4 December 2015

Window to the past: 1891



THE 1891 CENSUS FOR MELIN Y COED AND ENVIRONS
Transcribed by Ken Davies

In 1891, a new Elementary Education Bill made free education available for all families in England and Wales. The Times newspaper made a devastating attack on the Prince of Wales, condemning him for mixing in doubtful society and indulging in “questionable pleasures”, thereby putting at risk the “monarchial principle”. Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles was published, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was published in The Strand Magazine. Nearly one third of the population now lived in towns of more than 100,000 inhabitants, compared with just one in eight in France.

Meanwhile in Melin Y Coed, enumerator Owen Hughes was preparing for his written entries in the 1891 census. This census is fortunately more specific with places of birth.

Dinah Parry of 1 Glanllyn Terrace, a 42 year old widow, invited him in to record her family’s details. She was born in Cerrig y Drudion, as was her 24 year old labourer son Robert. She certainly would have had other children but the ones living with her on that day were Owen 8, Margaret 5 and Lewis 3, all Welsh speakers born in Melin y Coed.

2 Glanllyn Terrace housed Owen Jones, 24, a labourer from Penmachno, and his wife Mary, 22, of Llanrwst. Their children Willie, 2, and Elizabeth A., just 2 months old, were born in Melin y Coed. All spoke Welsh.

Next to them lived joiner John Davies, 29, with wife Martha, 32, children Ellen Alice, 4, Gwladys, 2, and 3 month old Alwen. All were born in Melin y Coed apart from Martha who came from Pentrefoelas. All Welsh speakers.

Thomas Davies, 26, a quarry labourer from Eglwysfach lived at No. 4 with his wife Ellen, 26. She came from Nebo. Both spoke Welsh only.

Llanrwst born William Owen, 34, a joiner and his family lived at No. 5. His wife Mary, 29, came from Llanrhychwyn. The couple originally lived in Llanddoget where Ellen, 7, and William, 5, were born. They moved to Llanrwst where Elizabeth, 2, was born, before living here. All Welsh speaking.

6 Glanllyn Terrace housed farm labourer Joseph Roberts, 25, of Eglwysfach. Wife Jane, 22, of Nebo had given birth to Samuel Thomas 10 weeks previously in Melin y Coed. All Welsh speakers.

The final residents in the terrace were Mary Jones, 70, a widow from Ysbyty Ifan and her 33 year old son Rhys who was a slate quarry labourer, born in Llanrwst. Welsh speaking.

60 year old widow Ellen Davies of Ysbyty Ifan, a Welsh speaking domestic housekeeper lived in one part of Ty Hwnt I’r Afon.

In the other part resided 34 year old labourer Griffith Jones of Llanrwst with his wife Ellen, 32, of Penmachno. Their first child Mary, 7, was born when the couple lived in Llanddoget. They moved to Llanrwst where Robert, 5, was born, and 4 year old Rhys was born in Melin Y Coed. All Welsh speaking.

Ty Uchaf was farmed by Owen Hughes, 45, of Llanllechid, who was also a corn merchant. He and his Llanrwst born wife Mary, 32, had four children living at home, all born in Melin y Coed; Jane Anne, 15, Hugh Owen, 12, R. Owen, 7, and 5 year old Mary Letitia. Assisting on the farm was domestic servant Elizabeth Williams, 23, of Llanrwst, whereas 51 year old widower Daniel Williams of Trefraith, Henllan was a corn miller. R. Owen and Mary Letitia spoke Welsh only, the others were bilingual.

 
Above: Ty Ucha

Lynch Bridge Jones, 39, a labourer, lived at Tan Y Fron with his wife Jane, 33, and daughter Ellen A., 1. All were born in Llanrwst and spoke Welsh.
 
Above: Tan y Fron

Also living at Tan Y Fron was Welsh speaking bachelor John Jones 68 of Llanrwst.

Mary Jones, 57, was the village grocer who naturally lived at the shop, with her game keeping husband Robert, 58, and their niece Elizabeth Brilon Roberts, 13, who assisted in the shop. All Welsh speaking and Llanrwst born.

Other Tan y Fron residents were Edward Thomas, 32, a labourer and his wife Mary, 36. Both Welsh speaking and Llanrwst born.

Widow Ellen Williams, 67, of Llanddoget, a housekeeper, lived at Coedmawr and was bilingual.

Pentre Uchaf housed sisters Gwen Evans, 67, a widow, and Jane Thomas, 64. Both were Welsh speaking housekeepers and Llanrwst born.

Widower Robert Roberts, 41, a labourer, lived at Ty Newydd. He and his daughter Elizabeth, 18, a seamstress, were born in Gwytherin. His other two children Isabella, 4, and Abel, 1, were born in Melin y Coed. Abel’s age informs us that Robert was only recently widowed. The age gap between Elizabeth and Isabella suggests that there could have been other children. All spoke Welsh.

