CARNARVON TRADERS

The Repository of all Things Historical for the Ancient Welsh Town of Carnarvon

  Castle Square, Carnarvon. Published by Williams & Hughes, Bridge Steet, 1850


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OBITUARIES
1903


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 23rd. 1903.

OBITUARY

The death occurred on Sunday of Mr. B. M. Williams, Moriah-square, at the age of 70 years. The deceased had resided in the town for many years and was by profession a compositor of music. He was a brother of Mr. Enoch Williams, bookbinder.


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 30th. 1903.

The funeral of the late Mr. B. M. Williams, music compositor, took place on Saturday, at Llanbeblig Churchyard. There was a large number of printers and others present. The Rev. Evan Jones (Moriah) officiated at the house, and the Rev. D. Stanley Jones at the churchyard.


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 20th. 1903.

DEATH

The death occurred, on Monday night, of Mr. Robert J. Owen, of Gelert-street, who was formerly well known as a ship broker. The deceased, who had been ailing for a considerable time, was 58 years old, and a faithful member of Moriah.


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 17th. 1903.

SUICIDE

On Good Friday morning, John Roberts, an insurance agent, committed suicide by hanging himself at the Pendref Temperance Hotel. The deceased, who was only 32 years of age, was a widower, with four children, and had at one time kept a boot shop in Bangor-street. Recently, however, he had been an insurance collector. - An inquest was held on Saturday morning, before Mr. Arthur Bodvel-Roberts, the deputy-coroner, when evidence was given by Mr. Humphreys, the superintendent of the Pearl Insurance Company. He said that as the deceased had not been to him to settle up the accounts on the previous evening he had called at the Pendref Temperance Hotel. He waited for a time, and then heard that something was wrong upstairs. The deceased had not got up. He rushed upstairs and found Roberts had hanged himself in the lavatory. He immediately cut him down, and Dr. Griffith was sent for, and declared life to be extinct, death having been instantaneous. Deceased was a very good collector, and would have been soon promoted. Witness knew that he was in financial difficulties, and that he had been borrowing money from his brother to pay off debts contracted when in business. - A servant at the hotel gave evidence to the effect that she called Roberts a little before eight o'clock, and that he had replied that he would come down shortly. Soon afterwards she went up and saw something in the lavatory. She was so frightened that she rushed down stairs for assistance, and when the last witness went up he found the deceased hanging as stated. - The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while temporarily insane."


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 24th. 1903.

OBITUARY

The death took place on Sunday afternoon of Miss Davey, Bron Alaw, Assheton-terrace, after a long illness. The deceased, who was a sister-in-law to the late Mr. Hugh Humphreys, was 71 years of age, and for many years had managed the business in Castle-square. The funeral was a private one, and took place on Wednesday afternoon, the remains being interred at Llanbeblig Churchyard, the Rev. Gwilym Lewis, B.A., officiating.


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: May 1st. 1903.

DEATH

The death occurred on Sunday of Mr. John Owen Jones, of the Eryri Works, at the age of 70 years. The deceased was well known in Liberal circles in the town, and took an active part in local politics, being always a prominent worker at the elections. He was also a member of the Liberal Club, and for many years he had been the chief clerk at the Eryri Timber Works. He was also a faithful member of Engedi Church. He leaves a widow and two brothers, namely, Messrs. R. O. Jones, Waenfawr, and Thomas Owen Jones, with whom great sympathy is shown. The funeral took place at Caeathraw on Thursday afternoon.


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 17th. 1903.

THE LATE MR. TILLING

The death took place, at his residence, 15, Palace-street, on Sunday night, after a few days' illness, of Mr. W. L. Tilling. Years ago, the deceased was in the employ of the railway company, but from this position he drifted into the wholesale and retail house furnishing and china trade, which for a period he carried on in partnership with the late Mr. Blackburn. Mr. Tilling, who leaves a widow and family, was greatly esteemed in the town. The internment took place at Llanbeblig Churchyard on Wednesday morning. The Rev. Samuel Potts, minister of the English Wesleyan Church, officiated at the house, and in the church the service was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. J. W. Wynne Jones, M. A.) and Mr. Potts.


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 25th. 1903.

FUNERAL OF SIR LLEWELYN TURNER

The funeral of the late Sir Llewelyn Turner took place on Tuesday, and was of a private character, according to the deceased knight's wish. The mortal remains were interred at Llanfairisgaer Churchyard. The attendance at the funeral was limited to members of the family, the Mayor and Corporation, and a few personal friends.

