Window to the past: 1901

THE CENSUS FOR MELIN Y COED AND ENVIRONS IN 1901 by Ken Davies

1901 saw the end of the Victorian era, as Queen Victoria died on the Isle of Wight on 22nd January. Liberal MP David Lloyd George was forced to flee from a pro-Boer meeting as riots broke out and the Boer War continued. Robert Gascoyne-Cecil (Conservative) was Prime Minister. Italian Marconi transmitted a Morse code signal across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. Tottenham Hotspur, then a non-league club, won the F.A. Cup.

With the dawning of the Edwardian era, let’s follow in the footsteps of one of the many census enumerators, Owen Hughes of Mill Bank, Melin Y Coed, as he records details of his friends and neighbouring families living in the Melin Y Coed area over a century ago.

The 1901 census gave the British population as 41.5 million, and records whether people over 3 years old in Wales, had Welsh, English or both as their spoken language.

Where better to start our look at Melin Y Coed than Mill Bank, where the census enumerator himself lived. Owen Hughes, 55, miller and corn dealer, born in Llanllechid, lived here with his wife Mary Jane, 55, Llanrwst born like their children Jane Anne, 25, Robert Owen, 17, and Mary L, 15. Both Robert and Mary were themselves corn dealers. Rolant Jones, 51, from Llanddoget worked as an agricultural labourer. Rolant spoke Welsh, and Owen’s family spoke both languages

A widow living from her own means, Ellen Davies, 70, from Ysbyty Ifan, lived at Ty Hwnt i’r Afon, with daughters Mary, 36, noted as at home, sick and Margaret, 33, apparently staying at home for a few days. Both were Llanrwst born. Ellen spoke Welsh and the other ladies spoke both languages

Llanllechid born widow Elizabeth Roberts, 74, also maintained a household at Ty Hwnt i’r Afon. Her married son William, 34, was an agricultural labourer and, like Elizabeth's granddaughter Ester, 15, who was in school, had born in Llanddoged. Elizabeth and Ester conversed in either language, and William in Welsh.

Glan Llyn Terrace housed eight families.

Welsh speaking spinster Ellen Roberts, 63, had a private income and was Llanrwst

born.

Bilingual carter John Williams, 24, born in Rhydlydan and Welsh speaking wife Ellen, 30, lived next door.

Llanrwst born bachelor John Jones, 68, lived on his own means and spoke only Welsh.

Elizabeth Thomas, 66, single, from Llangernyw, lived on her own means, and was bilingual.

Owen Roberts, 67, was a Welsh speaking agricultural labourer, born in Cerrig y Drudion.

Plumber Thomas Jones, 29, and wife Jane, 27, are listed next. Both were born in Llandulais, and were bilingual.

In the next house lived Welsh speaking agricultural labourer Morris Thomas, 34, from Pentrefoelas, his bilingual wife Margaret, 32, born in Nantglyn, and 6 month old daughter Myfanwy, born in Llanrwst.

The final entry under Glan Llyn Terrace relates to the family of Lynch Bridge Jones, 49, an agricultural labourer born in Llanrwst, wife Jane, 43, of Llangernyw and daughter Elen Jane, 13, who were all bilingual. Lynch would likely be a descendant of Lynch and Catherine Bridge or Bridges who lived in Mathebrwd a century previously, when they had nine children baptised over a period of eighteen years or so. Another Lynch Jones is to be found in this census year living at Ty'n Twll, Melin y Coed, with his mother Dorothy, daughter of Lynch and Catherine.

Tan y Fron housed agricultural labourer William Jones, 75, born in Capel Garmon and his family. All spoke Welsh. Wife Margaret, 70, was from Ysbyty Ifan and they lived in Nebo when their 35 year old widowed son William was born. His children William, 4, and Sarah, 2, were born in Ffestiniog where William had presumably lived with his late wife.

Also recorded at Tan y Fron were another Welsh speaking family. Evan Jones was a 34 year old carter whose wife Sarah was 38. They were both born in Nebo as were two of their children Price, 11, and David, 8. 18 month old John E. was Llanrwst born.

Melin y Coed shop is also recorded at Tan y Fron, where widow Mary Jones, 67, served the community in both languages.

The last residents at Tan y Fron were husband and wife Edward and Mary Thomas, aged 43 and 46 respectively. Edward was an agricultural labourer born in Llanrwst, and Mary was born in Capel Curig. Both were Welsh speaking.

Coed Mawr housed local blacksmith William Thomas, 32, from Llanrwst and wife Margaret, 34, of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Three of their four children were Llanrwst born - Benjamin, 9, Maggie, 8, and Owen, 3, but 6 year old Willie was born in Blaenau. All spoke Welsh.

Farm labourer and cowman Charles Janson (?) a 24 year old from Cambridgeshire lived at Pentre Isa, with his Llanrwst born wife Mary, 30. Nebo-born step children Walter Jones, 12, and Robert, 8, daughter Mary Janson (?), 1, born in Llanrwst, also lived there, along with Charles’ 26 year old brother in law, Howell Roberts, a Nebo born slate quarryman. All were bilingual, apart from Welsh speaking Howell.

Bilingual gamekeeper William Evans, 30, from Llanrwst lived at Ty Newydd with his English speaking wife Eliza from Gloucestershire and Llanrwst-born baby, John, who was just a month old. This little family would soon move up the road and make their home in Fronwen, where they would live with their next child, Mary, later of Hafod Gilbert, Nant y Fedwen and Bod Wylim. John died aged six. Mary married William Roberts, son of the Bryn Dyffryn gamekeeper

Widow Jane Williams, 66, was farming Pen Ucha’r Gwyllt with her agricultural labourer son John, 30. They supported niece Margaret Williams, 12, who was a scholar. All were bilingual and Llanrwst born.

 

Above: Path to Pen Ucha'r Gwyllt

Another widow, Catherine Jones, 82, was noted as farming Ty Mawr Farm with her son David Ellis Jones, 59, both of Llanrwst, and his wife Elizabeth Edwards Jones, 53, of Birkenhead. The couple originally lived in Liverpool, where their children Elizabeth Catherine, 33, living on her own means and William Owen, 24, were born. William was a carter on the farm. David and Elizabeth had moved to live in Llanrwst before 1884 where another daughter, Augusta Sophia, 17, was born. She was a domestic servant at her grandmother’s farm. All were bilingual.

