelwyd.

         FFRIND.

          

          

          

         translation:

         Marriage from Porth to Mumbles.

         At eleven o'clock in the morning of Tuesday, August 11th, at the Wesleyan Chapel in Mumbles, Rhys Morgan, Penpound, Porth, and Miss Elizabeth Griffiths, Maesgwyn, Cymmer, Porth, were united in marriage.

         Rev. J. D. Jones, Cellan, Cardiganshire, took the service, as a close friend of the happy couple and of the Maesgwyn family. The organist of the place of worship was at the organ, and melodious were her sounds. Mrs. Morgan is the daughter of one of the most famous leaders of the coal trade, and one of the bravest heroes of many of Glamorgan's coal mines, Mr. Thomas Griffiths, M.E., J.P., Maesgwyn, Cymmer, and Longfield, West Cross, Mumbles.

         Mr. Rhys Morgan is also of a well-respected family, his father and brothers holding respected offices of Cymmer, etc., and Mr. Rhys Morgan himself is a successful and respected teacher now at Abercynon, but formerly at Penrhiwceiber. Both families are prominent in Welsh Nonconformity, and represent two denominations, the Congregationalists and the Methodists. The wedding was arranged to be in the beautiful, healthy Mumbles, where there is a combination of glorious charming country and the sea and its romance and magic. And, as they wished, it was a quiet occasion, with none other than some close friends present - in the simple and dignified service at the place of worship, and at the banquet at Longfield.

         Rejoicing with the happy couple were Mr. and Mrs. T. Griffiths, Maesgwyn and Longfield; Mr. Ebenezer Morgan, Penpound, Porth; Mr. W. T. Griffiths, Cardiff; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Bargoed; Mrs. James, Swansea; Miss Griffiths, Pencoed; Mrs. and Mr. Thomas, Cymmer; Mr. Griff Morgan, Bedwas; Mrs. Howells, Porth; Mrs. Morris, Mountain Ash; Mr. and Mrs. Evan Lewis, Swansea, and Mrs. J. D. Jones, Cellan; also, Mr. Llew Morgan, brother of the groom, was a "best man," and no-one carried out the important job any better, and the two Misses Morgan, sisters of the groom, carried out their duties as bridesmaids worthy of the responsibility.

         At the table after the feast, we enjoyed a humorous talent full of comforts and good wishes for the happy couple. The father's address, Mr. Thomas Griffiths, while releasing the youngest of his children to face her new world, but with the richest blessing of a father's heart. And Mrs. T. Griffiths's words were charming and affectionate. Which mother and daughter are more fond of each other? This was followed up by Mr. Thomas, Bargoed (who is the husband of Mr. Griffiths' eldest daughter), Evan Lewis, Swansea, as an old friend of the family, E. Morgan, father of the groom, and the Rev. J. D. Jones, who read the following three verses composed on the morning of the wedding:-

         "Morgan was extremely humble
         As a lover, wonderfully shy,
         Some oblivious hobby witnessed -
         'I saw, I'm a German spy';

         The successful teacher,
         And she climbed up to him after a step,
         But today is so sweet -
         Lizzie and the ring on her finger.

         If artillery roams the earth
         Until shaking from creation to its base,
         And such courageous falls of bravery
         More often than October leaf crowds;
         The most beautiful morning of your romance came,
         Morning has never been nicer,
         Overflowing is the circle of glory
         The proximity of summer country ore.

         He did not see an ungodly marriage
         No Lizzie from the lovely Maesgwyn,
         Boy has never been an eternity
         No Rhys, this is the language of the valleys;
         Let there be sunshine from the established world
         Brightening your life to life,
         And remember it is truly wonderful
         The home is under the shadow of the cross."

         The happy couple left for the Capital and other places, and their many friends, with the many at the wedding and the banquet, united to wish Mr. and Mrs. Rhys Morgan such a bright future. May the richest blessings of heaven and earth descend upon their home.

         A FRIEND.

11. Thomas Preece: Gravestone photographs
    1. • Date: 19 June 2018
       • Page: Thomas & Mary Griffiths, Oystermouth Cemetery
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       • 
       • 
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12. Richard C Watson: Rhondda Coal, Cardiff Gold: Insoles of Llandaff, Coal Owners and Shippers
    1. • Page: Page 160-161
       • Citation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Croydon Chronicle and East Surrey Advertiser
    1. • Date: 22 October 1910
       • Page: Page 13
       • Citation:

         MARRIAGES

         ...

         THOMAS-GRIFFITHS - On October 18th, at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar-square, London, by the Rev. Hamilton Rose, Henry Edward, second son of the late Godfrey Thomas, of Neath, to Sarah, eldest daughter of Thomas Griffiths, J.P., of Porth, Glam.