Preece Family Tree

Events

Parents

Families

Attributes

Pedigree

1. John Evans
   1. Margaret Beynon
      1. Evan Evans
      2. David Silyn Evans
         1. Elizabeth Williams
            1. Rhys John Evans
            2. Bleddin Emdar Evans
            3. Euryn Evans
      3. Benjamin Frank Evans
      4. John Beynon Evans
      5. Thomas Beynon Evans
      6. Henry Evans

Ancestors

Source References

1. Tarian Y Gweithiwr
   1. • 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

2. The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News
   1. • Date: 20 January 1916
      • Page: Page 5
      • Citation:

        The remains of the late Mrs. Ann Evans, aged 76, wife of Mr. Henry Evans, retired farmer, formerly of Gelly, near Trapp, and now of Headington Villa, Ffairfach, were interred at the Tabernacle, Ffairfach, the ministers officiating at the house being the Rev. Wm. Davies, pastor, Rev. D. P. Roberts, M.A., B.D., Rev. D. Bowen, Hermon, and the Rev. H. T. Jacob, Fishguard; while the Rev. Silyn Evans, Aberdare, took the service at the graveside. The deceased was the mother of ten children, of whom five survive, one of them being Mr. David Evans, of Mount Pleasant, formerly a well-known member of the Llandilo Board of Guardians. Another son is Mr. Wm. Evans, an attorney at San Francisco; and two others in business in the State, viz. , Mr. John Evans, Oakland, Colorado, and Mr. Jos. Evans, of Ogden, Utah. A daughter is married to the Rev. J. D. Jones, Llanfair, Cardiganshire. The mourners at the funeral were:- Mr. Henry Evans (widower); Mr. and Mrs. David Evans, Mount Pleasant (son and daughter-in-law); Rev. and Mrs. J. D. Jones (son-in-law and daughter); Mr. and Mrs. David Jones, Cilwern, Llandilo (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. Preece, Porth, and Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths, Cymmer (cousins); and Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Llangyfelach (nephew and niece).

3. Y Tyst
   1. • Date: 19 January 1916
      • Page: Page 9
      • Citation:

        Y Ddiweddar Mrs. Anne Evans, Ffairfach, Llandeilo.

        Priod Henry Evans, gynt o'r Gelli, nawr o Hedington, Ffairfach, ydoedd Mrs. Anne Evans. Wrth ei rhoi yn y bedd rhwng dau a thri prydnawn ddydd Llun, Ionawr 10fed, gwelsom ar ei harch, 'Anne Evans. Ganwyd Chwefror 18fed, 1839. Bu fawr Ionawr 6ed, 1916.' Cadd hithau, fel ei thylwyth, hirhoedledd i ynyl y pedwar ugain. Erysn un o'i brodyr eto, sef David Jones, Cilwern, yr hwn sydd wedi croesi ei 80 oed. Bu ei thad a'i mam, a mab a merch i deulu ei rhieni, farw yn eu 77, ac wele hithau yn ei 77 oed. Erys ei phriod, yr hwn, er yn wr dall er's blynyddoedd, sydd yn aelod a diacon o werth mawr yn y Tabernacl, Llandeilo. Yr oedd yn fam i ddeg o blant. Y mae pump ohonynt wedi croesi drosodd o flaen eu mam, ac mae'r pump eraill yn aros hyd heddyw, sef David Evans, Towy Stores, Llandeilo, a Mrs. Jones, priod y Parch. J. D. Jones, Llanfair a Cellan, ac mae'r tri mab arall yn America mewn safleoedd o anrhydedd ac ymddiriedaeth.

        Yr oedd hi yn ddynes o arbenigrwydd. Meddai ar ewyllys gref, a deall cyflym, a chyngor diogel. Hawdd oedd gweld yn ei symudiad a'i golwg ei bod yh frenhines ar ei haelwyd, ac yn feistres yn ei hamgylchiadau, ac yn gymeriad cryf yn ei heglwys. Aethai i'r farchnad yn deall busnes, ac aethai i'r addoliad ar y Saboth yn deall ei hangen a'i Duw, ac yr oedd ei chraffter a'i chydymdeimlad a'i doethineb yn ei gwneud yn allu mawr ar ei haelwyd.

        Dan beth mawr ei bywyd ydoedd ei haelwyd a'i haddoldy, ac erys dylanwad y ddau beth hyn ar ei phlant, a phlant ei phlant.

        Yr oedd ei chladdedigaeth yn cynnwys pennau teuluoedd amlwg y dref a'r ardal ac o bell, megis Mr. Preece, Porth; Mrs. Griffiths, Maesgwyn, Rhondda; Mrs. H. T. Jacob, Abergwaun; a lliaws o Llanfair, Cwnllynfell, &c. Ac yr oedd cryfder ac urddas yn y dwasanaeth claddu, yn enwedig y bregeth gan ei gweinidog, y Parch. W. Davies, yr hwn a gynorthwywyd yn y capel gan y Parchn. - Roberts, M.A., B.D., Memorial Hall; D. Bowen, Hermon; S. Thomas, Salem; H. T. Jacob, Abergwaun; - Davies (W); D. Silyn Evans a D. Harries.

        Rhoddwyd ei chorff mewn bedd glân, ar brydnawn gwaith dan gymylau, ym mynwent gysegredig y Tabernacl, y dywedai Penry cyn marw am dano: 'O! 'r hen Dabernacl annwyl! Wyt mor annwyl i mi ag oedd y deml i Solomon, yr hen Dabernacl annwyl.' Heddwch i'w llwch.

         

         

        The Late Mrs. Anne Evans, Ffairfach, Llandeilo.

        Wife of Henry Evans, formerly of Gelli, now of Hedington, Ffairfach, was Anne Evans. As she was buried between two and three in the afternoon on Monday, January 10th, we saw on her coffin 'Anne Evans. Born February 18th, 1839. Died January 6th, 1916.' She, like her family, had longevity to the tune of the eighty. One of her brothers survives her, David Jones, Cilwern, who has just crossed his 80s. Her father and mother, and a son and daughter of her parents' family, died at the age of 77, and, lo, she was 77. Her husband, who, though a blind man for many years, remains a member and deacon of great value at Tabernacle, Llandeilo. She was the mother of ten children. Five of them have predeceased their mother, and the other five are still alive today, namely David Evans, Towy Stores, Llandeilo, and Mrs. Jones, wife of Rev. J. D. Jones, Llanfair and Cellan, and the other three sons are in America in positions of honor and trust.

        She was a woman of distinction, of strong will, and quick understanding, and safe advice. It was easy to see in her movement and appearance that she was the queen of her home, and a mistress in her circumstances, and a strong character in her church. She went to the market understanding business, and she went to Sunday worship knowing her need and her God, and her acumen and sympathy and wisdom made her a great power.

        Underneath her great life was her home and her place of worship, and the influence of these two things on her children, and those of her children, remain.

        Her mourners included the heads of prominent families of the town and district and from afar, such as Mr. Preece, Porth; Mrs. Griffiths, Maesgwyn, Rhondda; Mrs. H. T. Jacob, Fishguard; and many of Llanfair, Cwnllynfell, &c. There was strength and dignity in the burial service, especially the sermon by her minister, the Rev. W. Davies, who was assisted in the chapel by the Rev. - Roberts, M.A., B.D., Memorial Hall; D. Bowen, Hermon; S. Thomas, Salem; H. T. Jacob, Fishguard; - Davies (W); D. Silyn Evans and D. Harries.

        Her body was laid in a clean tomb, on a cloudy afternoon, in the sacred Tabernacle cemetery, under which Penry said before dying: 'Oh! dear old Tabernacle! You are as dear to me as the temple was to Solomon, the beloved old Tabernacle. ' Rest in peace.

   2. • Date: 23 November 1883
      • Page: Page 10
      • Citation:

        [PRIODASAU.]

        EVANS-EVANS - Tachwedd 12fed, yn nghapel y Tabernacl, Llandilo, Mr John Evans, Capel Gwernogle, â Miss Mary Evans, Cwmcoch, Llanegwad, gan y Parch D. Silyn Evans, Aberdar (brawd y priodfab), yn cael ei gynorthwyo gan y Parch E. B. Lloyd, Gwernogle (ei gweinidog), a'r Parch W. Davies, Llandilo. Hir oes iddynt.

         

        [MARRIAGES.]

        EVANS-EVANS - November 12th, in the Tabernacle chapel, Llandilo, Mr John Evans, Capel Gwernogle, to Miss Mary Evans, Cwmcoch, Llanegwad, by Rev D. Silyn Evans, Aberdar (brother of the groom), assisted by the Rev E. B. Lloyd, Gwernogle (her minister), and the Rev W. Davies, Llandilo. Long live them.

   3. • Date: 4 February 1887
      • Page: Page 13
      • Citation:

        MARWOLAETHAU.

        EVANS. - Ionawr 21ain, 1887, claddwyd Margaret, priod John Evans, Capel Sant Silyn, Gwernogle. Cafodd fyw i'r oedran teg o 61 mylnedd. Treuliodd ei holl fywyd yn ymyl mangre ei genedigaeth. Gweloud ei chwe' bachgen yn ymaiael o un i un, ac yn ymsefydlu yn ngwahanol gylchoedd bywyd. Hanodd o gyff nodedig am ei ymlynia wrth Ymneillduaeth a chrefydd, a daliodd hithan y faner i fyny hyd y diwedd. Dyoddefodd lawer, a gweithiodd yn galed ar hyd ei hoes. Yr oedd yn garedig heb fod yn wastrafflyd, ac yn siriol heb fod yn wenieithus. Canodd lawer canwaith wrth wneyd ei gwaith ar nosau hirion ganaf yn ngoleu y tân mawn; ac fe erys yr emynau a ganaf yn nghof ei phlant hyd byth. Dyoddefodd boenau dirdynol am wythnosau, a bu farw yn union fel y bu byw, yn son am ei phriod, a'i phlant, a'r chrefydd. Cafodd gladdedigaeth anghyffredin o luosog a pharchus. Pregethwyd yn nghapel Gwernogle, llu bu yn aelod am dros 40 mlynedd, gan y Parch D. Williams, Rhydybont, oddiar y geiriau hyny - 'Gwerthfawr yn ngolwg yr Arglwydd yw marwolaeth ei saint'. Siaradwyd a gweddiwyd ar lan ei bedd yn mynwent Llanfihangel Rhos-y-corn gan ei gweinidog, y Parch T. D. Evans. Heddwch i lwch un o wragedd goreu ac un o famau tyneraf y ddaear, medd ei mab galarus. - D. Silyn Evans.

         

         

        DEATHS.

        EVANS. - January 21st, 1887, Margaret, wife of John Evans, Capel Sant Silyn, Gwernogle, was buried. She lived to the fair age of 61 years. She spent her whole life near the premises of her birth. She saw her six boys leave one by one and settle in different circles of life. She was noted for her adherence to Dissent and religion, and she held the flag up until the end. She suffered a lot, and worked hard all her life. She was kind without being wasteful, and cheerful without being flattering. She sang many a hundred times while doing her work on long nights in the light of the peat fire; and the hymns she sung will remain in the memory of her children forever. She suffered excruciating pains for weeks, and died just as she had lived, talking about her husband, her children, and the religion. She had an unusually large and respectful burial. A sermon was preached in the Gwernogle chapel, where she was a member for over 40 years, by Rev D. Williams, Rhydybont, from those words - 'Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints'. There was a talk and prayer at her graveside in Llanfihangel Rhos-y-corn cemetery by her pastor, the Rev T. D. Evans. Peace to the ashes of one of the best women and one of the gentlest mothers on earth, says her grieving son. - D. Silyn Evans.

   4. • 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.