Robert G Jones, 22 and single, farmed Garthebog. His son Griffith, 26, worked as a quarryman, but he was assisted by an older brother William, 36, a farm labourer, and sister Lizzie (?), 29, a domestic servant, with another sister, Cynthia Anne, 15, completing the household. All were Welsh speaking. William and Lizzie were born in Dolwyddelen and the rest of the family in Llanrwst.

 

Outbuildings at Garth Hebog.

Evan Roberts, a 72 year old agricultural labourer from Capel Garmon, lived at Fron Wen with his wife Catherine, 68, who hailed from Llanrwst. Both spoke Welsh.

Chapel House, Nant y Rhiw, was occupied by widow Catherine Jones, 61, born in Llanrwst. Her language was Welsh.

 

Above: Chapel and Ty Capel, Nant y Rhiw.

A man employed in the stocking trade, Owen Jones, 53, and his wife Jane, 52, lived at Pen y Bryn, Nant y Rhiw. Both were Welsh speakers and came from Llanrwst.

Ty Newydd, Nant y Rhiw, housed Griffith Jones, a 60 year old widower who worked as a mason, and his 14 year old son Thomas Owen Jones, a scholar. Elen Hughes, a 74 year widow, kept house for them. The males were from Llanrwst and Elen from Llangernyw. Thomas was the only one to speak both languages. Welsh was the other language spoken. Thomas was in later years a gamekeeper and his children attended the Nant y Rhiw school.

David Thomas, 62, farmed Bryn Bedda (Bryn Beddau) with wife Jane, 66, and 30 year old daughter Elizabeth, who undertook the domestic chores. All were Welsh speaking and from Llanrwst.

Foty Fawr housed farmer Robert Roberts, 34, and wife Margaret E, 30. Growing up on the farm were children Elizabeth E, 8, Margaret A, 4, (later known as Marged Ann), Sarah I, 2 (later known as 'Sal Foty'), and 6 month old Robert H (Bob Foty). All were Llanrwst born Welsh speakers, as indeed was 14 year old domestic servant Jane Jones.

 

Above: Foty Fawr

Foty Bach was recorded as uninhabited.

Farming at Maes Gwyn were the Caerhun born couple John Evans, 34, and Jane, 30. After the births in Caerhun of John, 10, Owen, 8, Jane, 6, Catherine, 5, they moved to the Llanrwst area around 1897, where Ellen, 3 and Margaret, 2, first saw the light of day. Servant Jane Jones, 13, of Blaenau completed the household. All spoke Welsh.

 

Above: Drawing of Maes Gwyn.

Hwylfa Ddu was farmed by the Llanrwst born family of Robert Hughes, 64, and his wife Elinor, 53, children Catherine, 21, Elinor, 19, and Evan, 18, all servants at home and Welsh speaking. Nephew Morris Lloyd, 3, was also there.

(Evan Hughes of Hwylfa Ddu, above, died aged 74 in July 1956. Son John Evan died in August 1915, son Elwyn in June 1940, and his wife Mary in 1979. A photo of their gravestone may be seen on the page "Old News".)

Lead miner Daniel Jones, 40, of Denbigh lived at Tyddyn Gabriel with his Llangernyw born wife, Catherine, 55. Their 12 year old Llanrwst-born son John E was in school. Widower Edward Jones, 45, from Montgomeryshire lived with them and was also a lead miner. All spoke Welsh.

Bachelor William Roberts, 61, of Gwytherin farmed Bryniog Isaf. Assisting him were his Liverpudlian nephew William, 17, and domestic servant Hannah Owen, 28, of Pentrefoelas. All were Welsh speakers.

Edward Edwards, 69, farmed Bryniog Plas with wife Hannah, 66, both from Capel Garmon. Son John, 37, who assisted on the farm was born in Llanrwst, as was domestic servant Jane Jones aged 15. All were Welsh speakers.

 

Above: Part of Old Buildings at Bryniog Plas showing view across the Conway Valley

Bryniog Uchaf was farmed by 86 year old Robert Roberts of Gwytherin with wife Anne, 62. Nephew Robert Owen, 37, of Llanrwst, the only bilingual person in the household, worked the farm and Anne Roberts was a 15 year old domestic servant from Gwytherin.

Gorsedd Grycun was the farming home of Thomas Williams, 51. A full account of Thomas and the Gorsedd family can be found on a separate page on this website. Llanrwst born, as were all his children, his wife Jane was 20 years his junior and came from Dolwyddelen. She originally worked on the farm as a domestic servant. Thomas and Jane were my great grandparents. Their family at the time consisted of Owen, 8, Humphrey, 7, Robert, 6, my grandmother Winifred, 4, Hannah, 2, and 8 month old Jane.

Thomas’ mother Gwen at the ripe old age of 91 was also there. All spoke Welsh. Owen, a farmer, later lived at Ty Hwnt i’r Afon, Gwytherin – he never married. Humphrey (or Wmffra) married Ellen and lived at Railway Terrace, Llanrwst. Bob continued to farm Gorsedd and died in 1975 – he remained a bachelor. Winifred married Idwal Glyn Davies (see Glyn Postman article), Hannah married Peter Williams and lived at Ty’n y Bryn, Nant y Rhiw and later Hafoty Gwyn, Pentrefoelas. Jane remained unmarried. Twins Mair and Joseph were yet to be born.

Hugh Parry, 56, a highway labourer from Pentrefoelas, lived at Oerfa. He was married but his wife does not appear to be living there on census day. Son Robert, 34, born in Cerrigydrudion, worked at home, and siblings Jane, 24, and Annie, 17, were both domestic servants. Edith, 7, William, 6 and Ada, 3, completed the family group. All were Welsh speaking and locally born.

 

Above: Oerfa

Clytiau Teg housed widow Jane Davies, 69, and son Robert, 32, both born in Penmachno. They employed Ffestiniog born John Jones, 15, as a cattleman. All spoke Welsh.

Jane Owen, 70, of Trefriw lived on her own means at Tan Y Ffordd. She was Welsh speaking.

William Jones, 52, of Llanddoged and wife Anne, 52, of Trefriw farmed Tyn y Bryn. At one time, they lived at St Annes, Lancashire, where 27 year old John was born, who worked on the farm. All spoke both languages.

 

Above: Outbuildings at Tyn y Bryn.

The entry against Bryn y Gwynt reads simply – ‘no one living there’.

 

Above: Bryn y Gwynt is still being used for farming purposes.