The cortege started from Parkia at eleven o'clock, and was in the following order, viz: First carriage: The Rev. J. T. Jones (vicar of Llanfairisgaer) and Dr. G. R. Griffith. The hearse. Second carriage: Messrs. James Bell, Archibald Bell, William Bell, and Laurie Dunn (brothers-in-law). Third carriage: Messrs. Charles A. Jones, Walker Jones, and Frederick Turner (nephews). Fourth carriage: Messrs. George Bell and Eddie Bell (nephews), and Mr. Bailey (an old friend). Two vehicles conveyed beautiful wreaths, while other carriages were sent by Mr. Assheton-Smith, Mr. Davies (Treborth), the High Sheriff (Mr. Stewart Barnard), Mr. Edward H. Owen (Tycoch), General Sir Hugh Rowland, Mr. G. R. Rees, and Dr. Taylor Morgan, who was also personally present.

Among those in the procession were the Mayor (Mr. W. G. Thomas), the Town Clerk (Mr. J. H. Bodvel-Roberts), Aldermen Edward Hughes, D. T. Lake, Norman Davies, R. Parry, Councillors Richard Thomas, W. Hamer, R. Newton, J. T. Roberts, R. Roberts, John Prichard, Nathaniel Roberts, John Davies, E. E. Jonathan, Mr. John Menzies (chairman of Carnarvon Harbour Trust), Mr. D. P. Williams (chairman of the Provisional Education Committee of the county), Messrs. Lloyd Carter, G. R. Rees, Alwyne Carter, W. H. Owen, R. Jones, James Evans, Charles H. Rees, J. H. Burton (Beaumaris), Ernest Ashton (district secretary of the Central Sunday Closing Association, of which Sir Llewelyn was vice-president), A. Holden (borough accountant), &c. The body was encased in two coffins, the outer being of massive polished oak with heavy brass mountings, and the breastplate had on it the inscription: "Llewelyn Turner, Born February 11th, 1823; Died September 18th, 1903."

At the entrance to the church the body was met by the Bishop of Bangor, the Vicar of the parish, the Revs. Lewis Jenkins (curate of the parish), and W. Williams (the Bishop's chaplain), the opening sentences being recited by the vicar, who afterwards in the church officiated with the Bishop and the Rev. Lewis Jenkins. At the close of the service Mr. Roberts (Portdinorwic) played the "Dead March" in "Saul."

There were more than two dozen wreaths deposited on the grave, among the senders being Lady Turner, Lady Penrhyn, Mr. George D. J. Bell, Brighton; Mrs. George Bell, Mrs. Charles T. Bell, Mr. Walter Bell, Mr. and Mrs. C. Bell, Mrs. George Bell and Mr. Bell, Aigburth; "Joseph and Will," Moseley Hill; Mrs. Lloyd, Warrington-road, Brighton; Mr. and Mrs. Assheton-Smith, M'me V. Ve J. Leiris, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent, Bangor; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hughes, Dolgelley; Mrs. Wynn Griffith, Mr. Thomas Bailey, Allerton; the Marquis of Anglesey, Mr. Charles A. Jones and family, Mr. H. Kneeshaw, Penmaenmawr; Mrs. Mansel Morgan, General T. Turner Jones, of the Indian Army; Dr. and Mrs. Taylor Morgan, Sir John Puleston, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Vicarage, Llanfairisgaer; Mrs. Trevor Roper, Mr. and Mrs. Dew, Wellfield, Bangor; Mr. and Mrs. Laurie Dunn, Gourbridge. Flags were hoisted half-mast on the headquarters of the Yacht Club, as well as on the Castle, the Guild Hall, and other public buildings. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. David Roberts (Waterloo House) and Mr. H. E. Roberts (Bangor-street).


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 25th. 1903.

THE LATE MR. JOHN OWEN, TYCOCH

The death occurred on Saturday night of Mr. John Owen, J.P., Tycoch, after a long illness, at the advanced age of 82.

Mr. Owen was well known throughout the country both as a gentleman of an extremely charitable disposition and great business ability. As the head of the firm of Messrs. H. Owen and Son, shipowners and timber merchants, he was known throughout the Principality, and was one of the largest employers of labour in North Wales, for in addition to the timber yard and the ships owned by the firm, they employed hundreds of men in the Foundry and the Glan'rafon Quarry. After Sir Llewelyn Turner, Mr. Owen was the senior borough magistrate and he was also on the commission of the peace for the county. He took a great interest in the harbour works and for 61 years sat on the Harbour Trust, though of late, owing to his advanced age, he could not regularly attend the meetings. He became a member of the Carnarvon Town Council in 1840, and after a short interval was re-elected in 1850. After that he held his seat continuously for close upon 40 years, and though often invited to the mayoral chair, he repeatedly declined the honour. In 1883 he was selected High-Sheriff of the county.

