JONES, JAMES RHYS, (KILSBY; 1813 - 1889), Congregational minister
Pseudonym: Kilsby
Date of birth: 1813
Date of death: 1889
Gender: Male
Occupation: Congregational minister
Area of activity: Religion
Author: John Dyfnallt Owen
Born 4 February 1813 at Pen-lan, Llandovery, son of the Rev. Rhys Jones, Ffaldybrenin. At the age of 15 he went to Neuadd-lwyd Academy (near Aberayron), where he remained for two or three years. After a short period in a college at Blackburn he kept school at Ffaldybrenin, 1833-4. He then went to Carmarthen Academy, 1835-8. Afterwards he ministered at Machynlleth (for about six months), Frampton-on-Severn, 1835-9, Kilsby, Northamptonshire, 1840-9, Birmingham, 1850, Bolton, 1851-5, Rhayader, 1857-60, Tonbridge Chapel (London), 1861-6, Rhayader (a second time), 1867, Cae-bach (Llandrindod), 1868-87, Christ Church, Llandrindod, 1878-89. He died 4 February 1889.
Kilsby Jones was regarded as one of the most notable men of his period - 'famous' in the eyes of his admirers but 'odd' in those of his critics. He was different from other people in his mode of life, his dress, his manner of expressing himself; his personality may also be described as most original. Rules, regulations, accepted modes, and customs - he was above all such things. In his personality bravery and gentleness were combined. He hated all deceit and hypocrisy. He wrote much to weekly and denominational journals; he also brought out (1867) an edition of the works of William Williams of Pantycelyn.
Author
- Reverend John Dyfnallt Owen, (1873 - 1956)
- J. Vyrnwy Morgan, Kilsby Jones (Wrexham 1897)
- Y Geninen, July 1889
- NLW Archives: NLW MS 10B (328)
- Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru, ii, 524, iii, 557
Sources
- J. Vyrnwy Morgan, The life and sayings of the late Kilsby Jones, Congregational Minister, Llandrindod (Swansea 1896)
- David Evans, Cymeriadau hynod, Adgofion (Bala 1903?), pp.67-78
- Wikipedia Article: James Rhys Jones
Further Reading
- John Pryse, James Rhys Jones and R. Richardson, Pryse's handbook to the Breconshire and Radnorshire mineral springs: with notes and excerpts illustrating the history, antiquities, and topography of many of the surrounding towns and villages (Llanidloes 1860)
- NLW Archives: Kilsby Jones's Deliverance on Toryism verses Liberalism... to the Electors of Merionethshire
Works
- Peter A. F. Villiers, James Rhys Kilsby Jones
- William Williams, Reverend J R Kilsby Jones 1813-89
- John Thomas, J. R. Kilsby Jones
- John Thomas, Revd James Rhys Kilsby Jones (1813-89)
- John Thomas, Revd James Rhys Jones (Kilsby, 1813-89)
- John Thomas, Revd James Rhys Kilsby Jones (1813-89)
Images
Published date: 1959
Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
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