Isaac Morris, 45, born in Llanfairfechan and his wife Elizabeth, 47, farmed Tan y Graig. She was born in the Llanrwst area as were their children William, 21, a lead miner, Elizabeth, also 21, a domestic servant, and Marian (Maria?), 13. All were Welsh speaking, but Isaac and William could also converse in English. Isaac had a head of thick hair, which William Evans of Fronwen used to cut for him with shearing shears in time for the Cyfarfod Pregethu at Nant y Rhiw Chapel because no scissors could cut through it. Isaac's daughter Maria died in 1904 at the age of 19, and he raised his grand-daughter. Maria was buried with Humphrey and Elizabeth Jones of Bryn Esgob, Nebo, leading one to wonder whether perhaps they were the parents of Maria's mother, Elizabeth. Humphrey Jones had died aged 77 in 1886 and Elizabeth aged 84 in 1891.

 

 

Above: Tan y Graig is now just a heap of rocks, but once had a wonderful view of the moors and four dwellings within sight.

Farmer William Parry, 59, was at Hafodlas and hailed originally from Pentrefoelas. Living with him was his daughter Jane, 23, a domestic servant born in Llanrwst. Both spoke Welsh.

Creigiau was farmed by William Griffith Jones, 40, and his wife Hannah J, 36. They had two daughters, Margaret Ellen, 6, born in 1895, and William Evan, 3, born in 1898. William's widowed mother Margaret J, 85, and his cousin Evan Morris, 13, an agricultural labourer, also lived there. All spoke Welsh and were born in the Llanrwst area.

William G had been born in Capel Garmon in 1860, and he died 1 February 1916.

His mother was formerly Margaret Roberts, and she had been born 20 March 1811 in Capel Garmon. She lived to be 94, and died 10 December 1909. Her husband, William, died in 1885 aged 72. Another of their daughters, Alice, was buried with them when she died on 23 July 1927, aged 84.

Hannah, William's wife, had been born in 1865, the daughter of Evan roberts, Moeliorwch Isa. She married William Griffith Jones when he was 33 and she was 29 on 9 December 1893. Their witnesses were Hugh Jones and Catherina Ellen Morris.

Shepherd and farmer William Roberts, 68, of Nebo toiled at Penygarnedd with his daughter Grace, 15, a domestic born in Nant y Rhiw, and grandson Walter C, 12, born in Nebo. Agricultural labourer Griffith Jones of Nebo is noted as an imbecile on the census. Walter is the only one who could speak English in addition to Welsh.

Cae Gwyn is noted ‘in ruins’.

The Roberts family farmed Graig Goch: William, 45, wife Anne, 43, and sons William C, 11, and Thomas H, 4. Kate Parry, 20, was a domestic and William Jones, 27, worked as a cowman. All were born around Llanrwst and spoke Welsh.

 

Above: Graig Goch, Nebo.

Bryn Tawel was farmed by Hugh Jones, 56, of Llanrwst with housekeeper Jane Hughes (53) of Llanrhychwyn. Both spoke Welsh.

The entry for Bryn Bras can be classed as a bit of a collector's item. People could only be entered once on the census, and that for where they were living/staying the day of the census. Margaret Hughes 50, born Llanrhychwyn, is entered as living here on her own means. The census enumerator had entered her in error. Her name is crossed out, with an explanation that she was not at home. She will therefore also appear elsewhere on the census for that day. It appears then that bilingual daughter Catherine J Hughes, 11, a school pupil born in Betws y Coed, was staying there on her own that night.

 

Above: Bryn Bras, Nebo.

However, Bryn Bras is noted a second time with the family of John Davies, 36, a farmer born in Penmachno living there. John and his wife lived in Pentrefoelas at one time, where son Robert, 10, was born. Within 12 months they’d moved to Gwytherin where the following children were born: Marian, 9, Janine (?), Thomas, 6, Johnny, 4, and Joseph, 3. Domestic servant Ellen A Roberts of Nebo, 18, completed the household. All spoke Welsh. Ellen Ann stayed to look after the family when they moved to Bryniog Uchaf until the girls were old enough to take over the household duties, and then looked after widower William Evans of Fronwen and his children. Ellen Ann was also fluent in spoken and written English and corresponded with her parents in that language when conveying the news of her impending marriage to William Evans in 1906. Rheumatic fever had interrupted her plans to become a teacher.

Slate quarryman Owen Roberts, 54, of Nebo lived at Bryn Hyfryd with wife Margaret, 55, also Nebo born and son Morris, 20, an auctioneer's clerk, born in Llanrwst. 92 year old Mary Roberts of Nebo resided there too – she was Owen’s mother in law. All spoke Welsh.

--- INSERTION - NOTE BY ANTHONY FRANCIS, CANADA -----

Comments on residents of Bryn Bras, Nebo, by Anthony Francis, White Rock, BC, Canada

You mention the confusion of families living in Bryn Bras but don't mention the inscription cut into the stone over the front door, dedicated to R. Roberts 1895. Where might he fit into your description?

He's obviously not there in 1901 because there are two other families living there. He wasn't there in 1891, possibly because Bryn Bras was empty & under construction?

In 1891, there's 14 year old Robert Roberts employed at Graig Goch (who'd be 24 in 1901) and there's R.O. Roberts, 20 year old miner & son of Owen & Marged Roberts (who would be 30 in 1901). This Robert O. Roberts was of marriageable age and married Mary Ann Edwards of Nant y Rhiw in 1896-2nd quarter, in a Civil Marriage at Llanrwst -ref.NWBMD RWST/13/72.

It must have been a very hard family life, walking about 16 miles to work on a Sunday & back again on Saturday afternoon for fresh food & laundry.

He was recorded as a Slatecutter, Llechwedd Blaenau Ffestiniog when he sailed on the ship 'Celtic' in June 1913 to New York, heading up to join the Welsh community at Utica, New York state. I understand that Welsh was spoken on the streets of the town in those days.

Robert O's brother, William Arthur went there too; whether before or after, I don't know because I never found his name on any passage list. I communicated with his grandson, David several years ago in Albaquerque, New Mexico but he didn't know many details about his family history. I lost touch after he wrote that his eyesight was getting very bad. His daughter, Kathleen May Roberts, from Manhattan? New York, visited my Uncle Glyn in Caernarfon & cousin Ruth in Llanrwst a long time ago. I don't know where she is now.

