Born at Berriw, Montgomeryshire, 23 June 1756, an illegitimate child. There remains uncertainty as to his parents. According to the tradition recorded by Williams, Montgomeryshire worthies , he was the illegitimate son of Owen Owen, Llifior, Berriew and there is an entry in Berriew register of baptisms 29 June 1756 'Thomas son of Catherine Evans of Llivior'. (Owen had married the heiress of Llifior.) In 1760 a case was brought against 'Catherine, wife of Mathew Jones of Trefeen, Kerry'; who had been in service in Tynycoed Llifior. However in Glansevern papers (NLW) 17840 there is a note concerning 'Jones of Trefeen illegitimate son of Davies of Ty'ncoed cousin to Miss Davies who married Owen "Welsh Uncle" to David Owen Senior Wrangler'.
From Shrewsbury School he went up in 1774 to S. John's College, Cambridge, but migrated in 1776 to Trinity, and was senior wrangler in 1779. He became Fellow of the college in 1781, M.A. in 1782, and tutor, retaining that office till 1807 - the poet Byron was one of his last pupils. He was accounted an excellent tutor, and was one of the leaders of the progressive element among the Fellows. He kept in touch with his native shire, and an address of his to its Volunteers was printed (Mont. Coll., xi, 261-4). He died in London 18 July 1807.
Published date: 1959
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