 
Above: Ty Newydd

Farming Garth Hebog was 45 year old John Owens with his wife Diana, 39, and children Grace, 15, I. Robert, 14, Catherine Mary, 12, (noted as at school), Anne, 10, Thomas, 7, and Owen,3. Another Welsh speaking family born in Llanrwst.

Catherine Jones, 72, and widowed, farmed Ty Mawr. She and her son D.E. (David Ellis) Jones, 49, who managed the farm, were Llanrwst born. D.E.’s wife Elizabeth E., 43, came from Birkenhead. Two of their children Elizabeth C.(Catherine), 23, a domestic servant and William O. (Owen), 14, a farm servant were Liverpool born. The couple moved to Llanrwst around 1878 where Lewis E., 12, a farm worker and Augusta I.H., 7, scholar were born. All were bilingual.

 
Above: Ty Mawr

Fronwen is entered on the 1891 census, crossed out and noted as uninhabited.

Widow Jane Williams, 56, farmed Pen Ucha’r Gwyllt. Living with her was her 2 year old granddaughter Margaret Jane, both Welsh speaking, from Llanrwst.

Griffith Jones, 54, a labourer, annotated mason, lived at Ty Capel Nant y Rhiw, with wife Mary, 50, and children William, 12, Robert, 9, and Thomas O., 4. All were born in Nebo, and spoke Welsh.

 

Stockings dealer O. Jones, 43, of Nebo lived at Penbryn Capel with wife Jane, 42, of Llanddoget. Their son R. Thomas, 13, was born in Llanrwst. O. Jones’ brother John, 50, of Nebo also lived with the family. The enumerator notes that John was a dealer in stockings 30 years ago and had retired – at what age is uncertain. John is also sadly noted as insane.

A Welsh speaking family born in Nebo lived at Ty Newydd, Nant y Rhiw, general labourer Thomas Jones, 47, wife Mary, 47, William, 22, and John, 14, both also general labourers and scholar Margaret Elin, 11.

Tyddyn Gabriel housed quarry labourer Daniel Jones, 37, of Llanelian, Llangernyw born wife Catherine, 42, and 2 year old son John E born in Melin y Coed. Other family members living there included John, 75, Daniel’s widowed father from Llanfair TH, and Daniel’s cousins John Roberts, 28, and William Roberts, 20, both also quarry labourers, born in Llanelian. All were Welsh speaking.

Widow Grace Roberts, 80, farmed Bryniog Isaf with her son William, 54. I.N.G. Thomas, 14, her grandson worked there with Richard Davies, 18, and domestic servant Leah Davies, 12. All were Welsh speakers born in Llanrwst.

 
Above: Bryniog Isaf

Nearby Bryniog Plas had farmer Edward Edwards, 59, from Ysbyty Ifan as head of household. Wife Hannah, 56, hailed from Capel Garmon, and their son John, 28, who worked on the farm, was born in Melin y Coed. Anne Jones, 16, of Llanrwst was employed as a domestic servant. All spoke Welsh.
 
Above: Edward Edwards died at the age of 75 in 1907, Hannah aged 76 in 1910, and their son Henry aged 56 in 1916.
Thanks to Lee Wetton of rhos-on-sea.com for permission to use the above photo.

Road worker Evan Roberts, 62, of Capel Garmon and his wife Catherine, 57, of Llangernyw lived at Pennant Cottage (Pen Nant). Both spoke Welsh.

 
Above: Pen Nant

Another part of Pennant Cottage was occupied by labourer William Jones, 63, of Nebo, and his wife Margaret, 58, of Ysbyty Ifan. The three sons living with them were all born when the couple lived in Nebo, Evan, 28, William, 25, and Cadwaladr, 21. All were labourers. The family all spoke Welsh.

Pantymaes is crossed out with the annotation of 2 (houses) uninhabited.

William Williams, 56, of Trefriw was a farmer living at Maes Gwyn. His wife Margaret, 57, also came from Trefriw, and daughter Elizabeth, 14, was born when the couple lived in Llanrwst. Employed by them as servants on the farm were Elizabeth Williams, 15, of Penmachno, R. I. Evans, 26, and William Jones, 19, both of Nebo. Elizabeth was the only bilingual member of the household.

Tan y Fron is deleted with an annotation of uninhabited.

Brynbedda appears next on the 1891 census. Residing there we have labourer David Thomas, 52, of Betws y Coed, wife Jane, 56, of Nebo, and daughter Eliza, 20, a skirt seamstress born in Llanrwst. All spoke Welsh.

Robert Roberts, 70, who farmed Bryniog Uchaf, was born in Gwytherin and his wife Ann, 53, came from Llanrhychidyn. Their 5 year old grandson Robert O lived with them and was Llanrwst born. Their servants were Mary A Evans, 16, from Nebo and Thomas Williams, 16, from Llanrwst. All spoke Welsh.