4. 1891 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG12/4444/109/27
5. 1901 United Kingdom Census
   1. • Page: RG13/5036/92/7
6. General Register Office: England & Wales Marriage Index
7. South Wales Daily News
   1. • Date: 16 June 1880
      • Page: Page 3
      • Citation:

        RHYMNEY.

        WEDDING. - On Monday the marriage of the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, Congregational minister, to Miss Elizabeth Williams, daughter of Mr Rees Williams, steel mill inspector, Rhymney Iron Works, was celebrated at Sharon Congregational Chapel, Tredegar, in the presence of the father of the bride, together with Mr and Mrs B. Jones, of Llandaff. The parties were driven in two carriages and pairs, profusely decorated, and a large concourse of people assembled to witness the departure, which took place amidst congratulations and showers of rice. After the ceremony the young pair left for Bristol.

   2. • 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.

8. Brecon County Times
   1. • Date: 18 September 1930
      • Page: Page 2
      • Citation:

        Death of the Rev. D. Silyn Evans.

        FIFTY YEARS' PASTORATE AT ABERDARE

        The Rev. D. Silyn Evans, for fifty years minister of Siloa Welsh Congregational Church, Aberdare, died suddenly on Thursday night last in his 80th year.

        Born at Gwenogle, he received his training for the ministry at Brecon Congregational Memorial College, and began his ministerial career at Moriah, Rhymney, in 1873. He wrote several Sunday School lesson books, the biography of at least three preachers of the denomination, and had conducted the magazine for the "Young People of Wales" and "The Children's Instructor." Mr Evans was for some time secretary of the Welsh Congregational Union. In 1911 he filled the chair of the union at Liverpool. Upon obtaining his "majority" at Siloa he was presented by the lady members with a gift of 100 guineas, while upon the completion of 40 years as pastor of the church he was the recipient of a representative testimonial approaching in value the sum of £1,000. He leaves a widow and three sons.

9. General Register Office: England & Wales Death Index
10. Western Mail
    1. • Date: 18 September 1930
       • Page: Page 10
       • Citation:

         "HIS LIFE WAS A SERMON."

         HOMAGE TO A GREAT WELSHMAN.

         FUNERAL OF THE REV. D. SILYN EVANS.

         Prominent Welshmen from every corner of the Principality paid their last tributes to the late Rev. D. Silyn Evans, minister of Siloa Congregational Church, Aberdare, who was buried on Wednesday in the Aberdare Cemetery. The service at the house was conducted by the Revs. W. Morse, B.A., and John Philliips, and Dr Lloyd Morgan and the Rev. J. D. Jones officiated at the graveside.

         Thousands of people congregated outside Siloa Chapel long before the service prior to the burial was held there, and the building and vestry were filled to capacity.

         Presiding at the chapel service, Dr. H. M. Hughes, M.A., referred to the late Rev. Silyn Evans as a prince of his denomination.

         Facets of his character were originality and humour. He was always in touch with the "werin" of Wales. He was a saint who was not afraid to laugh.

         The Rev. Canon J. A. Lewis, precentor of Llandaff Cathedral, said that Mr. Evans's life was a sermon to all those who knew him. He detested petty things.

         Dr. Peter Price, M.A., said the Rev. Silyn Evans was a prophet whose outlook was wider than that of most people of the present generation.

         The Rev. H. Elvet Lewis, M.A., commented upon the value of the Rev. Silyn Evans's contributions to the Welsh prose.

         Other speakers were the Rev. J. Griffiths and Mr. Edward Isaac.

         FAMILY MOURNERS

         The principal mourners were:- Mrs. Evans (widow), Messrs. R. John and Enider Evans (sons), John Evans (brother), Miss Maggie Evans (niece), Mrs. R. J. Evans (daughter-in-law), Mr. B. Evans (Carmarthen), Mr. Steven J. Evans (Cilfyuydd), Mrs. J. B. Evans, Mrs. Evan Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Corp (Tumble), Mrs. L. Jones, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Emerson, and Mrs. Maggie Corp (nephews and nieces).

         The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. J. Zachariah, Aberdare.

    2. • Date: 12 September 1930
       • Page: Page 10
       • Citation:

         A CELEBRATED MINISTER.

         DEATH OF THE REV. D. SILYN EVANS.

         FIFTY YEARS' PASTORATE AT ABERDARE.

         The Rev. D. Silyn Evans, for fifty years minister of Siloa Welsh Congregational Church, Aberdare, died suddenly on Thursday night at his home, 19, Tanybryn-street, Aberdare. He was in his 80th year.

         Two years ago he collapsed from a heart attack in Siloa pulpit and never fully recovered.

         Born at Gwernogle, he received his training for the ministry at Brecon Memorial College, and was ordained at Moriah, Rhymney, in 1873.

         Although of late years Mr. Evans took little part in public life, he found ample scope for his literary gifts. He wrote at least a dozen Sunday School lesson books, and the biography of at least three preachers of the denomination, including that of his predecessor at Aberdare, the Rev. David Price. He had conducted the magazine for the "Young People of Wales" and "The Children's Instructor."

         His contributions under "From Hill to Hill" in "The Tyst," the weekly organ of the denomination, formed one of its most interesting features.

         Mr. Evans occupied the chair of the Glamorgan association of the denomination, and was for some time secretary of the Welsh Congregational Union. In 1911 he filled the chair of the union at Liverpool.

         Upon obtaining his "majority" at Siloa he was presented by the lady members with a gift of 100 guineas, while upon the completion of 40 years as pastor of the church he was the recipient of a representative testimonial approaching in value the sum of £1,000.

         He leaves a widow and three sons.

    3. • Date: 22 December 1938
       • Page: Page 11
       • Citation:

         MR. J. EVANS, ABERDARE

         Mr. John Evans, who died at his home in Mary-street, Aberdare, on Wednesday, aged 84, was one of the senior deacons at Siloa Chapel, Aberdare, where his brothers, the late Silyn Evans, the Welsh litterateur and preacher, was minister for many years.

         Mr. Evans was a native of Gwernogle (Carm.), and had lived at Aberdare for nearly 50 years. A son and daughter survive him.

    4. • Date: 26 June 1934
       • Page: Page 11
       • Citation:

         COFIANT SILYN EVANS AR GOLL

         A Eill Rhywun Daflu Golau ar y Dirgelwch?

         GAN J. SEYMOUR REES

         Daeth cymanfa bregethu'r eglwysi Annibynnol sydd ym Merthyr a'r cylch yn hanner-cant oed ym Mai, 1918. Dathlwyd yr amgylchiad mewn modd teilwng trwy drefnu cyfarfodydd o werth anbennig. Erys yr atgof amdanynt yn fels hyd heddiw. Eithr am y tro ni'm diddorir yn gymaint gan yr ŵyl ei hun â digwyddiad arall a saif yn ei chysgod.

         Ar y pryd hwnnw yr oeddwn yn weinidog ar eglwys Ebenezer, Cefncoed-y-Cymer. Un o'r ddau weinidog a wahoddwyd gennyn ni i'r gymanfa oedd y Parch. G. Penar Griffiths, Pentre Estyll.

         Ar derfyn oedfa'r plant yn Soar, Merthyr, nos Sadwrn, brysiodd y ddau ohonom i'r llety. Cafwyd swper, ac wedi eistedd yn hamddenol o flaen y tân tynnodd Mr. Griffiths allan gasgliad helaeth o bapurau. Rhwymwyd y cyfan yn ddiogel ac yn weddol ddestlus. Yna, gan ddal y cyfansoddiadau yn ei law, gofynnodd i mi, "Beth yw hwn?"

         Dyfelais am dipyn o amser, gan gofio bod y dydd yn agos i ddanfon y cynhyrchion i'r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol am y flwyddyn honno. Gwyddwn hefyd mai pleser iddo ef oedd anturio i'r maes hwnnw yn dra mynych.

         Ar sail y syniad hwn mentrais ateb: "Traethawd yw ar gyfer yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol."

         "Nage'n wir," oedd ei ateb.

         Cofiant i Ddyn Byw

         Cymhellodd fi i roi cynnig arall, ond ofer fu pob ymdrech. O'r diwedd, gan drio'r casgliad yn ofalus yn ei law, ychwanegodd: "Dyma gofiant i ddyn sydd heddiw'n fyw."

         Disgynnodd y datguddiad hwn yn anhygoel ar fy nghlustiau. Ceisiais olau ar y gyfrinach, a chefais yr esboniad hwn.

         Un bore, ddeng mlynedd ar hugain cyn hyn, pan oedd Penar yn weinidog yn Aberfan, daeth gŵr adnabyddus ato i'r tŷ. Hysbysodd ei neges irwy ddweud i ddyn neilltuol ddod ato'n ddiweddar a cheisio canitâd i ysgrifennu cofiant iddo. Dadleuwyd am dipyn na fuasai dim angen o gwbl am gofiant. Eithr diwerth a fu'r drafodaeth honno.

         "Penar," ebr y cyfaill, "os bydd galw byth am gofiant ar ôl fy marw, dyma fi yn awr yn gofyn i chwi ei ysgrifennu."

         Ystyriwyd y mater yn fanwl nes i Benar addo cyflawni dymuniad ei gyfaill. Aeth ati'n ddiymdroi i gasglu ei nwyddau ac ysgrifennu pennod ar ôl pennod o'r gwaith. "A hwn," meddai, mewn edmygedd diymffrost, "yw'r anrhydedd pennaf a ddaw imi byth!"

         "Wel," gofynnais yn awchus, "cofiant i bwy ydyw?" Yr ateb a gefais oedd: "Cofiant i'm cyfaill, y Parch. D. Silyn Evans, Aberdâr."

         Y Darlun

         Ar gyfrif fy hoffter o'r gwrthrych a'r gofiannydd, deisyfais y fraint o gael gwrando ar rannau o'r cynnyrch. Darllenodd yntau bennod ar ôl pennod yn cynnwys y darluniau mwyaf byw o'r cymeriad amryddawn a hoenus.

         Fe'm dotiwyd gan gamera cyflym Penar yn dal Silyn mor naturiol bob tro. Effeithiodd y gwaith gwmaint arnaf nes aros yn eglur hyd y dydd hwn ar fy meddwl.

         Digwyddoedd yr amglychiad yma ar nos Sadwrn, Mai 11, 1918. Bu Penar farw yng nghanol ei gynlluniau, Rhagfyr 22, 1918. A safodd Silyn wrth ei arch i dalue ei deyrnged.

         Ar Chwefror 20, 1921, daeth i'm rhan i dreulio oriau yng nghwmni'r Parch. Silyn Evans. Soniais yn chwareus am ei gofiant. Eithr, er fy syndod, ni wyddai ef ddim am lafur Penar. Ceisiodd gennyf adrodd yr hyn a wyddwn. Ufuddheais, a diddorol iddo oedd yr holl fanylion.

         Coflai am rywun yn ei flino am ganiatâd i ysgrifennu cofiant iddo. Dywedodd am ei ymweliad ag Aberfan a'r addewid. "Ond," meddai, "feddyliais i ddim fod gair ar glawr."

         Yr Ymchwil

         Yn y diwedd ceisiodd gennyf chwilio am y cyfansoddiad. Atebais innau mai dieithr oeddwn i deulu'r cofiannyd. Yn wir, ychwanegais mai hawdd iddo ef oedd cael y cyfansoddiad. Wn i ddim beth a ddigwyddodd wedi hyn. Eithr ni chredaf iddo ef ymyrryd yn y mater ymellach.

         Nos Iau, Medi 12, 1930, bu Mr. Silyn Evans farw i ddilyn ei gofiannydd. Yn fuan wedi hynny bu galw am gofiant iddo o amryw gyfeiriadau.

