JONES, JOHN (Ioan Brothen; 1868 - 1940), poet

Born 10 June 1868, son of John and Jane Jones of Cae'r Gorlan, Llanfrothen, Meironnydd. The family went to live at Hafod Mynydd and it was as ' John Hafod Mynydd ' that Ioan Brothen was known to his friends. He was one of five children; his sister Meirionwen also wrote poetry. He was given a little education at the local day school, but was more grateful for the education he received at the Sunday school at Siloam chapel, Llanfrothen. After leaving school he became a farm labourer at Llanfrothen but left to become a quarryman at Rhosydd quarry, Blaenau Ffestiniog. After the labours of the day he used to retire with the other quarrymen to the 'barracks' where, in his leisure time, he read books and wrote englynion. He was also a naturalist and had an expert knowledge of birds, trees, plants, and ferns. He married Ellen Jones of Garreg Ganol, Llanfrothen, 30 November 1901, and thereafter lived in her home; they had two sons and four daughters. He was a frequent contributor to Cymru (O.M.E.) and Cymru'r Plant. In 1942 a collection of his englynion was published under the title Llinell neu Ddwy (Rhedegydd office, Blaenau Ffestiniog). 'J.W. J.' collected another volume of his work for publication and sent it in manuscript to the N.L.W. He died 16 November 1940 and lies in the new cemetery, Llanfrothen.

Author

• John William Jones, (1884 - 1954)

Sources

• Personal recollections
• Y Rhedegydd, 21 and 28 November 1940

Images

• NLW: Ioan Brothen
• NLW: Ioan Brothen
• NLW: Carneddog a Ioan Brothen

Additional Links

• NLW Archives: Papurau Ioan Brothen
• NLW Archives: NLW MS 16799xiiiD: Cerddi Ioan Brothen
• Wikidata: Q20733529

Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-RUU/1.0/