Thomas Williams, 41, farmed Gorsedd Grycyn. He was my great grandfather on my father’s side. His widowed mother Gwen, 80, was with him. Jane Jones, 21, his future wife, worked as a dairymaid. She was born in Dolwyddelen as was another servant, David Jones, 17, who could have been her brother. John Jones, 16, of Llanrwst also worked there. All spoke Welsh. ‘Relative’ Thomas John Williams, 11, also lived there and noted as dumb.

Roerfa (Oerfa) housed labourer and farmer Hugh Parry, 45, of Pentrefoelas and his wife Jane, 47, of Nebo. Son Robert, 24, born in Cerrigydrudion was infirm from childbirth. His siblings were born in Nebo; Jane, 14, Catherine, 10, and Annie, 7. All were Welsh speakers.

Farmer Morris Hughes, 75, of Nebo and wife Catherine, 78, of Llanrwst lived at Tanyffordd. Both spoke Welsh.

Evan Jones, 45, a farmer, lived at Bryn y Gwynt with wife Catherine, 50. Their children were John, 16, Sarah, 11, and William, 5. All Welsh speaking and born in Nebo.

William O. Jones, 37, and his family lived at Tyn y Bryn with his wife Anne, 40, and son John, 17, who was born in Haydock, Lancashire. The couple came from Llanrwst and Trefriw respectively, and all were bilingual.

Rhewlfa Ddu (Hwylfa Ddu) housed farmer Robert Hughes, 54, wife Ellen, 40, and children Catherine, 11, Ellen Anne, 9, Evan, 8, and William, 6. All were Welsh speakers and Nebo born apart from Ellen who came from Trefriw.

William Roberts lived at Tan Y Graig. He was a 56 year old farmer who came from Nebo as did his children James, 12, and Grace, 6. Wife Sydney, 41, was born in Llandewi, Pandy. All Welsh speakers.

Widow Jane Davies, 58, farmed Clytiau Teg with children Robert, 21, and Anne, 18. All Welsh speakers born in Nebo.

Richard Roberts, 40, of Nebo farmed Penygarnedd with wife Anne, 37, of Capel Garmon. Children Robert, 9, and Anne, 3, were born in Nebo. All spoke Welsh.

Penmachno born Griffith Jones, 42, farmed Hafodlas. His wife Alice, 44, and children Hugh, 16, and Margaret, 10, were born in Llanrwst and all spoke Welsh.

Widow Margaret Jones, 75, of Capel Garmon farmed Creigiau with sons Hugh, 47, born in Llangernyw, and William G., 35, born in Capel Garmon. Nebo born Mary, 22, Margaret’s granddaughter, also lived there, and Owen Jones, 16, of Llanrwst worked there. All were Welsh speakers.

Quarry labourer Jonathan Jones, 45, of Llanddoget lived at Cae Gwyn with Elizabeth, 46, his wife from Capel Garmon. Son John, 18, was a slate quarry man, William, 16, an agricultural labourer, Robert Morris, 13, a scholar and David, 8, also in school. All the sons were born in Nebo.

Graig Goch was farmed by William Roberts, 40, and wife Anne, 24. Son William was only 14 weeks old. William’s 81 year old mother Mary was living with them. Employed there were Hannah Roberts, 17, Edward Roberts, 32, and Robert Roberts, 14. No known relationship. All came from Nebo and spoke Welsh.

Sisters Maggie Williams, 23, and Alice B Williams, 13, lived at Bryn Tawel. Maggie was an Elementary school teacher from Cwm y Glo and Alice was born in Dinorwic. Both were bilingual.

Butcher Owen Roberts, 44, lived at Bryn Hyfryd with wife Margaret, 43, both of Capel Garmon where sons David, 21 and R.O., 20, miners, were born. John T, 16, was a shopkeeper born in Nebo, Morris, 10, born in Llanrwst and Owen, 8, born in Nebo. All spoke Welsh.

Abel Jones, 54, farmed at Bryn Fawnog with his wife Ellen, 47. Their family consisted of Elizabeth, 12, William E, 11, Owen, 8, and Jane, 4. All born in Nebo, other than Ellen who came from Llanrwst. Farm labourer John Jones, 32, of Llanddoget was the only bilingual person living there. (For the story of Jane's descendants, please see the web page "The Sheep Joneses")

These entries terminated Owen Hughes' duties as enumerator in this Ty Brith district.

We now join Robert Roberts as he continues the recording process.

His first port of call was Bryn, where he met widow Elin Jones, 77, of Llanrwst who was living on her own means with her domestic servant Elizabeth Edwards, 24, also of Llanrwst. Both were bilingual.