         Bernais innau erbyn hyn mai fy nyletswydd oedd ymweled â Mrs. Penar Griffiths. Dywedais fy stori wrthi, a chefais bob cefnogaeth ganddi hi a'r teulu. Yn wir, rhoddwyd i mi yr hawl i chwilio drwy doreth o lawysgrifau a adawodd y llenor llafurus ar ei ôl. Ni chafwyd gair nac awgrym i gyfeiriad y cofiant.

         Llafur 30 Mlynedd

         Trwy garedigrwydd Mrs. Griffiths cyflwynwyd amryw o lyfrau gwerthfawr i Lyfrgell Genedalaethol Cymru. Ysgrifennais ar unwait at y llfrgellydd ynglŷn â'r trysor. Atebodd yntau, ar ôl turio'n fanwl, nad oedd y gwaith yno ychwaith.

         Yn ddiweddar cyflwynais y mater i sylw Mrs. Silyn Evans. Yr oedd y cyfan yn newydd hollo iddi, a dymnuai arnaf wneuthur fy ngorau i ddarganfod y cofiant coll.

         Hwyrach nad yw'r cofiant mor boblogaidd â chynt yn hanes Cymru. Er hynny, y mae angen cadw'r Parch. Silyn Evans y tu fewn i gloriau llyfr ar gyfer y dyfodol.

         Ac ni cheir dim yn hafal i lafur Penar am ei ddeng mlynedd ar hugain.

         A oes gan rywun belydryn o olau i'r daflu ar y dirgelwch?

          

          

          

          

          

         SILYN EVANS'S BIOGRAPHY IS MISSING

         Can Someone Shed Light On The Mystery?

         BY J. SEYMOUR REES

         The preaching assembly of the Independent churches in Merthyr and the surrounding area turned fifty years old in May, 1918. The occasion was celebrated in a fitting manner by organizing meetings of exceptional value. The memory of them remains vivid to this day. But for now I'm not so much interested in the festival itself as another event that stands in its shadow.

         At that time I was minister at Ebenezer church, Cefncoed-y-Cymer. One of the two ministers we invited to the assembly was Rev. G. Penar Griffiths, Pentre Estyll.

         At the end of the children's service in Soar, Merthyr, on Saturday night, we both hurried to the accommodation. Supper was had, and after sitting leisurely in front of the fire Mr. Griffiths brought out an extensive collection of papers. It was all tied securely and fairly neatly. Then, holding the compositions in his hand, he asked me, "What is this?"

         I thought for a while, remembering that the day was close to deliver the products to the National Eisteddfod for that year. I also knew that it was a pleasure for him to venture into that area very often.

         Based on this idea I ventured to answer: "It is an essay for the National Eisteddfod."

         "No indeed," was his answer.

         Memoir of a Living Man

         He encouraged me to try again, but all efforts were in vain. Finally, trying the collection carefully in his hand, he added: "This is a biography of a man who is alive today."

         This revelation fell incredibly on my ears. I sought light on the secret, and I received this explanation.

         One morning, thirty years before this, when Penar was minister in Aberfan, a well-known man came to his house. His message informed me that a certain man had recently come to him and sought permission to write a biography for him. It was argued for a while that there would be no need at all for a biography. But that discussion was useless.

         "Penar," said the friend, "if there is ever a demand for a biography after my death, I am now asking you to write it."

         The matter was considered in detail until Penar promised to fulfill his friend's wish. He immediately set about collecting his supplies and writing chapter after chapter of the work. "And this," he said, in unabashed admiration, "is the greatest honour that will ever come to me!"

         "Well," I asked eagerly, "whose biography is it?" The answer I received was: "The biography of my friend, the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, Aberdare."

         The Picture

         On account of my liking for the subject and the biographer, I requested the privilege of listening to parts of the product. He also read chapter after chapter containing the most vivid illustrations of the versatile and enduring character.

         I was impressed by Penar's fast camera capturing Silyn so naturally every time. The work affected me so much that my mind remains clear to this day.

         This revelation happened on Saturday night, May 11, 1918. Penar died in the middle of his plans, December 22, 1918. And Silyn stood by his coffin to pay his respects.

         On February 20, 1921, Rev. Silyn Evans came to my place to spend hours in my company. I playfully mentioned his biography. Besides, to my surprise, he knew nothing about Penar's labour. He asked me to tell him what I knew. I obeyed, and all the details were interesting to him.

         He longed for someone pestering him for permission to write a biography for him. He told about his visit to Aberfan and the promise. "But," he said, "I didn't think there was a word on the cover."

         The Research

         In the end I tried to search for the biography. I replied that I was a stranger to the biographer's family. In fact, I added that it was easy for him to get the biography. I don't know what happened after this. But I don't think he intervened in the matter further.

         Thursday night, September 12, 1930, Mr. Silyn Evans died to follow his biographer. Shortly after that there was a demand for a biography of him from various sources.

         I now felt that it was my duty to visit Mrs. Penar Griffiths. I told her my story, and I got every support from her and the family. Indeed, I was given the right to search through the abundance of manuscripts that the laborious writer left behind. There was no word or suggestion as to the direction of the biography.

         Labour of 30 Years

         Courtesy of Mrs. Griffiths, several valuable books were presented to the National Library of Wales. I wrote at once to the librarian about the treasure. He replied, after drilling in detail, that the work was not there either.

         Recently I brought the matter to the attention of Mrs. Silyn Evans. It was all new to her, and she wanted me to do my best to find the lost memoir.

         Perhaps the biography is not as popular as before in the history of Wales. However, it is necessary to keep the Rev. Silyn Evans inside book covers for the future.

         And there is nothing equal to Penar's labour for his thirty years.

         Does anyone have a ray of light to shed on the mystery?

    5. • Date: 30 April 1927
       • Page: Page 11
       • Citation:

         SUNDAY SKETCHES IN WALES.

         VII. - MEMORABLE HOURS AT SILOA, ABERDARE.

         By SAM JONES.

         On the road leading to Siloa Welsh Congregational Chapel, Aberdare, I met on Sunday morning a dear old gentleman. He looked Welsh, and, naturally enough, I addressed him in the native tongue: soon we were discussing "Yr Achos" (The Cause). Consequently, we became great friends.

         And how long had the Rev. Silyn Evans been a minister among them? His eyes glistened as he blurted out: "Mae o 'ma ers hannr can mylnedd bron" ("He has been here for nearly fifty years"), and in the same breath, for fear I should jump to unworthy conclusions, "A wyddoch chwi, mae o fel ??? o hyd!" ("And do you know, he is still like a boy!").

         The old gentleman chuckled, gripped my arm, and his face beamed with pride as he disclosed that thrilling secret. The "Cause" at Siloa was to him his very life-blood.

         This was a touch of old Wales, the Wales we love to dwell upon, and the touch was supplied by one grown old in her service and her religion.

         STRANGE SURROUNDINGS.

         I heard some time ago that "Nefoedd mob! Siloa Aberdâr yw cael Silyn yn y pulpit a William John wrth yr organ" ("Silyn in the pulpit and William John at the organ is the heaven of the people of Siloa, Aberdare"). I can now appreciate that statement.

         Owing to repairs to the chapel the services are being held at present in a hall across the way, but, despite the fact that the two stalwarts were in strange surroundings on Sunday morning, I got an excellent idea of what the Aberdare folk have fortunately experienced for many years.

         The old gentleman of the morning sat in front of me, and when his pastor appeared he turned his head round in my direction and, in hardly a stage whisper, his face eloquent the while, blurted out, "Dyna fe!" ("There he is!") Now, perhaps, you have an idea of what Silyn means to these good folk. Their pastor is one of the most distinguished-looking men it has been my good fortune to see - tall and slim, with an aesthetic face, a neatly-trimmed beard, a mass of flowing hair, and the bearing of the scholar-gentleman.

         There was no sermon that morning - it was a Communion service, and the celebration was inspiring in its simplicity.

         FATHER OF HIS PEOPLE.

         Silyn spoke in a fine, gentle voice, and in the language of the hearth, avoiding tendencies to oratory - he spoke in the manner of his people. As the services progressed I saw this man in his true light. He was a father to these people, and he dealt with his children in a manner gentle and kind, for you must remember he has been with them for nigh on fifty years.

         He pointed out to us what an excellent thing it was to gather together thus - we of diverse stations in life, of varied opinions, of many callings, congregated together as one big family to commune in a mode traditionally Welsh. Then came the consolation that this was a Wales that persisted; that he was not a pessimist, that the Wales of to-day was not worse than that of yesterday. Our youth was fundamentally as fine to-day as it had ever been. Times had changed, and modes and manners had altered, but Wales still remained.

         And this, mark you, from one who has laboured in the ministry for over fifty years!

         OPEN TABLE

         All were welcomed to take part in Communion - denominationalism was brushed aside; all that was needed, we were told, was love, and it was the commemoration of a living Christ.

         A great simplicity and humility held us that memorable morning, and in the pulpit was a wonderful patriarch - one of the captains of the old school.

         The hall was more than comfortably filled that evening, and what a rare time we had - hundreds of people who could sing, Mr. William John Evans as precentor, and Silyn in the pulpit!

         Believe me, these Aberdare people can sing. We sang "Maesgwyn," in which the bass can really let it rip (if you will permit the word) and the tenors can show what they can really do. We in the Swansea Valley are proud of our singing, but last Sunday night -! I can still recapture the thrilling effect.

         THE SERMON.

         The text of the sermon was, "Dost thou believe in the Son of God, "&c. (John ix, 35-38). The Rev. Silyn Evans never strives for effect; he preaches simply and deliberately. With one hand to detail off his points, the fingers of the other clasping the centre button of his waistcoat, he keeps his body practically rigid. He talks his sermon, and you cannot but listen, for he inspires confidence and belief in his mode of speech, for his choice of words is of the happiest.

         John, we were told, took Christ in His real manhood, and believed at the same time in His Divinity. We got here a glimpse of the unfolding of faith in the Lord God. Firstly, "The Man" whom the blind saw; then the "Prophet," lastly, "O God," and here is obtained the highest and most intensive view of Him, namely, "The Son of God." Christ was the Son of God from the beginning of all time, and was conscious of the fact, and of the union between Himself and the Father. The blind, after having his sight restored, knew that Christ was a prophet; he now sought a consolidated faith in the Son of God, and desired to become conscious of it. Knowledge intesifies faith, and faith leads to still wider knowledge. The truth is also emphasised that faith is a matter for the individual. This age tends to lose sight of the individual in class and party, and even Church. Jesus always dealt with the individual. This is a faith for every-day life. Eternity, God, and every form of goodness are found in the present time. God had a great regard for His Son - have we a regard for Him?

         Last Sunday night I realised very strongly the fact that if you take the man away from the sermon you lose the very essence of the sermon itself. The mere presence of the Rev. Silyn Evans seems to suffice. He carries into the pulpit an air of majesty and of righteousness which lend to his sermon a great charm and power. He is of the traditional Wales - he is certainly a justification of it. And he is so sure of his message, a sureness we would assign to an optimistic young man with a world before him.

         A COMPROMISE.

         A little while ago I dared to suggest the title of Peter Pan of the Welsh pulpit for Pedrog. I must compromise. Shall we say that the Rev. Silyn Evans is his elder brother - but quite as young? Remember that Silyn has edited "Dysgedydd y Plant," a children's magazine, for the last forty years!

         I cannot convey to you the ardour of the congregation. Mr. W. J Evans is a tower of strength in himself. The results he obtains in congregational singing are amazing - he deserves an article to himself - and he and Silyn together are a unique pair in Welsh Nonconformity.

         I have tried to think of one word that will sum up the great quality of this congregation, and the one word that occurs to me is democracy. Let me illustrate my point. The morning service was closed in prayer by a colliery official and in the evening by a miners' agent. This is the real Wales - this is the Wales we must not lose. It is said to be a passing Wales - God forbid!

         Next Saturday: Services with the Forward Movement in Glamorgan

    6. • Date: 4 April 1930
       • Page: Page 8
       • Citation:

         SILYN AND SILOA.

