OBITUARIES
1886

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 13th. 1886.

DEATH OF CAPT. EVAN ROBERTS

At half-past eleven on Wednesday night, the 10th inst., after a few days' illness, this estimable gentleman passed away to his rest. He was the oldest master mariner in Carnarvon, and was descended from a family who has attained notoriety in seafaring annals in this part of the Principality for a whole century. Captain Roberts was born in Tregof, Carnarvon, in April, 1809, and was, therefore, at the time of his death, on the eve of completing his 77th year. Early in life he went to sea with his father, who was master of the "Jane Tyddyndrain," and about 52 years ago he took the command of the schooner "Miss Smith," and subsequently of others, ending with the "Emily Jane." Capt. Roberts's ability and sterling qualities attracted the notice of the late Mr. Assheton Smith of Vaynol, and that gentleman appointed him commander in succession of the celebrated steam yacht, which, at the time, made Mr. Smith's name famous. Twenty-five years ago the deceased retired, and spent his remaining years in the enjoyment of the repose which was the fit sequel of his active and useful life. Capt. Roberts was elected deacon at Engedi Chapel in 1849, a trustee of the harbour, a prominent Liberal, a staunch supporter of the Temperance and Bible Societies, and a faithful helper in every movement that tended to ameliorate the social and religious condition of the masses. His wife, two sons, and a daughter have predeceased him. His only surviving daughter is the wife of the Rev. Mr. Williams, B.A., Wolverhampton. The funeral takes place on Monday morning at Llanbeblig, and will be private.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 20th. 1886.

THE LATE CAPTAIN ROBERTS

The funeral, private, of Captain Roberts, Segontium-terrace, whose death we recorded in our last issue, took place on Monday, at Llanbeblig. Messrs. Bryan Brothers, Bridge-street, were the undertakers. In the evening, the Rev. E. Roberts delivered a funeral sermon at Engedi Chapel, his text being Acts viii, 2. The Engedi choir, under the leadership of Mr. W. J. Williams, gave an excellent rendering of the anthem "Par i mi wybod dy ffyrdd."

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 13th. 1886.

DEATH OF MR. JOHN EDMUNDS, CARNARVON

We regret to have to record the death of our respected townsman, which took place, after a long illness, at his residence, Vrondirion, South-road, on Wednesday evening last, in his 71st year. Mr. Edmunds, who was much respected, was a schoolmaster in early life, but about 30 years ago he established a company, which took over the old Seiont Flour Mill, and he continued as manager up to his death. He was a member of the Carnarvon School Board, and was a deacon of Engedi Calvinistic Methodist Church, in connection with which he, many years ago, established a ragged school, in which he manifested great interest. He was well known for his zeal on behalf of temperance and every good cause. Mr. Edmunds was twice married, and leaves a widow, two sons, and two daughters to mourn their loss. The funeral - a public one - will take place on Monday next, starting at one o'clock for Caeathraw.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 20th. 1886.

FUNERAL OF MR. J. EDMUNDS, CARNARVON

The funeral of Mr. J. Edmunds, Vrondirion, South-road, Carnarvon, whose death we recorded in our last issue, took place on Monday last, the internment being at Caeathraw. The Rev. W. Ryle Davies, Waenfawr, and the Rev. Daniel Rowlands, M.A., Bangor, officiated at the house, the service at the grave being conducted by the Rev. E. Roberts, Engedi, and the Rev. D. Williams, Cwmyglo. Subsequently, a meeting was held at Caeathraw chapel, under the presidecy of the Rev. E. Roberts, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. Gwynedd Roberts, Rhostryfan; W. Jones, Portdinorwic; Evan Jones, Carnarvon; Mr. William Davies, Cae Poeth, Llanrug; and the Rev. R. R. Morris, Carnarvon. The funeral cortege was one of the largest ever seen at Carnarvon, and included the children of the Engedi Ragged School, local lodges of Good Templars, the members of the school board, the closed carriages of the Mayor of Carnarvon (Alderman Lewis Lewis), Mr. Walter Hughes, J.P., Penybryn; and Mr. Morris Roberts, Rhosdican, followed by a large number of ministers, preachers, and deacons; the workmen of Seiont Flour Mill, and about 500 of the general public. The arrangements, which were well carried out, were superintended by Messrs. Bryan Brothers, the undertakers.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 20th. 1886.