Hannah Owens, 72 and widowed, was head of Groesffordd Berthdu, born in Ysbyty Ifan. Her daughter Mary Jane Evans, 32, born Llanrwst and her family lived there too. Husband Thomas Evans, 51, was a lead miner and came from Cefn Mawr, Rhiwabon. They had three Llanrwst born children, John, 7, Margaret, 4, and Evan, 2. All spoke Welsh.

Also recorded at Groesffordd Berthdu were labourer Samuel Jones, 50, and his family. Wife Grace was 53, daughter Ann 29, and her siblings Jeremiah 15, and Caradog 11. Walter Caradog, 1, the couple’s nephew, lived there too. The children were all bilingual, and all the family were Llanrwst born.

Farming Ty Gwyn at that time was 54 year old Thomas Williams, wife Margaret, 53, and son Thomas, 13, who was bilingual. All born in Llanrwst.

Welsh speaking spinster Ellin Jones, 62, of Llanrwst lived at Gafa Llwyd. (The name of the property had been corrupted from Cae Dafydd Llwyd. This was the last time the house would be enumerated; in the 1901 census it was not even marked as uninhabited.)

High Gate was the home of another spinster, Mary Roberts, 64. She too came from Llanrwst and spoke Welsh.

High Gate also housed widow Elizabeth Owen, 67, and daughter Mary, 29, a dressmaker. Both Welsh speaking from Llanrwst.

John Hughes, 37, a wheelwright, was head of the household at Cyffdy. His wife Elizabeth, 35, had brought up three children, Edward, 11, Sara Jane, 8, and John Robert, 4. Lynch B Hughes, 19, and Richard Wood, 25, also worked as wheelwrights, with John Evans, a 62 year old farm labourer, and domestic servant Jane Jones, 31, completing the household. All were born in Llanrwst. Lynch and Jane only spoke Welsh, the others were bilingual.

Cyffdy Lodge housed Charles Williams, 44, of Eglwysbach, a domestic servant, and wife Elizabeth Ann, 30, of Rhiwabon. Son David Edward, 21, a labourer, was born when the couple lived in Eglwysbach, but Robert, 13, Mary Elizabeth, 11, and Catherine, 9, were Llanrwst born. All spoke Welsh.

Auctioneer and farmer Robert Jones, 70, of Llanrwst, lived at Carneddau with Chirk born wife Mary, 65. Ann Jones of Bethesda, with no age recorded against her, was their domestic servant. Only the couple were bilingual.
 
Above: Carneddau Farm

The owner of the Smith Shop at Carneddau Smithy was Sarah Jones, a 47 year old widow of Llanrwst. Daughter Margaret Ellin, 12, was a scholar. Son David Hugh, 24, was a blacksmith, born in Eglwysbach as was his wife Mary, 21. All spoke Welsh.
 
Above: Carneddau Smithy

Gallt yr Efail had labourer John Rowlands, 72, of Rhydlydan, as head of household. Wife Winifred, 60, was from Ysbyty Ifan. Mathew Roberts, 42, a labourer of Llanrwst, boarded with them. All spoke Welsh.

John Evans, 29, farmed Fedw with wife Margaret, 27, and they had an 8 month old son John Griffith. All were born in Llanrwst, as was domestic servant Jane Parry, 13. Farm Servant Hugh Davies, 22, was from Llansantffraid and was the only non-bilingual person in the household.

David Lewis, 32, farmed Rhiw. He and his children Ann, 2, and Mary Jane, 9 months, were born in Llanrwst. His wife Jane, 29, came from Ffestiniog. Worker John Jones, 16, was from Llysfaen. All spoke Welsh.

Penrallt is noted as children living there. Edward Willams, 16, working on the farm with John, 13. and Elizabeth, 11. All Welsh speaking and born in Llanrwst.

Tyn Twll had bachelor Owen Williams, 54, farming there with his brother Robert, 61. Robert's wife Jane, 76, is the housekeeper but also noted as a widow. The three were born in Llanrwst. Robert Williams, 25, of Llandudno worked as a farm labourer with dairymaid Maggie E Davies, 21, coming from Llwynefyd, Denbighshire.

Elin Roberts, 56, was head of household at Garth y Piga, assisted by her nephew Robert, 24. Her niece Elizabeth, 25, was a dressmaker. Employed were Margaret Ann Hughes, 21, a domestic servant and Owen Jones, 21, an agricultural servant. All were born in Llanrwst and spoke Welsh.

Tyddyn Llywarch appears next on the census, farmed by Thomas Jones, 60, and his family. The whole household spoke Welsh and were born in Llanrwst. It consisted of his wife Grace, 51, and children William, 27, a labourer, Catherine Ann, 24, Robert Edward, 20, Edward Owen, 15, Margaret Janice, 12, a scholar, and Hannah, 10. 81 year old widower John Jones boarded there.