         THE WELSH ESSAYIST OF ABERDARE.

         AT A WEDDING.

         CHALLENGES TO BRIDAL COUPLE.

         By WIL IFAN.

         It is not often that people go to a wedding in order to see the officiating minister, but on this occasion the minister was the Reverend Silyn Evans. It is no disparagement of the gloriously attired young people - for even Aberdare itself, the home of beauty, could not have produced a more radiantly beautiful bride and retinue - to say that it was Silyn's wedding.

         THE ESSAY INCARNATE.

         I watched every moment of his. It is one thing to read Silyn the author and essayist, and it is not remarkable that the two outstanding Welsh essayists, certainly the two youngest and raciest should be septuagenarians - Pedrog of "Y Brython" and Silyn of "Y Tyst"? But it was an added delight to see the essay incarnated - the humorous sally lit on its way by the sudden gleam of the eye, the dramatic injunction echoed by the jerk of the head and arrow to the heart along a terrible finger. "Wilt thou have this woman ...?"

         Often have I heard that question asked, but Silyn made it a dreadfully challenging thing, and it was with a sense of relief that we heard the young man's reassuring reply, "I will."

         "Very well; that will do! You are right!" Then a sudden turn to the woman. The same question, but every word has a softer colour now. "You will place this ring on her finger: any finger you like: it is your ring now, but, remember, once you put it on her finger it is her's - for ever." Who can forget that "for ever" uttered by Silyn's voice and Silyn's face?

         One knew now that marriage is not a mere matter of walking along the same path for a few years. Silyn's word rang on, echoed and re-echoed along the corridors of eternity. And between these dreadfully sacred and burning moments Silyn could afford to be as homely and as playful as he liked; he was reminiscent: "Fifty years ago the girl evangelists came to Aberdare and so well did they preach that I remember advising our bachelor ministers to marry them - to get them out of the way."

         "GOLD, INCENSE, AND MYRRH."

         What if other clergymen ventured along the paths so fearlessly trod this morning? The reverent solemnity would be shattered irreparably, but such was the sheer alchemic property of Silyn's vivid and vivifying personality that all was turned to gold, and may I venture to add, incense and myrrh. A joyous human relationship was being solemnised by the touch of a good man and He, born of woman, was being adored.

         At the porch there was a deluge of multicoloured confetti, as if a rainbow had fallen in showers upon Siloa, but under the shower I still thought of the preacher. What it he had ventured to an English pulpit? He himself once told Dr. Garvie that there were only two things that had kept him from accepting a call - a faint heart and the verb "to be." Of course, he is a most cultured English speaker; but would the English church be equal to the demands of this authentic specimen of the Welsh genius; or can the Silyn type only bloom in the Siloas of Wales?

    7. • Date: 2 June 1922
       • Page: Page 8
       • Citation:

         OBITUARY.

         FUNERAL OF MR. T. BEYNON EVANS, J.P.

         TRIBUTES TO A PROMINENT PONTYPRIDD MAGISTRATE.

         The funeral of Mr. T. B. Evans, J.P., of Bristol House, Cilfynydd, Pontypridd, took place on Thursday at Glyntaff Cemetery. The first part of the service was held at Moriah Congregational Church, Cilfynydd, where the Rev. Richard Williams (the pastor) officiated, assisted by the Rev. Edryd Jones, of Bradner-street, London, the late pastor. Well-known hymns were sung in Welsh, Mr. T. Llewellyn Jenkins being the organist.

         Addresses testifying to the useful services rendered by Mr. Evans were delivered by Mr. H. H. Evans, J.P., agent to the Albion Colliery, Cilfynydd (on behalf of the public authorities), and Mr. William Jones, J.P., representing the local magistrates. Mr. Jones remarked that for many years he was a colleague of Mr. Evans', and he found that his desire was always to do good for his fellow-men. For the ward in which he lived he did valuable work. All he could do he did, very often at considerable sacrifice.

         The mourners included Mrs. T. B. Evans (widow), Mr. Steve Evans (son) and Mrs. Evans; Mrs. Bessie Williams (daughter) and Mr. Williams; the Rev. D. Silyn Evans (brother) and Mrs. Evans, Aberdare; Mr. John Evans (brother), Aberdare; Mr. Henry Evans (brother), Carmarthen, and Miss Evans; Mr. Henry Davies, Carmarthen, and Miss Annie Davies; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davies, Skewen, Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan Davies, Skewen, and Miss Ethel Davies; Mr. Tom Davies, Poplars, Cilfynydd; Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Coedpenmaen; Mrs. Davies, Porth; Mr. Emdar Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Beynon Evans, Mr. Edgar Williams, and Mr. Rees John Evans, Aberdare. Mr. T. A. Lewis, M.P., Mr. D. Lleufer Thomas, M.A. (stipendiary magistrate), Mr. Hedley Williams (Worshipful Msater of the Merlin Lodge of Freemasons, to which the late Mr. Evans belonged), Mr. D. Milton Jones (director of education), and others wrote regretting their inability to be present.

         Marching in front of the funeral cortege were about fifty members of the Glamorgan Constabulary, headed by Deputy-chief-constable John Williams and Supt. J. L. Rees, of the Treharris Division. Among the magistrates present were Messrs. John Evans, T. Taylor, Hopkin Morgan, Ben Davies, J. John, and Stephen Adams, and Alderman E. H. Fleming, while the members of the Pontypridd Council who attended were Messrs. Arthur Seaton, J.P., W. J. Davies, E. T. Jones, and J. Phillips, and the Rev. D. G. Hughes. The local board of guardians was represented by Mr. Ivor Thomas (late chairman), Mrs. Gwilym Thomas (who was accompanied by Mr. Thomas), Mr. Llewellyn Williams, and the Rev. E. Lewis (Cilfynydd). In addition to others mentioned in connection with governing bodies, the Merlin Lodge had representatives in Messrs. A. Lewis, A. J. Bray, W. H. Edwards, T. Parry-Thomas, and Huw T. Richards.

         Others present were Alderman W. R. Davies, the Rev. Illtyd Jones (vicar of Cilfynydd), Mr. David Evans, Mr. Stanley Jones (solicitor, Pontypridd), Mr. J. D. Jones, Mr. Hugh Harris (Norton Bridge), Mr. John Evans (secretary of the Cilfynydd War Memorial Fund, of which the deceased gentleman was chairman), Mr. Matthew Williams, Mr. T. Williams (manager of the Albion Colliery), Mr. Henry John (under manager), Mr. H. L. Porcher (clerk to Pontypridd Council), Mr. J. E. Teasdel (gasworks manager), Mr. W. E. Lowe (surveyor), Mr. E. Jones, Mr. D. L. Williams, Mr. David Williams (Treforest), Mr. Oliver Lewis (workhouse master), Dr. and Mrs. Williams, Mr. Coates (captain of the local fire brigade), Mr. Wm. Thompson, Mr. Tom Jones (late schoolmaster at Coedpenmaen), Messrs. John Christopher, Abraham Lewis, Philip Thomas, Evan Phillips, and Richard Williams (deacons at Moriah Church), Mr. Benjamin Rosser, Mr. John Jenkins, Mr. Dan Rees (miners' agent), Mr. Fred Warren (Albion Hotel), Mr. Isaac Isaac (under-manager at the Troedyrhiw Colliery, Merthyr), Mr. John Farr (Mill-street Schools), Messrs. D. Owen, D. J. Griffiths, and John Evans (on the staff of the Cilfynydd Boys' School), Mr. Emrys Meyrick (Cilfynydd), Mr. Bert Thomas (Rickard's Hotel), and Mr. T. Isaac (Cilfynydd).

         Floral tributes were sent by: The Widow and Children, Baby Gerwyn, the Rev. Silyn Evans (Aberdare) and Family, Vaughan and Mabel Davies (Skewen), Percy, Mary, Gwen, and Arley (nephews and nieces from Exmouth); Tradespeople at Cilfynydd, Moriah Sunday School, Moriah Congregational Church, Cilfynydd School Staff, Pwyllgor Gwmanfa Gann, Mr. and Mrs. Muir, of the gasworks; Mrs. Davies, Graigwen, Porth; Mr. Richard Davies and Family (Skewen), officers and brethren, Merlin Lodge; Mr. Tom Ll. Jenkins, organist at Moriah Church; staff and workmen, gasworks, Treforest; staff, Bristol House; Dr. and Mrs. Tudor Williams, and Mrs. Morgans, Pantdu Farm.

11. 1911 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: RG14/32412/185
    2. • Page: RG14/32504/120
12. 1921 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: RG15/27061/20
13. 1851 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: HO107/2483/43/28
14. 1861 United Kingdom Census
    1. • Page: RG9/4186/73/12
15. General Register Office: England & Wales Birth Index
16. Kensington News and West London Times
    1. • Date: 28 July 1911
       • Page: Page 7
       • Citation:

         "SILYN EVANS."

         The Rev. D. Silyn Evans, of Aberdare, who has been elected chairman of the Union of Welsh Independents, is one of the "characters" of the Welsh pulpit, says the Christian World. Born at Gwernogle, Carmarthenshire, sixty-one years ago, he began to preach before he was twenty, and after a course of training at the Brecon College, was ordained as pastor of Moriah Church, Rhymney. Seven years later he removed to Ebbw Vale, but only remained there a short time, as he accepted the pastorate of Siloah Church, Aberdare, where, for over thirty years, he has ministered with marked success. He is not only a great preacher, but also an author of repute. He has published several works in the Welsh language, and is the editor of the weekly Tarian y Gweithiwr and the monthly Dysgedydd y Plant.

17. J Beynon Davies, ed. Henry Lloyd: Cofiant y Parch. David Silyn Evans
    1. • Page: Page 9-10
       • Citation:

         Ganwyd Silyn yn ardal dawel, anghysbell Gwernogle, lle nad oedd na thrên, na thelegraff, na theleffôn; lle nad oedd geir-lechres y trigolion yn cynnwys rhagor na phedwar gair yn yr iaith fain - yes a no, Carmarthen a Paddington. Yr enw cyntaf a glywsom arno oedd "Silyn Wyllt"; a phan welsom ef gyntaf erioed, yng Ngholeg Aberhonddu yn 1870, cawsom ein siomi: dôf a diniwed iawn oedd yr olwg arno, a'r argraff gyntaf a adawodd arnom oedd ei fod yn dduwiol, a'r un yw ein barn amdano hyd y dydd hwn. "Darn arian" ydyw - un o dylsau (jewels) Duw - diamond of the first water.