DEATH OF MRS. WILLIAMS, BRON CAEROG, CARNARVON

Much sympathy is felt at Carnarvon with Mr. Councillor David Williams, builder and contractor, of that town, in the great loss sustained by him on Tuesday last by the death of his wife. Mrs. Williams, who was in her 53rd year, was the only daughter of the late Capt. Griffith, of the schooner "Saeren," and was a faithful member of the Baptist church, among whom her loss will be much felt. Her funeral was of a private character, and took place at Llanbeblig on Friday (yesterday). Mr. John Ethall was the undertaker.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 3rd. 1886.

DEATH OF MR. JONATHAN JONES, MARKET-STREET, CARNARVON

We regret to have to announce this week the death, which took place on Saturday last, of Mr. Jonathan Jones, Market-street, Carnarvon. The deceased gentleman, who was in his 71st year, had been for many years the receiver of income tax for Carnarvonshire and Anglesey, but upon the removal of that office from Carnarvon to Bangor in 1879, he retired into private life. He came to Carnarvon from Amlwch when quite a young man, his father, Mr. Joseph Jones, being at the time a well-known resident in the latter place. Mr. Jonathan Jones took great interest in antiquarian matter, and, to a lesser degree, in geology. In politics, he was a Conservative. At one time he was a member of the Carnarvon School Board, and at the time of his death was a trustee of the Carnarvon Harbour. His funeral took place on Tuesday at Llanfaglan New Churchyard - the chief mourners being Mr. Joseph Jones and Mr. Fred Jones (sons), and Mr. Frank Turner (nephew). Much sympathy is felt with his widow and other relatives.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 10th. 1886.

Mr. Jonathan Jones was erronously described in our last issue as "Receiver of Income Tax." It should have been Surveyor of Taxes.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: May 7th. 1886.

DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MR. GEO. THOMAS, SOLICITOR, CARNARVON