Edward Edwards, 55, of Cerrig y Drudion farmed Tyddyn Du. His wife Jane, 56, was born in Dolgelley. The rest of the household were Llanrwst born consisting of daughters Eunice Louise Jones, 26, Joanna Julie Edwards, 16, Edith Hannah, 11, Selina Miriam, 9, and son Idwal Arthur, 7. William Parry, 19, and William Roberts, 14, were recorded as domestic servants. All spoke Welsh.

Bilingual Griffith Thomas, 75, a widowed farmer of Pentrefoelas, lived at Soflan. Son Morris, 49, was a farm labourer, together with widowed son John, 40. Hugh Parry, 16, and Mary Ann Edwards, 17, also worked there. All were Welsh speaking from Llanrwst.

John Blackwall, 54, of Llanrwst was head of household at Hendre House, in1891 living on his own means. His wife Margaret Sarah (nee Moulsdale), 47, was from Anglesey and two locally born children were still at home, Margaret Jane, 23, and scholar Hugh Eric, 15. Visiting them was Agnes Elliott Campbell, 24, of Rutland Uppingham. The cook was June Griffith, 36, of Caernarfon, housemaid Margaret Williams, 27, of Anglesey and stableboy / groom Hugh Andrew, 15, of Llanrwst.

Hendre Wen housed Robert Roberts, 32, a farmer, daughter Margaret Ellin, 34, and niece Mary Louisa, 14. Working there were servants Elizabeth Roberts, 17, Samuel Roberts, 19 and Griffith Jones, 16. All were born in Llanrwst. Samuel and Griffith could only speak Welsh; the others were bilingual.

Plastirion was farmed by John Evans, 55, and his wife Margaret, 57. Their household consisted of their children Ellin Ann, 27, Catherine, 22, Edward, 16 and Robert, 14. Apart from Margaret, who was born in Llanrhos, the family came from Llanrwst. Domestic Ann Jones, 18, was also from the town and Thomas Owen, 23, agricultural labourer was born in Llansantffraid. All were bilingual, apart from Thomas who spoke Welsh.

Farmer Evan Roberts, 42, was head of Siamber Wen. Living with him were his sister Hannah Roberts, 52, niece Hannah Jane Roberts, 25, domestic Margaret Ann Williams, 14 and agricultural labourer Robert Roberts, 17. All came from Llanrwst and were bilingual.

Living on her own means at Bryn Derwen was widow Mary Griffiths, 52. She was bilingual, her children Arthur Ernest, 27, a barrister, Ethel Louisa, 23, and Kate Maud, 22, spoke English. All were born in Llanrwst. Her Liverpudlian sister Annetta Abnutt, 43, also lived on her own means and spoke English. The employees were bilingual and consisted of housemaid Annie Jones, 20, of Dolwyddelen, waitress Jane Jones, 22, of Capel Garmon and cook Judith Ellis, 23, also of Dolwyddelen.

Pwll Monyn housed farm labourer Owen Lloyd Roberts, 31, of Maenan, his wife Margaret, 36, and daughter Elizabeth, 1, both born in Llanrwst. The couple were bilingual.

Spinster Mary Roberts, 52, lived at Tyddyn Hen on her own. She was a farmer from Llanrwst and Welsh speaking.

Nearby, William R Williams, 25, a farm servant, his wife Grace, 24, and son Owen Jones Williams, 1, lived at Tyddyn Hen Cottage. All were born in Llanrwst and spoke Welsh.

Griffith Jones, 37, a farmer, together with his family, lived at Brynrodyn. He, his older wife Ann, 49, and son William, 26, were born in Dolwyddelen. Their other children Robert, 12, and Catherine Ann, 5, were born in Llanrwst. All spoke Welsh.

Cae Berllan was the last entry made by enumerator Robert Roberts in this section. 74 year old farmer Hugh Hughes, his wife Ann, 71, son Robert, 26, and nephew John Andrew, 7, lived there. All spoke Welsh and were Llanrwst born.

William Hughes took on the enumerating responsibilities for the Mathebrwd area of Llanrwst; His first port of call was Bethel, which had three separate households.

Robert Roberts, 76, was head of one and had the fascinating job of a road scavenger. He lived with his wife Jemima, 66, and both were Welsh speaking and from Llanrwst.

The next household consisted only of Elizabeth Jones, 66, a skirt seamstress also Welsh speaking and of Llanrwst.

Welsh speaking widowed pauper Elizabeth Owen, 77, from Gwytherin made up the third household.

Owen Evans, 43 and married, farmed Sychbant with domestic servant Catherine Jones, 33. He was Welsh speaking from Llanrwst, and she English speaking from Penmachno.

Bwlchgwynt was a Scottish household. Duncan McRae, 47, was a shepherd from Balliskin, Inverness, and his wife Jane, 38, came from Aberdeen. Son James, 12, is recorded as a farm labourer from Blaerown, Inverness. He was bilingual and his parents English speaking.