         Y peth gorau a allwn ei wneud ydyw rhoi ei hanes yn ei eiriau syml a bywei hun:

         "Gwrando hanes bore fy oes. Cefais fy ngeni yn 1850, mewn ffermdy bychan, unig, o'r enw Llynmerdy, ar ochr y ffordd fawr, ger Llidiadnenog ar un llaw ac Eglwys Llanfihangel Rhosycorn ar y llaw arall. Magwyd fi i fyny gan fy nhad a'm mam, John a Peggy, yng nghwm pentref Gwernogle - yn un o saith o blant, meibion i gyd - ar lan afor Clydach, ynghanol coedydd derw, a gwern, a chyll. Cefais ychydig o ysgol ddydd iol yn Ysgol y Plwy, Llanfihangel Rhosycorn - ysgol rad, ac ysgol yn gorfodi holl blant y plwy i fyned i'r Eglwys ar y Saboth. Euthum at grefydd i gapel Annibynnol Gwernogle, lle'r oedd fy nhad a'm mam yn aelodau, pan eoddwn yn troi ar 15 oed. Cefais argyhoeddiad rhyfedd am fy mhechod, rhwng 14 a 15 oed, sydd yn aros yn eu dylanwadau tan heddiw. Wylais fwy yr adeg honno am fy mhechod nag a wylais un amser ar ol hynny. Pregethwr oeddwn am fyned cyn i mi uno â chrefydd, ond siopwr y bwriadai fy rhieni i mi fod: am hynny fe ddaru iddynt fy mhrentisio am dair blynedd yn siop Pencader. Nid oeddwn yn fodlon i hynny o gwbl, eto ufuddheais ac euthum, ond gweddiwn bob dydd am i Dduw fy rhyddhau oddi yno heb fod yn hir, a hynny yn arhrydeddus; a chyn pen blwyddyn euthum yn sâl iawn, a dywedodd y doctor fy mod yng ngafael y decline, a bod rhaid i mi adael y siop am byth ar unwaith. Felly yr atebodd Duw fy ngweddi, a rhyfedd yw yn fy ngolwg hyd heddiw. Euthum, ar ol gwella, i Ysgol Ramadegol Jonah Evans, Llansawel, i baratoi i'r coleg; ond nid oedd fy rhieni yn abl i'm cadw yno. Yn rhagluniaethol, bodlonodd ffermwr caredig o'r ardal roddi lodging rhad i mi am flwyddyn, ac yr ooddwn innau yn pregethu ar y Saboth ac yn cael tua thum swllt bob Saboth i dalu am fwyd ac ysgol - yn cael fy nghynorthwyo, wrth gwrs, yn ol eu gallu, gan fy rhieni annwyl."

         Aeth i Goleg Aberhonddu yn 1870, a gweithiodd yn galed gyda gwreiddiau yr Hebraeg, y pren Groeg a Lladin, ac Euclid, &c., tra bu yn y coleg, a myfyriwr ydyw byth. Cafodd ei ordeinio i gyflawn waith y weinidogaeth ym Moreia, Rhymni, yn 1873, lle y bu yn llwyddiannus iawn am saith mlynedd. Y mae yn Siloa, Aberdar, er 1880, yn "ddisgybl annwyl" ymysg ei frodyr yn y weinidogaeth ac yn dywysog ymsyg ei bobl. Y mae wedi dringo i safle uchel yn yr Enwad. Cyfrifir ef yn un o brif bregethwyr yr Enwad. Y mae yn awdur llyfrau poblogaidd, yn neilltuol i blant. Y mae ei "Bywyd Iesu Grist i'r Plant" wedi cael cylchrediad go gyffredinol trwy'r holl eglwysi. Efe ydyw golygydd Dysgedydd y Plant. Y mae wedi bod yn Ysgrifennydd yr Undeb Cymreig, ac yn tanio'r miloedd ar ei esgynlawr â'i huodledd rhaeadrol a llosg; ond gartref y mae ef yn frenin. Bydded iddo gael byw yn hir i wasanaethu ei genedl a'i oes.

         - "Album Aberhonddu," 1898.

          

         Silyn was born in the quiet, remote area of ​​Gwernogle, where there was no train, no telegraph, no telephone; where the inhabitants' vocabularies did not contain more than four words in the fine language - yes and no, Carmarthen and Paddington. The first name we heard of him was "Wild Silyn"; and when we first saw him, at Brecon College in 1870, we were disappointed: he looked very tame and innocent, and the first impression he left on us was that he was pious, and our opinion of him is the same until the this day. He is a "coin" - one of God's jewels - diamond of the first water. The best we can do is to give his story in his own simple words:

         "Here is the story of the morning of my life. I was born in 1850, in a small, lonely farmhouse called Llynmerdy, on the side of the main road, near Llidiadnenog on one hand and Llanfihangel Rhosycorn Church on the other. I was brought up by my father and mother, John and Peggy, in the valley of the village of Gwernogle - one of seven children, all sons - on the banks of the Clydach estuary, in the middle of oak, alder and hazel woods. I had a little Sunday school at Ysgol y Pwy, Llanfihangel Rhosycorn - a cheap school, and a school that forces all the children of the parish to go to Church on the Sabbath. I went to religion at Gwernogle Independent chapel, where my father and mother were members, when I turned 15. I had a strange conviction about my sin, between the ages of 14 and 15, which remains in their influence until today. I wept more at that time for my sin than I have ever wept since. I wanted to become a preacher before I united with religion, but my parents intended me to be a shopkeeper: for that reason they decided to apprentice me for three years in Pencader's shop. I was not satisfied with that at all, yet I obeyed and went, but I prayed every day for God to release me from there before long, and that is honorable; and before the end of a year I became very ill, and the doctor said that I was in the grip of decline, and that I had to leave the shop forever immediately. So God answered my prayer, and it is strange in my eyes to this day. After recovering, I went to Jonah Evans Grammar School, Llansawel, to prepare for college; but my parents were not able to keep me there. Providentially, a kind farmer from the area was content to give me cheap lodging for a year, and I would preach on the Sabbath and get around 10 shillings every Sabbath to pay for food and school - being helped, of course, according to their ability, from my dear parents."

         He went to Brecon College in 1870, and worked hard with the roots of Hebrew, Greek and Latin, and Euclid, &c., while he was at college, and he is always a student. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry in Moreia, Rhymney, in 1873, where he was very successful for seven years. He has been in Siloa, Aberdar, since 1880, a "beloved disciple" among his brothers in the ministry and a beloved prince of his people. He has climbed to a high position in the Denomination. He is considered one of the main preachers of the Denomination. He is the author of popular books, especially for children. His "Life of Jesus Christ for the Children" has had general circulation through all the churches. He is the editor of Dysgedydd y Plant. He has been the Secretary of the Welsh Union, and ignites the thousands on his ascension with his cascading and fiery eloquence; but at home he is king. May he live long to serve his nation and his life.

         - "Album Aberhonddu," 1898.

18. Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo
    1. • Date: 11 June 1896
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         "TRUEINIAID Y TRI-ENWAN." - The adoption of a secondary Christian name has, for some time, become a popular practice in Wales. In the majority of cases it implies the neighbourhood the bearer hails from. For instance, the Rev. D. "Silyn" Evans, the biographer and successor of the late Rev. David Price, Siloa Chapel, acquired his "middle" name from a farm called Capel Sant Silyn, on the bank of the river Clydach, near the village of Gwernogle. The farm was built on the site of an old chapel from which it derives its name. It was there Mr. Evans spent seven years of his youth. The playful phrase, "Treuiniaid y Tri-Enwan," was coined, we believe, by the late Dr. Edwards, of Bala.

    2. • Date: 23 June 1893
       • Page: Page 6
       • Citation:

         CONDOLENCE. - Our readers will regret to learn, and we are sure will join us in an expression of most sincere condolence with the Rev. D. Silyn Evans and his brother on the death of their father, which took place in Carmarthenshire yesterday week, after a long and most painful illness. The event, as is very often the case, occurred at a most inopportune time for the reverend gentleman, viz., on the day he was to have left for Conway, North Wales, to attend to the arrangements for the Welsh Congregational Union to be held there next week. Mr. Evans, as most of us know, is one of the secretaries of the Congregational Union, and in that capacity it was necessary for him to be on the spot a few days in advance. He was to have preached there on Sunday also, but of course this sad affair necessitated his abandoning all this. At Siloah Chapel - the reverend gentleman's church - on Sunday morning, the senior deacon, Mr. Dan Thomas, referred in feeling terms to the sorrowful event, and it was evident his sentiments found ready echo in every heart present.

    3. • 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.

19. UK Government: National Probate Calendar
    1. • Date: 6 November 1930
       • Page: David Silyn Evans
       • Citation:

         EVANS David Silyn of 19 Tanybryn-street Aberdare Glamorganshire died 11 Septembre 1930 Probate Llandaff 6 November to Ivor James John coal merchant and Robert Thomas Rosser colliery sales manager. Effects £1518 7s. 9d.

20. Horfield and Bishopston Record
    1. • Date: 4 June 1920
       • Page: Page 2
       • Citation:

         MR. LLOYD GEORGE's CRITICS CRITICISED.

         One of the most brilliant and independent of Welsh Congregationalists is the Rev. D. Silyn Evans. He is very indignant at the abuse that has been showered upon the Prime Minister by certain disappointed politicians, and in the "Tyst", which is the weekly organ of his denomination in Wales, he declares that all the reviling of Mr. Lloyd George, as if he were a thief and a murderer, is in truth only a suggestion of his superiority. It is as clear as the day, says Mr. Evans, that one and only one, without the shadow of a competitor, is qualified to be Prime Minister. There are periods in history when there are many of equal merits available to serve the State, while there are other periods when there is only one, and he more than a conqueror, who stands alone and above his rivals like Joseph in Egypt - one who is irresistible like the tide of the sea. Writing of the Welsh outlook, the "Tyst's" editor gives it as his conviction that the hatred of the Prime Minister is so bitter and so unfair that many of his readers are wearied by the attacks.

21. 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.

    2. • Date: 8 June 1906
       • Page: Page 1
       • Citation:

         DEATH OF MISS SARAH EVANS, GELLY. - After a few days illness, Miss Sarah Evans died on Saturday last at the early age of 38 years. With her parents, to whom she was a great comfort especially so to her father who is blind, the greatest sympathy is felt; her funeral took place at the Tabernacle Chapel on Tuesday, of which place she was a faithful member. Addresses, in which her Christian character was highly eulogised, were made by the pastor, the Revs W. Davies; Silvan Evans, Aberdare; W. Bowen, and H. T. Jacob, Peniel, near Carmarthen.

22. Y Celt
    1. • Date: 15 June 1906
       • Page: Page 1
       • Citation:

         Claddedigaeth yn Tabernacl, Llandilo.

         Prydnawn dydd Mawrth, Mehefin 5, am 3.30, rhoddwyd yn y ddaear gorff y chwaer Miss Sarah Evans, o'r Gelli, yn ei 40 mlwydd oed. Merch ydoedd i Henry Evans a'i briod Mrs. Evans, y rhai ydynt, fel y perthynasau ereill, mewn galar dwys ar ei hol. Yr oedd ei rhieni yn bwriadu yn yr Hydref i droi allan o fywyd fferm, ac ymneillduo i dy llai, ac yr oeddynt a'u bwriad i'w chymeryd hi gyda hwynt, ond "nid fy meddyliau I yw eich meddyliau chwi." Yr oedd y gladdedigaeth yn lluosog mewn rhif ac yn ddwys mewn teimlad. Cymerwyd rhan yn y gwasanaeth gan y Parchn. H. T. Jacob, Peniel yn y ty, ac i ddechreu yn y capel gan y Parch. D. Silyn Evans, Aberdar, ac yn canlyn caed pregeth yn llawn o arucheledd mewn symledd gan y gweinidog, y Parch. W. Davies; gweddiwyd ar lan y bedd, a rhoddwyd emyn i'w ganu gan y Parch. Thomas (C.M.) Byr ond poenus fu ei chystudd. Nos Fercher ydoedd mewn oedfa yn gwrando pregeth; cyn y boreu yr ydoedd mewn llewyg, ac erbyn nos Sadwrn yr ydoedd wedi marw. Cydymdeimlir yn far a'r rhieni yn nghlych Llandilo, ac a' brawd a'i chwaer yn y Mount Pleasant, yn nghyd a'r plant ereill yn y wlad hon, ac yn America.

          

          

         Burial at Tabernacle, Llandilo.

         On the afternoon of Tuesday, June 5, at 3.30, the body of the sister Miss Sarah Evans, from Gelli, was buried in the ground, aged 40. She was the daughter of Henry Evans and his wife Mrs. Evans, who, like the other relatives, are in deep mourning for her. Her parents intended to move out of farm life in the Autumn, and retire to a smaller house, and they intended to take her with them, but "your thoughts are not mine." The burial was numerous in number and intense in feeling. Rev. H. T. Jacob, Peniel took the service in the house, and to start in the chapel by Rev. D. Silyn Evans, Aberdare, and following there was a sermon full of sublimity in simplicity by the minister, the Rev. W. Davies; a prayer was made at the graveside, and a hymn was given to be sung by the Rev. Thomas (C.M.) Her affliction was short but painful. On Wednesday night she was in a service listening to a sermon; before morning she was in a faint, and by Saturday night she was dead. Our condolences go out to the parents in Llandilo, and to her brother and sister in Mount Pleasant, along with the other children in this country, and in America.