It is with deep regret that we have this week to announce the death of Mr. George Thomas, solicitor, Carnarvon, which took place at his residence, Bryn Cadnant, about eleven o'clock on Sunday morning last. Mr. Thomas had been in failing health for some time, but latterly he so far recovered as to be able to resume his duties, and he was engaged at his office in Castle-street on Saturday last. On the following morning, however, he became seriously ill, and died suddenly at the hour named. The deceased gentleman, who was 34 years of age, was the third son of Mr. John Thomas, Market-street (clerk to the Bangor and Beaumaris Union), and brother to Mr. J. H. Thomas (clerk to the Carnarvon Union). Much sympathy is felt with the widow and children of deceased and the two families. Mr. Thomas served his articles with the late Mr. E. G. Powell, and upon the retirement of that gentleman, he joined the firm which afterwards became known as that of Messrs. John H. Roberts and Thomas. He was deputy-coroner for Carnarvonshire, and the advocate in the registration courts for the Carnarvonshire Constitutional Association. He took an active interest in Freemasonry, having been F.M. of the Segontium Lodge 606, and P.S.B. and P.P.J. of the Royal Arch (Segontium) Lodge. He had a large circle of friends, by whom his death is greatly deplored. Mr. Thomas was a general favourite with all classes, being one of the most good-natured gentlemen in the town. No applicant for help was ever sent away by him unaided. The funeral, which was of a semi-private character, took place on Wednesday at Llanbeblig, members of the Segontium Lodge of Freemasons being present in accordance with a wish expressed by the deceased. The mournful cortege left Bryn Cadnant shortly after eleven o'clock, in the following order:- Members of the Segontium Lodge of Freemasons; carriage, containing Dr. E. H. Williams, the Rev. J. W. Wynne Jones, Messrs. R. R. Williams, Herbert Rees, and Ernest Rees; hearse; first mourning coach, containing Mrs. Thomas (widow), Mrs. Holmes (mother-in-law), Mr. W. H. Holmes (father-in-law), Master Louis Holmes (brother-in-law), and J. H. Thomas (brother); second carriage, containing Messrs. J. Thomas (father), Howell Thomas, Alfred Thomas (brothers), J. Williams (cousin); third carriage, containing Messrs. R. H. Williams and Howell Williams (cousins), J. Tuckfield (brother-in-law), and J. H. Roberts (clerk of the peace); fourth carriage, containing Messrs. W. E. Davies, R. Parry, E. H. Morris, and C. W. Roberts. The coffin, which was of polished oak with brass mountings, was borne to and from the church on the shoulders of a number of the deceased's brother masons. A number of beautiful wreaths, sent by relatives and friends, were deposited on it. The service in the church and at the grave were read by the Vicar, and subsequently Brother J. Issard Davies, chaplain of the Segontium Lodge, impressively read the funeral service of the order and the oration. A large number of the deceased's friends were present. The legal profession were represented by Messrs. R. D. Williams, J. A. Hughes, Morris Owen, George Owen, Charles Rees, L. R. Thomas, R. O. Roberts, and Hussey de Burgh, whilst among others present were Major Owen Thomas, Captain Croft, Acting Chief-constable C. Davies, Rev. W. Morgan, Messrs. J. Owen Jones, R. R. Williams, T. Lloyd, A. Ingleton, W. Challenor, D. W. Davies, W. H. Owen, R. Newton, W. C. Whisken, J. W. Poole, W. Edwards, Price Hughes, H. Hardman, J. Rowlands, &c. During the day flags were displayed half-mast at the Royal Welsh Yacht Club house and the Conservative Men's clubroom. Mr. R. R. Williams, the undertaker, carried out the arrangements in a very creditable manner.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: May 21st. 1886.

DEATH OF MR. THOMAS HOBLEY, LATE OF BRON SEIONT, CARNARVON

A letter has been received by Mr. William Hobley, Bontnewydd, near Carnarvon, announcing the death, which took place at Chicago, U.S. on the 30th ultimo, of his brother, Mr. Thomas Hobley, late of Bron Seiont, Carnarvon. On Wednesday, the 28th of April, the deceased, who, with his son, was employed as collector for the house of Messrs. Reilly and Barker, Chicago, was walking along the street in that city when he was seized with a fit of apoplexy, and fell backwards into an adjacent basement, nine feet deep. When picked up, it was found that three of his ribs were broken, and that he had received other internal injuries causing cerebral hemorrhage. He never regained consciousness, and died on the following Friday. He was buried in the Graceland Cemetery, belonging to the Cambrian Society of Chicago, the funeral sermon being delivered by the Rev. J. Parry, minister of the Reformed Episcopal Church. As already mentioned, deceased gentleman, previous to emigrating to America, resided at Carnarvon, where he carried on an extensive business as shipowner, and the news of his sad death was received with deep regret by his numerous friends in that town.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 11th. 1886.

DEATH OF MR. EDWARD RUMSEY WILLIAMS

We regret to record the death of Mr. Edward Rumsey Williams, of Twthill-terrace, Carnarvon, which took place on Saturday last. Deceased, who was in his 85th year, was one of the oldest solicitors in Wales, having retired from practice in 1858. At one time, he was registrar to the sherrif's court for the county - an office which he held for a large number of years. He was a brother to the late Mr. Henry Rumsey Williams, of Penrhos, and leaves two sons and one daughter to mourn his loss.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 25th. 1886.