Sadly, Uncle Glyn died on the operating table in Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor on 24 Sept.2010.

I suspect the stone over the door of Bryn Bras is most likely dedicated to Robert Roberts, Owen's father, Robert O. Roberts' grandfather. Owen & Marged Roberts are living comfortably across the road from 'Bryn Bras' at 'Bryn Hyfryd', which was also a new house just like 'Bryn Tawel' next door to Bryn Bras, where school teacher, Maggie Williams lived in 1891 and Hugh Jones in 1901. These three houses were all built to the same identical plan, as told to me by the lady who had lived in Bryn Bras since WW2 up to the early 2000s. She said their appearance was altered by later owners. I saw the title deeds for Bryn Hyfryd and the first owner was Owen Roberts. I just wished I'd carried a camera with me to record the date & details on that visit. I just wish that my mother Phyllis Roberts was there with me - whose last memory of her grandmother was, as a little girl, seeing her waving good-bye at the top of the hill outside Graig Goch, surrounded by chickens. Marged Roberts must have died at Bryn Hyfryd perhaps around 1915-20. Perhaps she went to live with her son David at 'Meifod', Abergele Rd, Llanrwst or son Maurice at Bryn Hyfryd Farm, near the old Grammar School in Llanrwst.

In 1891 William(aged 40) & Anne(aged 24) Roberts had William's 81 year old mother living with them at Graig Goch.

In 1891, Bryn Hyfryd was pretty full with Owen (aged 44) & Margaret (aged 43) Roberts & 5 boys -only William Arthur aged 14, was missing. (the same age as Graig Goch's employee, Robert Roberts, who is possibly mistakenly named, just like William Roberts has done with his & Anne's ages. )

In 1901 William (aged 45) & Ann (aged 43) Roberts & 2 sons & 2 employees lived at Graig Goch. Mary Roberts, who would have been 91, is not there.

In 1901, Bryn Hyfryd contains Owen (aged 54) & Margaret (aged 55) Roberts, son Maurice(aged20) and Mary Roberts aged 92, Owen's mother-in-law and so Marged's mam.

I suspect Margaret Roberts of Bryn Hyfryd, born about 1846 and William Roberts of Graig Goch, born about 1851-6, may have both been children of Mary Roberts born about 1810 in Nebo. But there is much confusion because when Owen Roberts got married on 16 May 1868, he married Margaret Jones, daughter of John Jones and data in earlier censuses suggest this Jones family changed their family name to Roberts. I have never seen the earlier census & register details showing g-g-grandparents Robert Roberts' & Margaret Jones/Roberts' births & marriage or even deaths.

------------------- END OF INSERTION -----------------------

Bryn Fawnog housed farmer John O D Jones, 36, of Pentrefoelas and wife Eunice Lois, 36. She was born in the Llanrwst area as were children David E, 9, Owen L, 7, and domestic servant Elizabeth Jones, 17. All were Welsh speaking.

 

Above: The rear of Bryn y Fawnog.

Welsh speaking Margaret Williams, 50, of Nebo occupied one part of Pennant, with the other marked as uninhabited.

 

Above: Though but a small building, Pen Nant has at times housed two separate families.

Bryn Ty Brith and Pant y Maes were noted as uninhabited.

The final entry for this district enumerated by Owen Hughes, is noted ‘2 houses uninhabited’.

We will now accompany Mr O Evans Jones as he records homes in the Mathebrwd area

We’ll begin with a call at Plas Ucha and meet farmer Thomas Williams, 60, and his wife Alice, 61. They were both Welsh speaking and the remainder of the household were bilingual. Working at home were their daughter Sarah, 26, sons Tom, 24 and Willie, 21. Daughter Maggie, 17, worked as a dressmaker. All were Llanrwst area born.

Corniech housed widower Evan Jones, 70, a farmer, sons Richard, 35, Evan, 24, who was a blacksmith, and bilingual daughter Laura, 39. The others spoke Welsh. All were Llanrwst area born.

Living on her own means at Nant Glyn Ucha was 39 year old widow Mary E Roberts, who farmed there with son Robert J, 19, a carter, and daughter Dora Mary, 13. All were from the Llanrwst area and spoke Welsh.

Llanrwst couple John Edwards, 32, an agricultural labourer and wife Margaret, 27, who worked on her own account making shirts, lived at Cyn y Coed. Both spoke Welsh.

Melin y Glyn was uninhabited. (Please see page "Roots - Evans" for story)

Llansantffraid-born Hugh Jones, 43, farmed at Nant y Glyn Isa. His wife Mary, 38, and son William, 12, were born in Eglwysbach. Domestic servant Mary Edwards, 16, hailed from Ffestiniog. All spoke Welsh.

Dingwern Ucha was occupied by carter William Jones, 50, of Llanddoged. He and his wife Ellen, 50, from Llansantffraid, must have moved to the Melin y Coed area after 1884, as children Frances, 25, a dressmaker, William, 19, also a carter and Jennie, 16, were all born in Llansantffraid. All spoke both languages.

Widow Magdolen Hughes, 42, who lived at Pen Lan, was originally from Aberdaron. Her husband died after 1898. Son David, 20, was a railway goods checker and he and his siblings were born in the Llanrwst area. They were Magdalen, 16, William, 13, Robert G, 9, and Thomas, 3. Apart from Mrs Hughes and young Thomas, they were all bilingual.

Dingwern Isa was an uninhabited property.

Ffrith Galed was noted as not in occupation.

Scot George, 32, and Margaret Haugh, 34, lived at Moelogen Plas. His occupation is noted as ‘Hind’, with ‘Ag Horse’ adjacent to it. John James Bell, a 46 year old visiting farmer from East Ham, was staying with them. Son John W Haugh, 4, was born in Barrow in Furness and 8 month old James H Haugh in Llanrwst. Carter Evan Davies, 21, came from Gwytherin and cattleman John Davies, 27, was from Ffestiniog. The two workers were the only bilingual people there. The family spoke English.

There are no entries against either Moelogen Bach or Moelogen Lodge.

 

Above: Moelogen Lodge stands empty.

Farmer Evan Jones, 52, farmed Pen y Ffridd. His wife was not at home that night. Daughter Winifred, 17, was at home with siblings Lewis ,16, an apprentice Cabinet maker, and Owen S, aged 14. Evan and these children were from Maenan, and the rest of the family were born in the Llanrwst area, including his cousin Catherine Jones, 13, and Evan's remaining children Cadwaladr ,12, Evan ,9, and Mary 7. Winifred, Lewis, Owen and Catherine were the only bilinguals in the household.