23. Aberdare Leader
    1. • Date: 9 June 1934
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         The Rev. Silyn Evans.

         UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL TABLET IN SILOA.

         "Cofeb i'r Parch. D. Silyn Evans, gweinidog i'r eglwys hon o 1880 hyd ei farw yn 1930.

         Llenor coetn. Bugall gofalus. Pregethwr byw a Christion gloyw."

         This was the inscription on a memorial tablet unveiled at Siloa Welsh Cong. Chapel, Aberdare, last Sunday afternoon. A free translation reads: "Memorial to the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, pastor of this church from 1880 to 1930. A cultured litterateur, faithful shepherd, a live preacher and a pure Christian."

         There was a very large congregation. The introductory portion was taken by Mr. J. Afanydd Morgan. The pastor, the Rev. R. Ifor Parry, M.A. (who presided) then called upon the widow, Mrs. Silyn Evans, to unveil the tablet, which she did.

         There were four speakers. Mr. Ivor John, the corresponding secretary of the church, gave a very vivid and natural description of Silyn's characteristic, in the course of which he said he felt it a great honour to say a word of their old and revered pastor, Rev. D. Silyn Evans. His simplicity of character, his faithfulness in his work, which was always methodical and punctual. His practical sympathy to those in need was one of the special features of his ministry. Moreover, Silyn Evans was a great consoler of those in sorrow, and unique when officiating at marriages. There were many present at that service, added Mr. John, who would never forget the Rev. Silyn Evans' prayers at a wedding. Like the Apostle Paul, Silyn had fought a good fight, and his ministry at Siloa had been wonderfully harmonious, and it had left behind a fragrance that would last for many years to come.

         Mr. Robert T. Rosser, Cardiff, who was financial secretary of the church for 18 years, spoke of his late minister as a preacher. He was glad, said Mr. Rosser, to see so many present to pay tribute to a great preacher. Nowhere had he (the speaker) been received with greater warmth than at Mr. and Mrs. Evans' home. He and Mr. Evans did not always see eye to eye on all questions. He looked at things from the financial standpoint, and Mr. Evans would take the ministerial point of view, but Mrs. Evans would be able to smooth matters out by giving the outlook of the congregation. He heard the Rev. Penry Evans say on one occasion that every sermon and every address delivered by the late Rev. Silyn Evans ought to be taken down in shorthand and preserved. Every word which fell from Mr. Evans' lips was worth storing. It was a source of gratification to him (Mr. Rosser) that Mr. Evans had recevied him into membership and had officiated at his wedding. The late Mr. Evans was an inspired preacher. He would sometimes rise suddenly and deliver a great sermon on the spur of the moment.

         MINISTERIAL GARB.

         Mr. Rosser caused some amusement by referring to the clothes of ministers. He liked to see them dressed like ministers, with "dog" collars. He apologised to Mr. Parry (who was seated behind him wearing a "wing" collar) for expressing his opinion on that point. He also liked to see deacons dressed like deacons - black coat and vest with striped trousers.

         When Mr. Rosser finished speaking, Mr Parry remarked that he did not know what occupation Mr. Rosser followed. He wondered whether he was a tailor. At any rate he (Mr. Parry) believed in wearing collars as they were made to be worn - front to front and back to back.

         Furthermore he would like to cite a verse from the Scripture: "Is not the body more than raiment?"

         Mr. Jacob Phillips, deacon, said he was one of Silyn's children; he did not remember the Rev. David Price. Silyn Evans understood humanity better than anyone else. He was an ideal minister, and he had infused a good spirit in Siloa, for although he seemed abrupt at times, he was full of the spirit of Jesus Christ. He visited the General Hospital every week, and offered words of consolation and comfort to every patient. In closing, Mr. Phillips said that Silyn was an authority on everything that pertained to the ministry, and he (the speaker) prayed that the spirit of Silyn Evans would remain in the church for ever.

         Principal Ivor Leslie Evans, M.A., was the final speaker, and in a fine speech said that Silyn was the last in the line of the prophets. He would like to read to them a chapter very fitting to this occasion. It was not found in our Bible, but would be found in the book of Ecclesiasticus. Mr. Evans then read in a very impressive manner the chapter, which begins with "Let us now praise famous men and the fathers who begat us."

         Silyn Evans had been the centre of the life of that chapel for 50 years, and it was fitting that they should remember him in this manner. The late Mr. Evans possessed culture of the country type, was a Welshman and a Democrat to the core. He loved his walk to the Graid, for he was fond of getting into close communion with Nature and Nature's God. He lifted his eyes to the mountains from whence his strength came, like the Psalmist of old. His playfulness, his ready wit, were the direct outcome of his free spirit.

         After referring to his boyhood days in Siloa, when he used to come along with his grandmother and grandfather (Mr. and Mrs. Rees Evans) he commented on the task which lay before the new young minister. He wished Mr. Parry and the church every success in the difficult task which lay ahead of them. Let them face the future with resolution and courage, and to God be the praise and glory for ever and ever.

         The congregational singing was very hearty, Mr. W. J. Evans presiding at the organ.

         The tablet was made and erected by Mr. J. Phillips, sculptor, Cardiff Street, Aberdare.

    2. • Date: 12 March 1921
       • Page: Page 1
       • Citation:

         FORTY YEARS' MINISTRY.

         PRESENTATION TO REV. D. SILYN EVANS.

         Wednesday (Mar. 9th) was a red-letter day in the history of Siloa Church, Aberdare. The Rev. D. Silyn Evans has just finished his fortieth year as minister of the church, and the members decided to show their appreciation of the work done by their minister, and also the good feelings that existed between members and their minister, in a tangible form.

         In the afternoon at the hall a tea was held, at which congratulatory addresses were given. The ladies of the church had amply provided the tables with luxuries.

         The evening meeting was held at the CHurch, and was presided over by Mr. J. H. Powell, J.P., Danygraig. The sacred edifice was full. The adult choir was arranged each side of the organ, and the children's choir occupied the front.

         A large number of ministers of every denomination were present. Mr. W. J. Evans, organist and choirmaster of the church, played a selection on the organ.

         The meeting was opened with the singing of a hymn by the audience, after which the Rev. Aerwyn Jones, Cwmdare, led in prayer.

         The Chairman in his opening remarks, said he considered it a privilege to be present, and felt greatly honoured to preside over such a huge gathering that had come to do honour to the Rev. D. Silyn Evans. When he first heard that the church intended making a presentation to their minister, he said "Well done, Siloa." Silyn deserved a testimonial if anyone did. He had worked hard and conscientiously in religious and other circles. As a rule Welsh congregations did not believe in giving in too great abundance to their ministers. It was pleasing to him and others that Siloa had not confined the fund to themselves, but had made it public. Although the rev. gentleman had been the minister of Siloa for 40 years, he had been of great service to other churches. The Rev. Silyn Evans was too great a man to be confined to one church or one denomination. He belonged to Wales as a whole. This was not only a presentation meeting, but a gathering of friends and sympathisers to encourage the minister and the church as well. Some people remarked that the pastor of Siloa was always "on the go." That was quite true. But he could tell his audience that if they wanted to see his other trait, viz., standing, they must go to his study. Congregations all over the country had felt the effects of his work in his study, and they had been greatly impressed by his discourses.

         The Chairman called upon Mr. Ivor John, one of the secretaries of the church, to read letters from friends who were unable to be present. Mr. John said that a large number of letters had been received, among them being messages from Viscountess Rhondda, several M.P.'s, Dr. Hopkin Rees (late missionary in China), Mr. D. R. Llewellyn (High Constable), Mr. W. Jones, Nottingham (an old member of Siloa) and one from the church at Gwernogle where Mr. Evans had been brought up. After this Mr. Robert T. Rosser, financial secretary of the church, gave a report of the amount subscribed to the fund, viz., £862, and cheques were still coming in, and he hoped they could reach the round sum of £1,000 before the fund was definitely closed. He (Mr. Rosser) felt it a pleasing duty to be connected with the presentation.

         Rev. G. Windram (Primitive Methodist), on behalf of the English churches of the town, was pleased to be present and to say a few words in praise of the work the Rev. D. Silyn Evans had done for his Master. The church by honouring their pastor was honouring the Master. The name of their pastor was a household word, and he was revered by all Christians.

         The Rev J. A. Lewis, B.A., vicar of Aberdare, considered it a great privilege to be present and to add a few words of praise to their friend. He felt glad that the church was honouring one of the servants of God that evening and especially one who had served them for 40 years. The Rev. Silyn Evans was one of the chief among the prophets. He (the Vicar), considered himself one of the minor prophets. He had never been introduced to his friend. They first met at a hospital in the town, and friendship sprang up between them on that occasion. The Apostle Timothy said that one of the things necessary as a qualification to become a bishop was "a good report of them which are without." Well, their friend had passed that test and could be made a bishop. St. Elvan's Church was situated on a beautiful site, and if that church was made a cathedral they could have the Rev. Silyn Evans as a bishop, and stalls for the minor prophets. (Laughter).

         Rev. James Griffiths, Calvaria, said that Mr. Evans had been a great help to him during his stay of over 30 years in Aberdare. He (Mr. Evans) was one of the first to welcome him when he came to this town. After being in his company he always felt happy and more energetic for work. The church honoured their pastor because he had honoured the faith by his preaching and doings.

         At this stage the children's choir gave a sweet rendering of "Blant bychain," Mr. W. J. Evans accompanying.

         Rev. H. M. Hughes, B.A., Cardiff, said that he represented three bodies that evening, the Congregational Union (being the chairman of that body), his own church, and himself. The Rev. Silyn Evans was one of the most honoured men of the Congregational body, and he had passed through the highest offices of the Union, When secretary of the Union, his organising abilities soon came to the front, and when he was honoured as chairman of the Union, his address was considered one of the best ever heard. Their friend was a true prophet; he could read the signs of the times pretty accurately. He was a born journalist, and had been connected with a number of periodicals. He could write for children, and that was a thing every man could not do. He was humorous in the truest sense of the word. He had taken a special interest in young men, and was always ready to give advice. He wished the church and their pastor great prosperity for years to come.

         Mrs. Thomas, Little Wind Street, one of the oldest members of the church, was called upon to present Mrs. Silyn Evans with a beautiful brooch and dressing case, which she did in a pleasing manner.

         Mr. Wm. Thomas, the oldest deacon, gave a brief review of the work done by their minister during the 40 years.

         Mr. W. J. Evans, on behalf of the church choir, presented Mr. Evans with an umbrella. In a few remarks Mr. Evans said that their pastor was always ready to assist the choir, and he personally had always found him a true and faithful adviser, and hoped to see him ministering in that church for many years to come.

         The chief element of the evening was now reached. Mrs. D. P. Davies was the chosen person to present the cheque to the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, but she was unable to be present and her place was taken by her daughter, Mrs. Neville Pugh, who in a very neat speech, handed the cheque to Mr. Evans, and hoped that he would be spared for a long time as a minister of Siloa. She said that her father was unable to be present owing to illness, but he wished them all a pleasant evening.

         Bardic addresses were given by the Revs. R. H. Davies, Cwmbach, Jno. Phillips, Mountain Ash, and Mr. Afanydd Morgan, Aberdare.