It was on account of his extensive commercial transactions, however, that he was best known to the country at large, for even before the days of the great American liners, Messrs. Humphrey Owen and Son carried on passenger traffic between Liverpool and the United States. At one period the firm owned about 20 sailing vessels and conveyed the Penrhyn slates to America until the restrictive tariff put an end to the trade. The company also had a number of passenger boats, and during the Chartist movement of 1840 they carried about 400 Chartists from Milford Haven to America. Thus, Mr. Owen had considerable opportunity of serving the sailing community of Carnarvon and never failed to do so. There are to-day in the town and the county many retired captains who served under the firm for many years.

Though a moderate Conservative in politics, Mr. Owen was a staunch Nonconformist, and a faithful member and office bearer at Moriah. He also took a prominent part in establishing the English Presbyterian cause in Turf-square and contributed largely towards the fund of the new church when it was far weaker than it is to-day, and practically saved the cause at the time of its financial crisis shortly before its removal to Castle-square. He was also a firm friend of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and on the death of Lord Penrhyn in 1886, he became the president, and contributed largely to the funds, though he did not often appear on the platform at the meetings. It was Mr. Owen, too, who practically established the British School at Carnarvon and induced Lord Penrhyn to give land for the purpose of its erection. He also helped in the establishment of the first School Board.

To his workmen, Mr. Owen was a kind and indulgent master, and he took a keen interest in the success of his men, and at all times tried to assist them. Especially did he show his kindness to an employee's family at times of illness, for he was extremely charitable, and in an unostentatious manner gave away vast sums towards all good objects. Mr. Owen also spent a large sum of money at the Glan'rafon Quarry, where at one time he employed 470 men. This quarry is known to be the best equipped as regards machinery in the whole of North Wales. The news of his death threw a gloom over the whole town, where he was so well known and highly esteemed, and deep sympathy is felt with the stricken family in their bereavement. Mr. Owen left two daughters and a son, Mr. E. H. Owen, J.P., who is also a well known public man in the county and an antiquarian of standing.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took palce on Wednesday at Llanfairisgaer Churchyard. The invitations to the funeral were confined to members of the family, a few friends, and the employees. In the first carriage were the Revs. D. L. Williams (rector of Llanwnda), Evan Jones (pastor of Moriah Calvinistic Church), David Hughes (pastor of Castle-square English Presbyterian Church). Then came the hearse, followed by the chief mourners. In the second carriage were Mr. Edward H. Owen and Misses Owen (son and daughters), and Mr. J. H. Griffith, Dwyran (nephew). Third carriage: Mr. Thomas Owen, Rhyddgaer (brother). Fourth carriage: Dr. John Williams, Mr. H. Lloyd Carter, and Mr. G. H. Humphreys. Fifth carriage: Mr. Griffith Owen, Bryn Dinas; Mr. W. W. Roberts, Bodgwilym; Mr. Ben Jones, Bodaethwy; and Councillor Owen Evans, Twthill. Sixth carriage: Mr. W. H. Williams, Rose Hill; Mr. Rhys Williams, and Mr. R. R. Jones (Messrs. Jones and Miller). Private carriages had also been sent by Lady Turner, Mr. Edward Roberts, Maesincla; Mr. G. R. Rees, Mr. T. Morgan Lloyd, Dr. Taylor Morgan. Major Turner, and others.

The general public included Mr. James Evans, Mr. Thomas Hughes (North and South Wales Bank), Captain Jones (Lisburne House), Captain Griffith (Garnons-street), Captain Parry (Greenfield), Captan Parry (Tithebarn-street), Captain Pritchard (Rhoslan), Captain Owen (Dinorwic-street), Mr. Robert Roberts J.P., &c. A number of the deceased's employees acted as bearers, the coffin being of unpolished oak with brass mountings.

At the house a short service was conducted by the Rev. Evan Jones, while in the church and at the graveside the vicar of Llanfairisgaer (Rev. J. T. Jones) and the Rev. D. L. Williams officiated, the service being in Welsh throughout.

Choice wreaths had been forwarded by Mr. Edward H. Owen and the Misses Owen (deceased's children), Mr. Assheton-Smith, Mrs. Taylor Morgan, Captain Stewart, Mrs. Wynn Griffith, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Roberts, Mrs. Kneeshaw (Penmaenmawr), Nurse Doyle, the heads of departments and clerical staff, and the in and out-door servants.


From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 30th. 1903.

OBITUARY

On Tuesday, the funeral took place at Llanbeblig Churchyard of Mr. Griffith Hughes, Marcus-street, who died on Friday, aged 73. The Rev. D. Stanley Jones officiated. The deceased was a faithful member of Salem Congregational Church, and was well known in North Wales as a builder. Much sympathy is felt with the family in their bereavement.



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