Garth y Foel was farmed by John Roberts, 63, wife Elizabeth, 58 and family Hugh, 34, William, 26, James, 15, and Hannah, 21. All were from the Llanrwst area, and were bilingual apart from John and Elizabeth, who spoke Welsh.

Robert Hughes, 39, farmed Poethfoel with wife Elizabeth, 39, and children David, 17, Lizzie, 13 and Anne 7. All came from Llanrwst apart from Elizabeth, who was from Llangernyw. Lizzie was bilingual, all others were Welsh speaking.

Aaron Jones, 69, and wife Jane, 68, farmed Garth yr Hwylbren and were from the Llanrwst area. Daughter Catherine Foulkes, 30, born in Conwy, also lived here with her husband Owen Foulkes, 35, a lead miner from Llysfaen. Daughter Lizzie, 26, a dressmaker of Llanrwst, was also living there. Aaron and Jane were the only two who could not converse in both languages.

Widow Jane Owens, 68, farmed Coed y Brain with unmarried son Bruce, 29. Grandson Samuel Owens, 19, was an apprentice joiner. Also resident were granddaughters Jane A, 14, and Gwladys, 6. All were Welsh speakers from the Llanrwst area.

Widow Mary Evans 65, a washerwoman, and farm carter David, 26, her son, both of Llanrwst and Welsh speaking, lived at Ty Newydd (now called Gwyndy). Mary previously lived in Glan y Gors before her husband William was killed in a carting accident. Her son William was living at the time in the other Ty Newydd, but he would soon move up the mountain to Fronwen.

Ty’n Twll (on the road up to Carmel) housed farmer Lynch Jones, 52, his wife Alice, 46, both of Llanrwst, daughter Mary E, 17, a domestic servant born in Eglwysbach, Lynch’s mother Dorothy B Jones, an 89 year old widow, and cowman John Hughes, 16, both of Llanrwst. All spoke only Welsh. Dorothy may well have been born in 1811, the daughter of Lynch and Catherine Bridges of Maethebrwd.

Robert Moulsdale of Llanrwst, 31, living on his own means, lived at Bryn Dyffryn with his family. Wife Mabel B, 28, hailed from Liverpool but both their children were Llanrwst born, Robert V B, 3, (Valentine, born 14 February) and John R B, 1. Employed to run the family home were cook Jane Owen, 31, housemaid Grace Owen, 24, both from the Llanrwst area, and Birkenhead born nurse, Alice E Jones. Mabel and Robert spoke English, the remainder were bilingual.

 

Above: Stable Door at Bryn Dyffryn 2005

Coed Llydan Bach was farmed by David Thomas, 70, of Llangernyw who in 1876 lived at Penmachno where son John, 25, was born. John was a carter on the farm, with Kate Ann Jones, 34, of Llanrwst doing the domestic work. David and Kate were bilingual.

Domestic gardener William Williams, 24, of Llangernyw lived in one part of Ysgoldy with wife Catherine, 22, from Porthmadog. The couple originally lived in Llanddoget where children Robert, 2, and Fanny, 1, were born. Both parents were bilingual.

 

Above: Ysgoldy in 2007

Another part of Ysgoldy housed game keeper William Roberts, 48, of Gwytherin, and Llanfair born wife Margaret, 12 years his junior. When daughter Jane, 12, was born, they lived at Llansannan, moving to Llangernyw for the births of William, 9 (later Wil Bod Wilym who married Mary, daughter of William and Eliza Evans), Michael, 7, and Robert, 5. Daughters Mary E, 3, and Catherine, 11 months, were born locally. Only William and daughter Jane spoke both languages.

Farming Coed Llydan Isa at that time was 66 year old John Jones and wife Sarah,57. Daughter Maggie E, 22, also lived at home. All came from the locality and were bilingual.

 

Above: Coed Llydan

David Jones, 46, a road labourer of Llanelian, lived at Pont y Clwt with his wife Anne, 52, and daughter Anne, 12. The ladies were born locally, but daughter Anne was the only bilingual person in the household. Anne later went to work in Manchester, and when she came back she lived at Pen Ucha'r Gwyllt to look after the old lady living there. When the old lady died, Anne married Hugh Evans, who was then living in Garth Hebog near his brother William in Fronwen, and they bought Pen Ucha'r Gwyllt from the heirs.

 

Above: Pont y Clwt

Bethel housed lead miner John Evans, 30, of Llanrwst and his wife Catherine, 42, of Dolwyddelen. The children were born locally. R O Evans was 5, Margaret 3 and W Saunders 7 months. John Jones, also recorded as a son, was 14 and the only bilingual person in the home.

 

Above: Bethel

Bethel is also recorded as housing shepherd Lewis Hughes, 26, of Cerrig y Drudion and his local wife Lizzie, 21. Both spoke Welsh.

Farming on his own account at Sychbant was Owen Evans, 54, of the Llanrwst area. His housekeeper Marian Williams, 36, came from Harlech and the children living at the farm were hers from a previous marriage, Elizabeth Jones, 7, Humphrey Williams, 4, and William H Williams, 3, all of Llanrwst. Marian was the only bilingual person.

Tom Bryniog has told the story of Owen Ifan (Evans) and his mule. Owen Ifan used to deliver coal in the village with his mule and cart, and also transport flour from the mill. His was a simple, innocent character, harmless, and the mischievous boys of the district liked to play practical jokes him.

One day Owen Ifan had gone for a rest, leaving the cart and mule or donkey outside his house. Some of the lads took the cart and mule to a nearby kissing-gate or "giat-mochyn (pig-gate)" and there they unhooked the cart and pushed its shafts through the struts of the gate and re-harnessed the mule the other side of it. Then they went and hid. They watched Owen Ifan come out and contemplate the situation in amazement. For ever after he used to boast about the cleverness and prowess of the old mule.

In time, Owen Ifan passed away and one Saturday afternoon his belongings were sold up by Rogers Jones, a Llanrwst company - his clogs, wheelbarrow and butter making equipment, the cart and its harness and other tack, and, of course, the clever old mule.

A family originating from Scotland lived at Bwlch y Gwynt. They were shepherd Duncan McRae, 66, and wife Jane, 50, who both spoke English.