DEATH OF MR. HUGH ROBERTS, SOLICITOR, CARNARVON

We much regret to have this week to announce the death, which took place on Saturday last, of Mr. Hugh Roberts, solicitor, Plastirion, near Carnarvon. On the previous Saturday, he, accompanied by Mr Hugh Jones, of the Seiont Marble Works, Carnarvon, went in a yacht for a trip to Holyhead. They spent the night on board at Llanddwyn. Mr. Roberts was at the time in rather delicate health, and the exposure, it is supposed, must have brought on a severe cold. He arrived at Holyhead on Sunday, and on the following day he was so indisposed that he deemed it necessary to proceed home without delay. Dr. John Williams attended upon him at once, but on Friday his case became so serious that Dr. Waters, of Chester, was sent for to consult with Dr. Williams. Mr. Roberts, however, was found to be in a most dangerous condition, so much so that the medical gentlemen entertained no hopes of his recovery. He passed a very bad night on Friday, and on Saturday morning became unconscious, and died shortly before noon from accute inflammation of the bowels. The news caused much sorrow in Carnarvon, where the deceased was well known and highly respected.

Mr. Roberts was the son of the late Mr. Hugh Roberts, Llwynbrain, Llanrug, who carried on an extensive business as draper at the Bee Hive, Bangor, and died in 1871. He was educated at Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1869. Shortly afterwards he was articled to the firm of Messrs. Nisbet, Rook, and Daw, solicitors, 35, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, and in April 1874, he entered into partnership with Mr. Charles A. Jones, the present registrar of the Carnarvon County Court. This partnership continued by arrangement for seven years, and expired in 1881, in which year he was appointed clerk to the Carnarvonshire County Petty Sessions in succession to Mr. J. H. Roberts, who was elected clerk of the peace for the county. On the 16th February, 1881, the deceased gentleman was married at Christ Church, Carnarvon, to Miss Mildred, the sister of Mr. C. A. Jones, and youngest daughter of the late Dr. Jones, Bronhendre, Carnarvon, and much sympathy is felt with her and her two daughters in their sudden bereavement.

THE FUNERAL

strictly of a private character, took place on Wednesday morning last, at the Llanrug Churchyard, the Rev. J. W. Wynne Jones, M.A., vicar of Carnarvon, officiating in the house, in the church, and at the grave. The chief mourners were Mr. George Farrer Roberts, Hollinfare, Warrington (deceased's eldest brother); Mr. J. Roberts, Kirby Steven, Westmoreland (youngest brother); the Rev. T. R. Walters, Carmarthen (brother-in-law); Mr. Charles A. Jones. Carnarvon (brother-in-law); and Mr. T. T. Kelly. Sir Llewelyn Turner, Capt. Stewart, Major Blythe, and Mr. H. Jones, Seiont Marble Works, were also present. The coffin, which was of plain oak, polished, with brass trimmings, was conveyed from the house to the graveyard by eight tenants of the Llwynbrain estate, who acted as pall-bearers. Awaiting the mournful cortege near the churchyard were Messrs. J. H. Roberts, clerk of the peace; L. R. Thomas, and Morris Owen, representing the legal prefession; Mr. R. Roger Williams, and others. At Carnarvon, several of the vessels in the harbour hoisted flags half-mast, and most of the shops were partially closed. The deceased, who would have attained his 40th year in July, at one time held a commission as lieutenant in the Carnarvon corps of the 1st Flintshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteers.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 2nd. 1886.