Widow Elizabeth Williams, 69, farmed Henfaes. She came from Llanfihangel y Pennant, and her domestic servant Jane Jones, 15, was from Llanrwst. Both spoke Welsh.

Tyddyn Ucha housed Hugh Jones, 80, a farmer, and his wife Margaret, 78, both from Llanrwst. Their daughter Ann, 48, was born when the couple lived in Llangernyw, but they had returned to Llanrwst by the time son John, 44, was born. Samuel Thomas of Llanrwst, 15, was their farm servant. All spoke Welsh.

Agricultural labourer Evan Roberts, 34, and wife Margaret, 30, both of Llanrwst, lived at Ty Newydd. Margaret was bilingual.

George Tinsley, 48, of Sedgley, Staffordshire farmed Pennant. Living with him as housekeeper was widow Catherine Bullock, 61 of Bilston, where domestic servant Eleanor Beckett, 19, was also born. All spoke English.

Robert Thomas, 32, an agricultural labourer, lived at Pen y Bryn with his wife Ellen, 28, and children William, 7, Griffith, 4 and Catherine J., 1. Youngsters Griffith and Catherine could only speak Welsh, other members of the family were bilingual.

Peter Owen, 51, and his sister Ellen, 61, farmed Pant Glas. Both were Welsh speaking from Llanrwst.

Widow Mary Evans, 54, farmed Hafod Gilbert with her sons John, 28, William, 19, David, 17, and daughter Ann, 11. All were Welsh speaking from Llanrwst, and William was bilingual. Ten years later William would be married to his employer's cook, Eliza Eden of Pebworth, Gloucester, and working as a gamekeeper.

Gorswen had John Davies, 65, of Llansantffraid farming the land with sons Evan, 21, David E, 17, William R, 15 and daughter Ann, 10. All spoke Welsh, and the children were born in Llanrwst. No wife is recorded at the home on census day.

David Roberts, 36, a farmer, lived at Nant y Fedwen with wife Ellen, 30, of Penmachno. Children Catherine A, 5, and Thomas, 3, were, like their father, born in Llanrwst. All spoke Welsh.

Rhwng y Ddwyffordd was uninhabited.

Widower Lewis Jones, 67, farmed Pen y Ffrith with Catherine Williams, 24, doing the domestic chores with Hugh Evans, 17, labouring. All were born in Llanrwst and spoke Welsh. This Hugh is likely the son of Mary Evans, Hafod Gilbert, twin of David Evans. He later married Ann of Pont y Clwt and lived in Pen Ucha'r Gwyllt.

Maelogan Bach had single John Roberts, 34, a farm labourer, and his widowed mother Mary, 69, living there. Both were born in Llanrwst. Their visitor Maggie Jones, 19, was from Llangernyw. All spoke Welsh.

A horse carter, John Owens, 23, of Penmachno lived at Moelogan Lodge with wife Catherine, 21, and 10 month old daughter Mary, both from Llangernyw, and all Welsh speaking.

 

John James Bell, 39, a farm bailiff and shepherd from Eastham, Cheshire, was head of household at Moelogan Lodge. His wife Mary Irving Bell, 38, came from Dalton, Dumfriesshire. Children Isabella B.D., 13, and Adam, 12, were born when the couple lived at Maenan, with Andrew, 8, and Maggie, 5, coming into the world in Llanrwst. John was bilingual and other family members spoke English.

Widower David Williams, 49, farmed Rhos Farm and cared for his children Jane, 7, and Willia, 5. He was assisted by other family members. Sister Margaret, 41, kept house for him, and brother John, 36, worked on the farm. All came from Llanrwst and spoke Welsh.

Road scavenger Jacob Davies, 35, of Llanrwst lived at the Old Tollgate with wife Ann, 35, of Gwytherin. Son William, 15, worked as a farm labourer, Robert Jones Davies, 5, and Annie, 7, were also born in Gwytherin, but Elizabeth Mary, 4, came from Eglwysbach. All spoke Welsh.

Robert Jones, 48, had a full household at Henffrith. Wife Winifred, 44, had given birth to William, 21, a farm servant, Ann, 18, a domestic servant, John Humphrey, 15, Hannah, 11, Winifred Jane, 9, Margaret, 7, Catherine, 4, and Lydia, 1. William’s widowed father in law David Jones, 71, a farm labourer, completed the household. All were Welsh speaking and Llanrwst born.

Widow Margaret Jones, 75, is described as a farmer and lived alone at Tyn Y Ffordd. She spoke Welsh and was from Llanrwst.

John Davies, 35, farmed Henblas. He and his family were Welsh speaking. He came from Llandecwyn, and his wife Gwen, 27, from Llandanwg Their only son David P. 1 was born in Llanrwst. Elizabeth Jones, 16, of Llanrwst was a domestic servant, Robert G Hughes of Beddgelert a farm labourer as was David R Jones, 20, of Llanrwst, recorded as just 6 years old. All spoke Welsh.