Neighbouring Pennant housed a farmer originating from Sedgley. George Tinsley, 53, employed Catherine Bullock, 71, as a housekeeper and Ellen Bickett, 27, as housemaid, both of Bilston.

 

Above: Pennant

Robert Thomas, 42, a general farm labourer, lived at Pen y Bryn, Pennant, with wife Ellen, 38, and children William, 16, a feeder of stock on the farm, Catherine, 11, Robert M, 7, Hilda M, 4, and Samuel, 1. All came from the Llanrwst area and were bilingual.

Carter Owen Jones, 34, of Penmachno lived at Ty Newydd, Pennant with his wife Mary, 32, and son William, 12, who were both Llanrwst born. All spoke Welsh.

Single farmer John Jones, 54, ran Tyddyn Ucha on his own account. Sister Anne Jones, 60, kept house for him. Nephew Evan Jones, 20, was a teamster on the farm. All three came from Llanrwst and nephew William, 12, of Ffestiniog also lived there. The brothers were bilingual and the adults spoke Welsh.

Henfaes housed John Owen, 55, a general farm labourer from Beaumaris, and wife Ellen, 54, who came from nearby Betws y Coed. Both spoke Welsh.

Three brothers farmed Llwyn Gronwy with a sister keeping house for them. Morris Roberts, 55, Isaac, 53, and William, 45, were cared for by Ellen. Mary Harker, 18, was a domestic servant there. All were local. Others of the Harker family lived nearby at Nant y Fedwen.

Bangor born William Owen, 66, farmed Bryn Sylltu with carter John Owen, 47, servant Annie Williams, 15, both also from Bangor, and stock feeder Evan Evans, 23, of Llanfair. William and Annie were the only bilingual persons.

Rhydloewy (Rhydloyw)housed John Owen, 25, a general agricultural labourer born locally. He married Annie, 32, of Llandudno, where two of their children were born, Elizabeth, 11, and Owen, 8. About 1884, the family moved to live in the locality where Willie J, 7, and Nellie, 1, were born. All were bilingual.

Another part of Rhydloewy was not occupied. (Rhydloyw)

Farming Llwyn Richard were Robert Jones, 58 and wife Gwen, 54, where children William, 30, Winnie, 19, and Margaret grew up to help their parents. Anne Roberts, 28, a visitor was staying with them. All came from Llanrwst and were Welsh speaking.

Pant Glas was farmed by John Evans, 38, born locally, and his wife Martha, 41, of Penmachno. Elizabeth Williams 24 was employed as a domestic servant. All were Welsh speaking.

 

Above: Pant Glas in winter

No one was living at Hafod Gilbert at the time of the census.

John Davies, 75, farmed Gorswen with wife Jane, 72. He originated from Llansantffraid and she came from St Asaph. Their children Margaret, 18, Evan, 31, and David, 27, were all born in the Llanrwst area. Only Margaret and David spoke both languages.

 

Above: Gors Wen

The Harker family lived at Nant y Fedwen. Lead miner John Harker was 44 and wife Jemimah 42. Son Owen, 22, was a farmer on his own account. Thomas, 14, Christopher, 12 and Anne, 7, made up the household. Only John was bilingual, and they were all born in Trewydr.

 

Above: Nant y Fedwen

Bachelor John Williams, 45, farmed Rhos Farm (once called Rhyd y Fferm) with niece Jennie, 17, a domestic servant, and nephew William, a general labourer on the farm. All were from Llanrwst and Welsh speaking.

Llangernyw born Richard Owen, 42, farmed at Farmyard with Llanfair born wife Jane E, 33. Their children Robert E, 10, John W, 5 and Richard M, 3, were locally born. Their live-in horseman was David Roberts, 26, also locally born.

Sisters Hannah Jones, 21, and Lydia, 11, both noted as farmers daughters, lived at Henffrith. Both were from the area and Welsh speaking.

Stonemason John H Jones, 24, and wife Kate, 23, lived at Carmel Chapel House. Both were born locally and Welsh speaking.

Another stonemason lived at Ty’n y Ffordd. Both Hugh Thomas and wife Ellen were 40 years old. Their family consisted of Mary, 12, William P, 11, Henry, 12, and Robert H, 6. All were Welsh speakers born in the Llanrwst area.

William R Williams, 35, farmed Henblas with wife Grace, 34. Children Owen J, 11, Thomas, 7, Ellen, 4, and 6 month old John were all from Llanrwst and Grace was the only bilingual member of the household, which included dairymaid Elizabeth, 20, general servant Margaret, 19, carter Hugh Evans, 25 (later of Garth Hebog and Pen Ucha'r Gwyllt, the brother of William Evans of Ty Newydd and Fronwen), and cowman Richard Griffiths all locally born, with the exception of Richard Jones, 27, teamster, whose place of birth was not known, other than he was born in Wales.

Foster mother Susannah Davies, 63, of Gwytherin lived at Tyn y Ffordd Bach. Her fostered daughters were Margaret A Jones, 12, of Llanrwst and Gwladys W Jones, 4, of Trefriw. Margaret was the only one to speak both languages.

Living at Rhydlechog were Hugh Hughes, 24, agricultural labourer of Llangernyw, wife Jane, 30, of Penmachno and 9 month old John R, born locally. His widowed brother in law Edward Roberts, a general labourer, lived with them. Hugh spoke both languages.

Tai Candryll housed widowed farmer’s wife Margaret Williams, 64, and bilingual daughter Margaret Roberts, 34, both from the Llanrwst area.

Cae Ceiliog housed Elizabeth Williams, a 79 year old widow of Llanfihangel. She is noted as being in receipt of Parish Relief. Sharing the property was widowed farmer David Jones, 45, and his children Edith M, 18, and William B, 10, all from the Llanrwst area. Elizabeth was the only one not to speak both languages.

 

Cae'r Ceiliog in the 21st Century.

Farming on his account at Tyn y Caeau was widower William Jones, 65. His family consisted of daughters Elizabeth, 33, Kate, 21, a college student, and Edith, 16. William could not speak both languages, unlike his daughter. All were locally born.

Lead blend miner William Roberts, 46, of Llanrhychwyn lived at Tafarn y Fedw, with his Liverpudlian wife Sarah A, 42. The couple lived in Ffestiniog originally, where son William, 23, also a lead blend miner, was born. They moved locally and added to their family with Richard, 19, a joiner, John, 16, who must have been one of the youngest photographers working on his own account, David H, 12, and Harry, 4. All were bilingual.