         The Rev. D. Silyn Evans in reply, thanked all his fellow-ministers for their presence at the gathering, and also the friends for their presentation. He wished to thank them in a special way for the presentation to his wife, and to the choir for the umbrella. What he had done for members of the choir was very little, and he would feel it a pleasure to be of some help to them in the future. He would take the opportunity some Sunday evening of thanking the members of the church for their good wishes to him and his family.

         The Rev. Jacob Jones, on behalf of the District Meeting, added a few remarks.

         A pleasant evening was brought to a close by a grand rendering of the "Hallelujah Chorus" by the choir, Mr. W. J. Evans accompanying at the organ.

    3. • Date: 20 September 1930
       • Page: Page 5
       • Citation:

         The Rev. D. Silyn Evans.

         Passes Away in his Sleep.

         End of a Long and Useful Life.

         In a late edition of the Aberdare Leader last week it was reported that the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, 19 Tanybryn Street, Aberdare, passed away suddenly on Thursday evening, Sept. 11th.

         Mrs. Evans had been away in Mumbles during the day and Mr. Evans had requested her that morning to go straight to the seiat meeting in Siloa vestry on her return, and that he would meet her there. She did so but her husband was not there and she became rather anxious.

         Their son, Mr. Emdar Evans, was the first to discover that his father had expired. On reaching home from Cardiff shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday he found him lying on the couch, apparently dead. Dr. Martin Jones was sent for and the doctor declared that life was extinct. Friends then went to inform Mrs. Evans and the meeting was brought to an abrupt conclusion.

         "Dies in harness - a beautiful death." This is the verdict of his friends. It was a death which he himself had prayed for. A live, active worker throughout his long and useful career, weeks or months of enforced idleness would have been agonising to him. He was a busy man and besides his ministerial duties he contributed voluminously to the Welsh Press.

         Silyn, as he was belovedly known, was a familiar figuer not only in the streets of Aberdare but far beyond the confines of this valley. As chairman of induction meetings he had no equal and never had a peer. He was strikingly original, but his witty sayings and quick repartees were always in good taste, and no pastor ever exercised greater tact, a sine qua non of ministerial brethren.

         Recently he told a friend: "Only two ministers of the very old school survive. One is the Rev. Ben Davies, Newcastle Emlyn. The other is myself." Strange that both these venerable saints should be transferred from their labour to their reward within two or three weeks of each other. Strange, too, that in the week Silyn died there should appear from his pen a brilliant article in the "Tyst" on the passing of the Rev. Ben Davies.

         He had written at least a dozen lesson books for the use of the Sunday School; biographies of noted preachers, including that of the Rev. David Price, his predecessor in Siloa. He edited for many years "Dysgedydd y Plant" ("The Children's Instructor"), and both his matter and style made a wonderful appeal to young readers.

         He occupied the chair of the Glamorgan Association of the denomination and was for some time secretary of the Welsh Congregational Union. In 1911-12 he filled the chair of the Union.

         Had he lived a few more weeks he would have completed 50 years ministry of Siloa, and the church members were looking forward to celebrating the jubilee in becoming fashion.

         Upon obtaining his "majority" at Siloa he was presented by the lady members with a gift, and upon the completion of 40 years as pastor of Siloa a testimonial was organised on his behalf. The late Mr. D. P. Davies, J.P., and Mrs. Davies, Ynyslwyd, were among the generous contributors, and a sum approaching £1,000 was realised.

         The rev. gentleman was born 80 years ago in Gwernogle, a village near Carmarthen. Previous to coming to Siloa, Aberdare, 50 years ago, he ministered for 7 years in Rhymney. He leaves a widow and three sons, who are the objects of universal sympathy.

         REMINISCENCES OF SILYN.

         BY THE REV. W. BRYN THOMAS.

         [We have received the following from the Rev. W. Bryn Thomas, B.A., Port Talbot, late of Cwmbach. Mr. Thomas explains in his letter that he was unable to be present at the funeral, because he is attending the ordination of Mr. W. J. Williams, Cwmbach, at Bow Street, Aberystwyth.]

         With the passing away of Silyn the Welsh pulpit and Aberdare in particular has sustained a distinct loss. There was but one Silyn. There never can be another.

         Ordained at Moriah, Rhymney, in 1873, he was one of the sevel "rebels" of Brecon College, who rebelled against the curriculum and the authorities of that period. As it is the custom at ordination services to have a sermon preached on the Nature of the Church by one of the college staff, we can imagine the predicament in which the seven recalcitrant ordinands found themselves. And yet the seven of them were ordained, and ordained to strong and important pastorates. Silyn is known to have suggested that "The Nature of the Church" be ignored in favour of an evangelical address, but the church at Rhymney was too conventional to omit an item of such importance. Eventually they succeeded - after all the ministers of Monmouthshire had one after the other refused to promise even to be present at the ordination of a "rebel" - with a young minister who had himself only newly been ordained, the late Rev. James Edwards, Neath, then of Ebbw Vale. The ordination ceremoney over, Silyn was kept under observation for some years, and it was on sheer merit, based upon a seven years' experience of him as a neighbour, that a church in Ebbw Vale extended to him a "call," which he accepted. He commenced his ministry at Ebbw Vale in 1880, and the same year preached on a "supply Sunday" at Siloa pulpit, Aberdare, rendered vacant by the decease of the Rev. David Price. Silyn's eloquence and prophetic qualities captured the huge congregation at Siloa with his morning sermon - his first message. By the evening of the same Sunday the multitudes were thronging to the chapel of Siloa preparing to call unto themselves a successor to the late Mr. Price. That night they unanimously decided that the young man from Ebbw Vale was the man for Siloa. They approached him. He acceded to their pressing appeal, and on being asked when it would be convenient for him to commence his duties at Aberdare, "Week after next" was the startling reply.

         It transpired later that he had already given notice to his church at Ebbw Vale for some unknown reason, and that notice would expire the following Sunday.

         Thus he commenced and finished his ministry at Ebbw Vale in the same year - a feat not unknown in Congregational circles even to-day! And that was 50 years ago this month (1880). Startling as may have been his sudden reply to Siloa 50 years ago, he was quite as "startling" in everything he said and did throughout his long and successful ministry. Nor did the congregations drop. The morning service at Siloa is as good as it used to be in days of yore. And Silyn was at his best - fresh, virile, pointed, and intensely eloquent - always in the morning service.

         His very walk was characteristic of the genius in him: he could never keep in step with others. His was a unique step; his furrow apparently a lonely furrow. Yet with due propriety could he say like Addison that he was never less alone than when alone. He was an Independent amongst Independents, but to be a recluse was not Silyn. He played his part - as no one else could - in the many-sided life of the modern age - local, regional, national and international.

         My five years' ministry as his neighbour in Cwmbach revealed to me the friend and the genius that was in the man. Many a Saturday afternoon, when the burden of the day would weigh heavily on a minister's spirit, did I meet him on the Abernant Incline. Never did I leave him without being differently "inclined" myself. His gaze was a boon, his company a tonic.

         A NOTABLE OCCASION.

         Who will forget his address at the ordination service of Principal J. Morgan Jones, M.A., at Tabernacle, Aberdare, when, to the supreme delight of Principal Fairbairn, of Mansfield College, Oxford, Silyn described the people of Gwernogle (his native village in Carmarthenshire) as "coming to chapel dwmp-di-damp in their clogs"? Ever since that day that famous divine used to refer to Silyn all over the world as that "little genius of Aberdare".

         His presidential address from the Chair of the Union of Welsh Independents at Liverpool (1912) will always be remembered as the most un-Silyn-like that Silyn ever made. It was one address he read at Liverpool; quite another he published in the Tyst the following week, and still another he gave for the annual report of the meetings a few months afterwards. He could not be formal, conventional, and as other people. His greatness lay not in that direction, but in the spasmodic, often incoherent, utterances that were no less that precious valuables hewn from an original human soul. And a Great Soul at that.

         His gift as a preacher and writer I will leave for others more capable than I to describe. Only once did I hear him preach. I wrote to ask him whether he would be home the following Sunday morning, so that I might have the privilege of hearing him preach once in my life-time. I would arrange a substitue in my own pulpit for that privilege. Back came a postcard with these few words jotted together in the top left-hand corner of the card, exactly as if all the words were vieing with one another for the same position in space! This was the reply :-

         Dewch a chroeso pawb:
         - "i ddywedyd gair" yn fy lle.
         Dyna'r unig ffordd amdani:
         Yn ol deddf y Mediaid a'r Persiaid.
         D.S.E.

         That was all, but that was Silyn.

         I was purposely late that morning at Siloa lest I should be called upon and compelled to preach instead of listening. It was a great service, and I would not have missed it for anything. He abounded in prophetic touches. But as preacher, editor, and writer I withhold my pen from trying to describe him. I will content myself with mentioning only just one or two more of the touches that were characteristically Silynian.

         Inspector Thomas, of the Glamorgan Constabulary, had just returned to Aberdare from Abercynon. He had been promoted to an inspectorate. Silyn at the time was confined to bed with the "flu." But he could not withhold his letter of congratulations to Inspector Thomas. After a few congratulatory sentences, supplemented with the explanation that he was "kept under rags by doctor's orders," here came the closing sentence :-

         "Let me assure you that as soon as I step out from here, I shall step in by there."

         That again was Silyn.

         Sir D. R. Llewellyn was being knighted, and the ministers of the town were being invited amongst others to the knighting ceremony on Aberdare Athletic Grounds. Out of profound respect for Sir D. R. and the Llewellyn family, Silyn was bound to be there. Nothing was too much to do in honour of Sir D. R. that day. And a young football enthusiast, who understood the psychology of the crowd, came round selling badges, sixpence each. Sixpence was neither here nor there when such a personality as Sir D. R. Llewellyn was to be honoured. Silyn bought one, if not two, and stuck them in the lapel of his coat. He was walking quite absent-mindedly through the throng, all eyes fixed on him, when a friend of his pointed out to him that the badges had nothing to do with the ceremony, but were the result of a device on the part of some football enthusiast to help along the Athletic Society. But that portrays Silyn's inner man. Even at the expense of being ridiculed he was true to the last to a friend.

         His real genius, perhaps, was best revealed at ordination services and in extempore addresses at funerals. To those who were privileged to sit as his feet as worshippers at Siloa, there were undoubtedly other occasions innumerable that could be cited. But I speak as an outsider who was not privileged to be a worshipper at his church.

         A RURAL ALLEGORY.

         I shall never forget his opening address at my ordination at Bryn Seion, Cwmbach, when he compared the ordaining of a young man into the Christian ministry to the habit that was prevalent in the farms of Carmarthenshire and rural Wales in his younger days. At eventide, said Silyn, it was customary in those days for the whole family of one farm to pay a visit to a neighbouring farm. The father and the mother, the sons and the daughters, the man-servants and the maid-servants of that other farm would remain home that evening to welcome the guests. Then when the visitors would be going home, the whole family of the farm which they visited would send them to the "turnpike road." Then one would find the father and the mother, the songs and the daughters, the man-servants and the maid-servants, the cats and the dogs, the geese and the turkeys, the pigs and the ducks - all these sending the visitors part of the way until they would reach the "Turnpike Road." "So is an ordination service," concluded Silyn, "the young candidate for the ministry is being sent part of the way by his parents, friends, etc., to the 'Turnpike Road.' But after this (turning to me) you are to go by yourself." There culminated the independence of the man after a most inspiring allegory that could not be but original.

         Then at funerals: it was at the funeral of the late beloved Rev. J. Grawys Jones, Ebenezer, Trecynon, a life-long friend of Silyn's, that I heard him last. He was too sorely cut that day to give expression to his feelings, indeed so cut-up that he could not think of going to the graveside. Yet, oft-times, it was funerals that brought out what was characteristically "Silynian." He could link the life of the departed to some topic of the day, sum it up most spendidly in from five to ten minutes, and that in a fashion that was all his own. To those who were at the funeral of the late Rev. John Thomas, Merthyr, the memory is still fresh of the unique way in which Silyn spoke to that departed "divine" in his coffin and concluded:

         "Mae pen y bryniau'n llawenhau
         Wrth weld yr haul yn agoshau,
         A'r nos yn cilio draw."