DEATH OF DR. ARTHUR JONES, MAENHIR, DWYRAN, ANGLESEY

It is with much regret that we have this week to record the death of Dr. R. Arthur Jones, which took place on Sunday last, at his residence, Maenhir, Dwyran, after a severe illness extending over six weeks. The deceased for many years had a very extensive practice at Carnarvon, where he held, among other appointments, those of gaol surgeon, medical officer of health, medical officer of the union, surgeon of the Training College, and medical officer to the Port Sanitary Authority. About eight years ago, he was elected medical officer of the Llanidan district of the Carnarvon Union, and at that time he removed to Maenhir. He was born on the 19th of September, 1843, and was therefore in his 43rd year. He was the second son of the late Dr. Robert Jones, Bronhendre, Carnarvon, and brother to Mr. Chas. A. Jones, registrar of the Carnarvon County Court. In 1870, the deceased was married to Margaret Ann, the only daughter of Mr. Thomas Griffith, of Maenhir, late of Clynnog, there being no issue from the marriage. Dr. Jones was attended to during his illness by Dr. Edward Williams, of Carnarvon. The funeral ,a private one, took place on Tuesday, at the Llanfairisgaer churchyard.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 30th. 1886.

DEATH OF MR. JOHN ABBOTT, BUTCHER, CARNARVON

On Wednesday evening last, Mr. John Abbott, butcher, died rather suddenly at his residence in High-street, Carnarvon, from the effects of a paralytic stroke. The deceased, who was about 73 years of age, was well-known throughout the counties of Carnarvon and Anglesey, he having been for many years the principal butcher at Carnarvon.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 10th. 1886.

DEATH OF MR. JOHN THOMAS, GWYNDY, CARNARVON

We deeply regret to record this week the death of Mr. John Thomas, who for tha last twenty-seven years ably and carefully discharged the duties of surveyor for the county of Carnarvon. The sad event took place on Thursday morning, at the deceased's residence. For the last twelve months, Mr. Thomas had been in failing health. He was widely known also as an architect, and had practised as such for a large number of years at Carnarvon. Mr. Thomas was only 53 years of age, and his comparatively early death is a matter of sincere regret for a large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the county. He has left a widow, two sons and three daughters to mourn their bereavement.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 5th. 1886.

DEATH OF MR. W. JARRETT ROBERTS

We regret to announce the death, at 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning last, of Mr. W. Jarrett Roberts, R.A.M. (Pencerdd Eifion), musical instrument manufacturer, 163, High-street, Bangor. The deceased had been in failing health for some time, and his demise was not altogether unexpected. The casue of death was consumption, which had developed from inflammation of the lungs. The late Mr. Roberts was born in August, 1844, and therefore was in his 43rd year. His parents were William and Grace Roberts, Berth, Llanllyfni. In 1875 he removed from Liverpool to Carnarvon, where, in a short time afterwards, he started business as a musical instrument manufacturer, and, in time established branches at Denbigh, Festiniog, and Bangor, where, a few months ago, he took up his residence. As a musician, Mr. Roberts was well-known throughout the Principality under the nom de plume of Pencerdd Eifion. He was a versatile composer his best known works being the cantata "The Inundation of Cantre'r Gwaelod," the motet "Gweledigaeth Iesu" and several anthems and solos.

The funeral, a public one, will take place on Saturday next, at the parish churchyard of Llanllyfni. The remains will start from Bangor at 10 a.m., reaching Carnarvon by noon, and arriving at Llanllyfni by two p.m. It is expected that a large number of the deceased's friends, bards, musicians, and the public generally will form part of the mournful cortege at Carnarvon or at Penygroes.

---

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 12th. 1886.

FUNERAL OF MR. W. JARRETT ROBERTS

The funeral of this well-known music composer and instrument dealer and manufacturer took place last Saturday. The weather could hardly have been more unfavourable, especially in the morning, the downpour of rain resembling a persistent tropical shower so far as the quantity of rain falling was concerned. The body was brought from Bangor at about 11 o'clock, arriving here about noon, and the mournful procession then went on towards Llanllyfni. At Penygroes the procession was met by the Nantlle "Silver" Band, which played several pieces suitable for the occasion. The internment took place in the Llanllyfni churchyard, the Rev. Evan Davies officiating.

---

INDEX