Regarding William Roberts above, Patricia Williams of the Llanrwst Historical Society, tells us: William and Sarah Anne were my great grandparents and the William born in Ffestiniog was my grandfather. He was killed in 1918 in France. John the photographer died aged 32 in 1917, I don't know where.

Sarah Anne, although born in Liverpool, was raised with her siblings by an uncle and aunt (brother and sister) David and Jane Jones at Pantrhedyn, Llangernyw. Sarah Anne was 3 in the 1861 census, living in Llangernyw. Their mother must have died? Their father was William Jones, a miner, according to her marriage entry.

They all died young except for David Hugh who died in Llandudno and Richard, whom I knew nothing of apart from the census information.

Well, just a couple of weeks ago I was contacted by a man who had the same details for his great grandfather as I had for mine. The upshot being that Richard Roberts was his grandfather! To make it even more strange, we realised that we had both lived in the same part of Llanrwst and knew each other well!!! Our fathers were first cousins but we never knew it!

William, Sarah's husband, was also a photographer. He took photographs of the tourists coming up from Conwy on the ferry to the Trefriw Spa and he took the first photo of the new Capel Penuel in Trefriw. This supplemented his meagre income from the leadmines. My father did exactly the same thing! (Many thanks, Patricia, for this extra light on these family members.)

William Williams, 29, a saddler from Llanfair TH lived at Tafarn y Fedw Shop with wife Annie, 29, and daughter Jane, 2.

Also at Tafarn Y Fedw was another lady living on Parish Relief; widow Mary Roberts, 80, a locally born Welsh speaker.

Next to her lived Morris Roberts, 33, and his family. He worked as a labourer at a slate quarry. His wife Mary, 31, hailed from Penmachno, and they lived in Ffestiniog originally, where 9 year old Evan P was born. They moved to the Llanrwst area around 1893 where the rest of the family was born, including Morris himself. Johnny Ll,7, Winefred, 3, and Addie, 2. His brother James, 22, worked with Morris at the slate quarry and he had a 5 month old daughter Sally living with him. Sons Evan and Johnny were the only bilingual people living in the home.

Hugh Jones Morris, 25, also lived at Tafarn y Fedw. He was from Gwytherin and worked as a lead miner. Wife Ellen, 27, born in the Llanrwst area, looked after children David G, 6, Mary J, 4, and Owen, 2. Hugh and Ellen were bilingual.

Neighbour Thomas Jones, 52, was an agricultural labourer. His wife Mary, 51, came from Aber, and his brother John Roberts,43, was also an agricultural labourer – both from Llanrwst. Thomas could only speak Welsh; Mary and John were bilingual.

William Roberts, 28, a general labourer and wife Lizzie, 22, had moved to the area around 1889 from Dolbenmaen where daughter Lizzie, 4, was born. Mary, 2, was born locally. The parents were bilingual and had at one time lived at Tafarn Y Fedw.

The last family recorded at Tafarn y Fedw were John T Roberts, 24, and wife Elizabeth, 22, both bilingual and from the locality. John would have been very busy at harvest time, as he was the local driver of the threshing machine.

The Old Turnpike housed general labourer Thomas Jones, 41, wife Mary, 48, and grand daughter Winifred, 7. All were Welsh speaking and born locally.

Lewis Jones, 23, a lead miner and his wife Margaret, 22, both of Llanrwst, are also recorded at The Old Turnpike, but maintaining a separate household.

Farming Dyffryn Aur was David Pierce, 48, locally born, and his wife Josphine, 47, of Penmachno. Employed there were cowman William Morris, 70, of Llangernyw, domestic servant Anne Jane Williams, 27, John Oliver, 22, and fellow general labourer Robert J Arnold,13, all Llanrwst born. Everyone was bilingual.

The final entry in this particular district of the census relates to Bryn Melyn, where Joseph Roberts, 37, recorded as a Pip dealer from Denbigh lived with wife Anne, 39. Her place of birth is recorded as not known. However, children Jonah R, 9, Cadwaladr, 6, and Hannah E, 2, were all locally born. The two youngest were the only ones who could not converse in both languages.

Mr D Ellis-Jones undertook the next district’s enumeration, which commenced at Cyffdy, where a 51 year old widow living on her own means, Janet Mary Morgan from Coliford, Gloucestershire, resided with her daughter Christina Constance Morgan, 25, of Llandilo, Monmouth, and 15 month old grandson Alfred William April Bugbird, born Seaford, Sussex. All were English speaking.

 

Above: The Front Door at Cyffdy

William Williams, a 67 year old widowed farmer from Trefriw, lived at Cyffdy lodge with his daughter and family. 25 year old Elizabeth had married William Jones, 28 who worked as a carter. They had one daughter, 3 year old Margaret. They were born locally, and only William was not bilingual.

The Blacksmith at Carneddau Smithy was David H Jones 30. He had recently been widowed and was bringing up his young family on his own. He was bilingual, and the children only spoke Welsh. He and his family were born locally. They were Sarah 9, Margaret 7, John 5, Ceridwen 4, and Emily 2. He employed 19 year William Davies of Nevin as a smith.

Bachelor Robert Roberts, 42, from the Llanrwst area farmed Hendre Wen. He spoke both languages. Assisting him were domestic servant Gaeney Edwards 23 from Pentrefoelas, 21 year old carter, David Roberts of Llangerniew and cowman Michael Thomas of Penmachno. They all spoke Welsh.

Agricultural labourer John Owen, 54, wife Diana, 48, and sons John R, 24, Thomas, 17, and Owen, 13, lived at Highgate. All were born locally and bilingual. The sons were also agricultural labourers.

Widowed Margaret Williams, 64, of Betws y Coed farmed Ty Gwyn. Her daughter Margaret Evans, 37, was also widowed and lived at home with her son John G Evans, 10, and brother Robert T Williams, 21, a bailiff on the farm. All were born locally and bilingual. Carter Griffith Humphreys, 40, spoke Welsh and came from Trefriw.

Carneddau Farm is noted as in occupancy, but no one was home that day.