Llwyn Richard was inhabited by widowed farmer Evan Lewis, 57. Daughter Ellen, 22, kept house for him and grandson John Evans, 14, worked as a farm labourer. All spoke Welsh and were from Llanrwst.

William Williams, 46, a farmer from Llanrwst and his wife Elizabeth, 35, of Llangernyw, lived at Fedw, with their children Annie, 12, William, 10, John, 8, and Robert D, 5. All were from Llanrwst and spoke Welsh, including farm labourer Evan Lewis 28 of Llangernyw.

Living at Llwyn Goronwy in 1891 was widowed farmer David Roberts, 80. His children Morris, 42, Isaac, 40, William G., 32, and Ellen, 36, assisted on the farm, as did his grandchildren David, 19, and Margaret, 15. All spoke Welsh, Ellen and Margaret were bilingual. All were born in Llanrwst.

Nearby Coed Llydan Bach was farmed by widow Mary Roberts, 52, of Llangernyw. Daughter Jane E, 28, was born in Llanrwst. They kept boarders. William Hooson Owen, 20, came from Llanarmon DC , and George C Ellis, 21, from Pwllheli. They were both bank clerks. All were bilingual.

Widow Dorothy Jones, 79, was head of Tyn Twll. She and her son Price, 40, were from Llanrwst. Farm servant Joseph Evans, 25, was born in Harlech, and domestic servant Gwynydd Hughes, 17, from Llanddoget. All were bilingual.

John Thomas, 72, a farm labourer and his wife Catherine, 66, lived at Ysgoldy. Both spoke Welsh and were from Llanrwst.

Ysgoldy also housed William Williams a farm labourer, wife Ann, 59, and grandson William, 8. All Welsh speakers from Llanrwst.

Groom and coachman Joseph Bentley, 31, from Smithies, Shropshire and his family lived at The Old Toll Gate. He and his wife Anne, 33, lived in Dolgellau where she was born and it was the birthplaces of their first three children John,12, Kate, 10, and Robert G., 8. The family moved to Holyhead around 1884, where Nellie, 6, Joseph, 4, and Emily, 2, were born. Another move to Llanrwst followed around 1890, where Annie, 11 months old, was born. All were bilingual apart from the 4 youngest, who spoke Welsh.

We now reach Tafarn Y Fedw in our journey back in time.

William Roberts, 36, of Llanrhychwyn,a slate quarryman lived at 1 Tafarn Y Fedw with wife Sarah Ann, 32, of Liverpool, son William, 13 ,born when the couple lived at Blaenau, working at one of the local quarries. He moved to work in the Penrhyn quarries around 1879 where Robert E, 11, was born in the village. Moving again to Llanrwst around 1882, where Sarah Ann gave birth to John, 6, David H., 2, and Sarah Ellen, who was just 1 month old. The mother and three eldest were bilingual, remainder spoke Welsh.

Next door at no. 2 lived stone mason Hugh Thomas, 31, wife Ellen, 31, and children Mary, 2, and William F, 1. Ellen Davies, 14, was a general servant at the home. Ellen Thomas managed both languages and was Caernarfon born, the remaining members were from Llanrwsr and spoke Welsh.

Farm labourer Thomas I Roberts, 42, wife Mary, 41, and daughter Sarah, 6, lived at No 3. All bilingual, from Llanrwst.

Living on her own means, and from Pentefoelas, Maria Evans, 62, spinster, was resident at 4 Tafarn Y Fedw. She employed Maria Roberts, 16, of Llanrwst as a domestic servant. Both were bilingual.

Widow Catherine Edwards, 64, lived at No 5, and she kept a shop. Margaret Jane Jones, 16, a dressmaker lived with her. Both from Llanrwst, only Maria was bilingual.

Another widow, Mary Thomas, 37, lived next door at No 6, with her children Joseph, 17, a lead miner, and Margaret, 11. Her widowed mother Ellen Jones, 83, lived with them – she spoke Welsh only, the others were bilingual. All were from Llanrwst.

The final residents in the terrace at No 7 Tafarn Y Fedw were David Jones, 26, a farm labourer from Betws, Abergele and his wife Anne, 23, from Llangernyw – both bilingual.

Farming at Ty’n Y Caeau was widower William Jone,s 56. Daughter Elizabeth, 23, kept house for him and her siblings Mary, 15, noted as an idiot from childhood, Kate, 11, and Edith, 6. William and Mary were the only non bilingual people in the home.

Corniech housed farmer Evan Jones, 60, a farmer from Betws, Abergele, wife Ellen, 59, from Ysbyty Ifan both Welsh speaking. Their daughter Laura, 28, was born in Llanelian and was a general servant, sons Richard, 24, and Evan, 14, helped on the farm and were Llanrwst born and the three were bilingual.