         The people's darkness was all ablaze with radiant hope. And so was Silyn always and ever. I heard him confess at our quarterly meetings at Soar, Mountain Ash, that he could see no difficulties in life, simply because he would not see them.

         But now he is departed. Not lost but only gone before. May the God he preached and lived so excellently for so long a period help us to cherish his memory and emulate his life.

         THE FUNERAL.

         10,000 People Wait in the Rain.

         The funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday). After a short service at the house, where the Revs. W. Morse, B.A., Trecynon, and John Phillips, Mountain Ash, officiated, the cortege proceeded to Siloa Chapel, which was full to overflowing.

         About 10,000 people lined the streets between the Town Hall and the Cemetery, and as the shops in the town were closed from 2 to 3 o'clock, it was thought the service would be over by the latter hour. Rain fell heavily soon after two o'clock, but still the people waited to pay a tribute to one whom they had learned to esteem. It was 4.15 when the procession re-formed outside the chapel and proceeded to Aberdare Cemetery.

         At Siloa Chapel the Rev. H. M. Huges, D.D., O.B.E., Cardiff, had charge of the service. The Rev. J. Sulgwyn Davies read a chapter, and the Rev. Morgan Price offered prayer.

         The speakers included the Revs. H. M. Huges, Jas. Griffiths, Calvaria; Canon J. A. Lewis, B.A., Vicar of Aberdare; Mr. Isaac Edwards, J.P., Merthyr; Rev. W. J. Nicholson, Portmadoc; Rev. Peter Price, D.D., Swansea; Rev. H. Elvett Lewis, M.A., London, and Rev. H. T. Jacob, Fishguard.

         As the congregation assembled, Mr. W. J. Evans, the church organist, played Chopin's "Funeral March." The choir sang "The Beatitudes" very sweetly. The playing of the "Dead March" from "Saul" closed a memorable and an impressive service.

         The mourners were :- Mrs. Silyn Evans, widow; Mr. Rhys John Evans and Mr. Emdar Evans, sons; Mr. John Evans, brother; Miss Maggie Evans, niece; Mrs. Rhys John Evans, daughter-in-law; Mr. Beynon Evans, Carmarthen; Mr. Steve J. Evans, Mrs. T. B. Evans, and Mrs. Evan Williams, Cilfynydd; Mr. and Mrs. Corp, Mrs. Lottie Jones, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Evson and Mrs. Maggie Corp, Tumble, nephews and nieces; Mrs. and Mr. Walter Williams, J.P., Pentre; Mrs. and Rev. Howell Jones, Treorchy; Mr. and Mrs. W. Williams, Rhymney; Miss Evans, Aberdare; Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Rhymney, Mr. Davies, Bargoed; Mr. and Mrs. Gwilym Perkins, Rhymney; Mr. Tom Williams, Rhymney; Mr. Dd. James Williams, Rhymney; Miss Bromham, Cross Bychan; Mrs. M. Timms, Gilfach Goch; Mr. R. S. Timms, Gilfach Goch; Mr. J. W. Evans, Glyn Neath; Mrs. S. Parker, Glanaman; Mrs. Jones, Garnant; Mrs. Scourfield, Garnant; Mrs. Beynon Evans, Miss Annie Evans, and Mr. David Evans, Llanfynydd; Mr. Beynon Davies, Llandilo; Mrs. D. J. Evans, Mrs. Glynarwen Evans, and Mrs. Edith Evans, Aberdare; Mr. and Mrs. Thackeray, Monmouth, friends.

         At the graveside, the Revs. J. D. Jones, Llandilo, and D. Lloyd MOrgan, D.D., Pontardulais, officiated, and the hymn, "O Fryniau Caersalem," was fervently sung.

         Beautiful floral tributes were recieved from :- Family; Rhys Johna nd family; Mr. T. B. Evans, Cilfynydd; Siloa Chapel Sunday School; Siloa Hall Sunday School; Ysgoldy Siloa; David and Edith; Howell and Polly; Walter and May; Marion and Ned; Mrs. T. Phillips adn son; Miss Evans, Mary Zachariah; Siloa Choir; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Dowlais; Mrs. and Miss Hughes; John Lewis and Miss Davies; Mrs. Williams; J. Williams's Class; Dan Edwads; Dorcas Society; Mrs. Powell and nieces; Tabernacle Church; Miss Henry; Mrs. Leyshon Jones and family; Siloa Cong. Church; Siloa Deacons; R. T. Rosser and family; D. Rees Jones and family; Mrs. M. Timms; Mrs. Williams; John Owen and Maggie.

         The bearers were the deacons of Siloa. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. J. Zachariah, Aberdare. Tea was served for the visitors in Siloa Hall.

    4. • Date: 27 September 1930
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         The Late Rev. D. Silyn Evans.

         IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAL SERVICE AT SILOA.

         One of the most impressive meetings ever held at Aberdare was the service which took place on Sunday evening at Siloa Chapel to the memory of the beloved pastor, the late Rev. D. Silyn Evans. Long before six o'clock the chapel was filled to overflowing. The preacher was the Rev. H. M. Hughes, M.A., D.D., O.B.E., Cardiff.

         Before announcing his text, Dr. Hughes said he deemed it an honour to preach from the pulpit which his bosom friend, the late Rev. Silyn Evans, had occupied for such a long term of years, and from which he had preached the Gospel without fear. The late Rev. Silyn Evans was a sincere and courageous man, of unblemished character, a seer, and a man of great personality. He was a said in the true sense of the word. He felt it was a great responsibility for him to officiate at a memorial service in respect to his faithful friend. He and Silyn had been like David and Jonathan. While his departed friend was secretary of the Welsh Congregational Union, he (Dr. Hughes) was assistant secretary, and they worked harmoniously together. But he was rather puzzles as to what text would honour the memory of a man who had filled the role of a servant of God so inspiringly.

         He had three texts which he thought were very appropriate to the various characteristics of Silyn:- St. Luke, 12th chapter, and 37 verse, "Blessed are those servants whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching"; (2) St. John, v., 35, "He was a burning and a shining light"; and (3) II. Timothy, iv. 7-8, "I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the rightous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

         Dr. Hughes, who spoke under strain of deep emotion, added that Silyn was not a man who fell asleep at his work. He was always on the alert. He saw visions, and was ever ready to hold the truth in its highest form. There was no loitering in the life of Silyn; he was always on the move. He was not a politician, but his great virtue was that the best of him should be of service to every man, irrespective of creed or class. He would be a friend to the lowest as well as to the highest. He was not a man of arguments. At the time of the meetings of the Welsh Congregational Union at Liverpool, during the respite one day he (Dr. Hughes) and Silyn paid a visit to Liverpool Cathedral. It was at the time when the Disestablishment of the Church in Wales was the burning question of the day. When they were in the precincts of the cathedral, they met a canon, who argued with them regarding Disestablishment, and he (Dr. Hughes) had to bear the brunt of the discussion. Silyn left the scene. When he met Silyn later, Dr. Hughes referred to the trick he had played on him. Silyn replied characteristically, "You can argue all the time with no effect. I have seen the cathedral, but you have only seen a canon."

         Silyn wasted no time on arguments; his sole desire was to show the great truth which was in the Eternal Gospel. His visions were of a wide range and were full of variety.

         His writings in the press were full of mysticism. He was a clear and brilliant thinker. He was an essayist of the front rank, and not many had the gift he possessed of being able to write strikingly on any topic or to comment on current events.

         Dr. Hughes added that it would be very appropriate to gather all the essays Silyn had written and publish them in book form. It would be a very precious book, for Silyn was a man before his time, and he had enriched Wales with his literary work. He was the editor of a children's magazine, "Dysgedydd y Plant," for a number of years, and he captured the spirit of childhood until he was as facile in the literature of children as he was in the literature of theologians.

         Although Silyn was humorous, he was sincere. To use Moffatt's interpretation of the first text, Silyn was "wide awake" in his church, in the cause of the Gospel, and in everything which was of good report.

         Silyn thought a lot of Abedare - "Sweet 'Berdar" he affectionately called the town of his adoption. Once he (Dr. Hughes) jocularly said something which was detrimental to the name of Aberdare in Silyn's hearing. But Silyn championed the town and gloried in its traditions. He loved the Welsh language, and encouraged everyone to cultivate the habit of reading its fine literature.

         Silyn was a man of service. His candle burned unceasingly for 50 years at Siloa, and he was faithful to the cause of Christianity whenever he went from home. His work on earth had been completed, and was worthy of the crown of glory. His work as a minister was a pleasure to him, and his life could be emulated by the younger generation.

         Dr Hughes, in closing, said that Wales was losing many fine leaders of the Christian Church, and he earnestly hoped that ere long others would follow the footsteps of those who did their duty in the past.

         The precentor was Mr. W. J. Evans, who also presided at the organ. Suitable hymns were impressively sung during the service.

         The large congregation was deeply impressed by the sermon.

         The chapel choir sang the anthem, "Pwy yw y rhai hyn," and also the chant, "Hyd nes y daw." This chant was very appropriate to the occasion, for the words, "Hyd nes y daw," were the last written by Silyn in an article under the heading, "O Fryn i Fryn," which appeared in a Welsh denominational paper on the late Rev. Ben Davies, Newcastle Emlyn.

         Members of the late Rev. Silyn Evans' family were present. - D.M.

         THE FUNERAL.

         In the funeral report the names of David John and Arwyn Evans, grandsons, were omitted; also a wreath from "Dosbarth Beiblaidd y Chwiorydd".

24. Burial Register - Aberdare Cemetery
    1. • Page: David & Sarah John
25. Thomas Preece: Gravestone photographs
    1. • Date: 17 July 2018
       • Page: David & Sarah John, Aberdare Cemetery
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26. 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.

27. 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

28. findagrave.com
    1. • Page: Anna Evans / Sarah Evans
    2. • Page: Ann Evans / Henry Evans
29. The Cambria Daily Leader
    1. • Date: 13 January 1916
       • Page: Page 3
       • Citation:

         LLANDILO.

         The death has occurred, in her 76th year, of Mrs. Ann Evans, wife of Mr. Henry Evans, of Headington Villa, Ffairfach, and formerly of Gelly Farm, near Trapp. Deceased, who was well known and greatly respected, was the mother of Mr. David Evans, Mount Pleasant, who for years was a prominent member of the Llandilo Board of Guardians and Rural District Council; Mr. Wm. Evans, a prominent San Francisco attorney; and Messrs. D. Evans, Oakland; Col and Joseph Evans, Ogden, Utah, both large business men in the States. The remains were interred at Tabernacle Congregational Church, Ffairfach. The officiating ministers were the Revs. W. Davies, The Walk; D. B. Roberts, M.A., B.D.; D. Bowen, Hermon; and H. T. Jacobs, Fishguard. The Rev. Silvyn Evans, Aberdare, took the service at the graveside. The chief mourners were: Mr. H. Evans (husband); Mr. and Mrs. D. Evans, Mount Pleasant (son and daughter-in-law); Rev. and Mrs. J. D. Jones, Llanfair, Cardigan (son-in-law and daughter); Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Cilwoon, Llandilo (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. Preece, Porth; Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths, Cymer (cousins); Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Llangyfelach (nephew and niece).

         Sergt. Morgan, son of Mrs. Morgan, formerly of the Rose and Crown, is now at home on sick furlough, having been wounded in the heel in the Dardanelles.

         A meeting of the local Advisory Committees was held on Tuesday. There were, we understand, about 100 appeals. A good number were put back. The exemptions were very few.