Brynrodyn was farmed by Owen Jones, 39, of Llanbedr with his 37 year old wife Margaret of Dolwyddelen. Their sons Griffith, 19, born in Llanrwst, and Robert, 17, born in Blaenau Ffestinog, both worked at the slate quarry. Daughter Margaret, 14, was a domestic servant and youngest son William, 12, the only bilingual person in the household, was at school. Margaret and William were both born in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Dressmaking on their own account at Croesffordd Berthddu, were mother and daughter Grace Jones, 62 and widowed from Pentrefoelas, and Anne, 32. Her sons Jeremiah, 25, and Caradog, 23, worked as a lead miner and wheelwright respectively. Unmarried 79 year old John Jones was an agricultural labourer from Capel Garmon as were Grace’s daughter and sons. Lodger John Williams, 33, of Gwytherin, worked on the land. Only Caradog was bilingual.

Robert Roberts, 38, lived at Bryn and plied his trade as a gardener. He was locally born. Mary A Williams, 22, was a domestic servant from Bettws y Coed. Robert was entertaining visitors on the day of the census, Arthur E Knight, 38, from Manchester, living on his own means, and his wife Kate, 30, of Bettws y Coed. All were bilingual other than Arthur who spoke English.

Fedw had a busy household, where farmer John Williams, 39, and wife Catherine, 32, raised their children. Florence C was 9, John 7, Grace 5, Margaret 3, and Mary I 2. Robert Hughes, 36, was a carter and Susannah Davies, 17, a domestic servant. The whole household were bilingual and born in the Llanrwst locality.

 

Looking down from Fron Wen towards Y Fedw and Rhiw.

Thomas Lewis, 35, farmed Rhiw. He and his children were Llanrwst area born but wife Catherine, 28, the only bilingual here, was from Llanddoged. They raised Evan, 6, Anne, 5, William, 3, David I, 1 and 6 month old Jane. 9 year old Margaret Davies is recorded as wife’s daughter.

 

Above: Rhiw

Penrallt was farmed by Robert E Williams, 29, and wife Jane, 27. They were Llanrwst area born like their children Isabella, 4, and William E, 3, and carter William Thomas, 35. All spoke both languages.

Neighbouring Ty’n Twll had Robert Williams, 51, farming its land with wife Elizabeth, 33. Children William, 8, Jane, 7, Anne E, 5, Robert O, 3, and Margaret M, 10 months together with Robert’s brother Owen, 64, living on his own means, completed the household. All were Welsh speakers and recorded as being born in Llanrwst. (See section on Tyn Twll below).

 

Above: One of the old buildings at Tyn Twll

Tyddyn Llywarch housed the family of farmer Thomas Jones, 70, and wife Grace, 62. Helping them on the farm were sons Robert E, 31, Edward O, 25 and daughter Margaret J, 22, who helped in the home. Two grandchildren are recorded, Price, 9, and Elizabeth, 3. All were locally born and Welsh speaking other than Edward and Margaret who could also speak English.

Edward Edwards, 60, farming Tyddyn Du but born in Cerrig y Drudion had married Dolgellau born Jane, 58. Their daughters helped on the farm. Joanna, 26, worked as a dairymaid, Edith, 31, and Selina, 19, are noted as housemaids, and son John, 14, a carter. All were Llanrwst area born. Agricultural labourer John Jones, 14, came from nearby Pentrefoelas. All spoke Welsh.

Morris Thomas, 59, farmed Soflan with wife Mary, 58, son Evan, 15, a shepherd, and carter William Hughes, 18. All spoke Welsh and were born locally.

 

Above: Soflen looking West

John Blackwall, 34, born locally, was living on his own means at Hendre House. His wife Christiana (?), also 34, was a foreign subject from Chile, South America. They had no dependant children living with them, and employed Margaret J Williams, 34, of Llandudno as a parlourmaid, Margaret J Jones, 23, of Birkenhead as a housemaid. Mary J Roberts, 36, of Ffestiniog cooked for the household, and local William Bickers, 18, was their coachman. You can read some more about Hendre House on the relevant link on this website. Christiana could only speak English of the home languages, the others were bilingual.

Retired agricultural labourer John Rowlands, 86, of Pentrefoelas and wife Gwen, 70, from Ysbyty Ifan, both Welsh speaking, lived at Galltyrefail.

Tyddyn Hen had as its occupants Evan Roberts, 68, a farmer from Ysbyty Ifan, his son Thomas, 22, a butcher and Thomas Davies, 54, a cowman, both locally born. Elizabeth Parry, 65, of Llanddeiniolen was housemaid. It was a bilingual household.

Maenan born Lloyd Roberts, a 40 year local agricultural labourer, lived at Pwllymonyn with wife Margaret, 40, of Capel Garmon. Both were bilingual, and their children Elizabeth, 11, and William L, 8, were born locally and spoke Welsh.

Brynderwen was quite a multicultural household. Retired banker, William B Halhed (?), 64, born in Calcutta, was head of the household. His wife Georgiana, 64, also came from those parts – Rungpore. Both their daughters, Emma, 34, and Winifred, 24, were born when the couple lived in Liverpool. Neither is noted with an occupation. All spoke English. The bilingual workforce included Mary Jones, 28, their cook from Cefn Mawr, and waitress Winifred, 22, from Blaenau. Housemaid Margaret Williams, 27, was born in America but was a British subject. Gardener John Jones, 50, was from Llangwno and his wife Dina, 50, came from Llanfair.

 

Above: Bryn Derwen

Evan Andrew, 54, an agricultural labourer, lived at Caerberllan with wife Margaret 54. Sons Lewis, 26, also an agricultural labourer, and John, 17, an apprentice draper, also lived at home. All were bilingual and from Llanrwst. This was also the home of Margaret’s widowed father Hugh Hughes, 85, of Eglwysbach, a Welsh speaker.

Siamberwen had widowed farmer Evan Roberts, 52, as head of household. His sister Hannah, 62, shared the responsibility of running the home with Evan’s daughters Mary, 22, and Maggie B, 21. Robert Hughes, 14, worked as a yardman. All were Llanrwst born and bilingual.

Farming Plas Tirion was John Evans, a 65 year old from the locality. His wife Margaret, 67, came from Llanrhos. Their son Robert, 24, born locally, helped with the farm work, and was assisted by Peter Morris, a 23 year old carter from Gwytherin. Catherine Jones, 27, of Pentrefoelas assisted in the house. The family were bilingual, and employees were Welsh speaking.

At this point enumerator Mr D Ellis-Jones would have said his farewell to the Evans family, and put his fountain pen away, having completed the Ty Brith Isaf township of Llanrwst for 1901.