Elias Williams, 59, farmed Tai Can Dryll. He was born in Llanfair TH. Wife Margaret, 54, was from Llanrwst. John T Roberts, 14, is recorded as son of wife, and Mary Williams, 14, daughter of head of household. She was a domestic servant. Children were Llanrwst born and bilingual. Adults spoke Welsh.

Rhydlechior housed farm labourer John Ellis, 32, wife Ellen, 26, and children Owen, 4, Robert, 2, and Elizabeth, 9 months. Ellen came from Llangernyw, other members from Llanrwst. All spoke Welsh.

Bachelor David Evans, 60, lived at Ty’n Ffordd Bach. He worked as a road labourer, breaking stones. From Llanrwst, he spoke Welsh.

The Chapel is the next recorded building.

David Williams, 36, a farm labourer from Ysbyty Ifan lived at Chapel House with Gwytherin born wife, Elizabeth, 29. Their children were all born in Llanrwst; David Robert, 7, Margaret Anne, 5 and Elizabeth Ellen, 3. Parents were bilingual, children Welsh only.

John Owen, 46, of Bangor, wife Ellen, 44, of Betws y Coed, and daughter Ellen Ann, 10, born in Llanrwst lived at No 1 Rhydloyw. All were bilingual.

At No. 2 lived David Williams, 48, a farm labourer of Gwytherin, wife Elizabeth, 54, born in Llanrwst as were their children Ellen, 13, Elizabeth Ann, 10, Margaret Jane, 8 and Catherine Ellen, 1. All were bilingual apart from mother Elizabeth and young Catherine who spoke Welsh.

Bryn Syllty had as its occupants. Farmer William Owen, 56, a farmer, nephew John Owen, 35, both of Bangor, nieces Anne Bridge Jones, 19, a visitor and Elizabeth Owen, 13, of Llanrwst. David Roberts, 18, worked on the farm, also from Llanrwst. All were bilingual.

Cae’r Ceiliog was farmed by widower David Jones, 57. His niece Mary Jones, 37, kept house for him and his children Edith May, 8, and William Bridge Jones, 11, months. All bilingual from Llanrwst. Was his daughter Anne the visitor at Bryn Syllty?

Coed y Brain housed farmer Owen Owens, 54, from Bangor. His wife Jane, 58, and children were all born in Llanrwst; Price, 19, farm labourer, Samuel, 9, and Jane Anne, 4. All bilingual apart from Jane Anne, and all from Llanrwst.

Aaron Jones, 56, farmed Garth yr Hwylbren with wife Jane, 55, both Welsh speaking. Daughters, general servant Catherine Jones, 20, and Elizabeth Jones, 16, a dressmaker were bilingual. Widower John Jones, 66, was a Welsh speaking farm labourer. All from Llanrwst.

Poeth Foel had as its occupants Robert Hughes, 29, a farmer from Llanrwst, wife Elizabeth, 29, from Gwytherin, children, all Llanrwst born, David, 7, John, 6, and Elizabeth, 2. His cousin Robert Hughes, 56, was from Eglwysfach. All were bilingual apart from young Elizabeth and Robert who conversed in Welsh.

Spinster Mary Roberts, 78, from Cerrigydrudion lived at 1 Gwernrhisgl. She spoke Welsh.

2 Gwernrhisgl housed widower James Roberts, 78, from Trewydr, living on his own means. He spoke Welsh.

Thomas B Griffith, 30, born in Llanrwst and a solicitor lived at Bryndyffryn with his Ruthin born wife Emma, 27. She could only speak English, the rest of the household were bilingual. They had a 2 year old daughter Emma Nesta of Llanrwst.
Catherine Roberts, 22, of Llanddoget was their cook, Lizzie Jones, 15, of Alderbury, Shropshire their waitress, and Thomas Sparce, 31, a farm coachman from Oswestry.

Coed Lydan Isa was the home of farmer Michael Jones, 44, of Llanrwst, his wife Catherine, 33, of Dolwyddelen and son Johnny, 4, of Llanrwst. Michael’s brother John Jones, 56, also a farmer, lived with them and was from Llanrwst. William Owen, 35, a slate quarryman from Dolwyddelen and Anne Williams, 13, a domestic servant from Llanrwst, also lived there. Michael, John and Anne were bilingual.

David Jones, 27, a carter from Betws, Abergele lived at Pont y Clwt with wife Anne 42 and daughter Anne 2 both of Llanrwst. The couple were bilingual.

The family living at Gwyllt Isa were away from home at the time of the census.

The final entry for the 1891 census of Melin y Coed was for Garth y Foel, where John Roberts, 38, farmed. He and his wife Elizabeth, 48, and children William, 16, a farm labourer, Elizabeth, 13, Hannah, 11, and James, 5, were all from Llanrwst. Only John and James were not bilingual.

Ken Davies

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