WILLIAMS, THOMAS (Eos Gwynfa, or Eos y Mynydd; c. 1769 - 1848), poet

Born either in the parish of Llanfyllin or in the parish of Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa, Montgomeryshire, c. 1769. He spent the greater part of his life at Tŷ-uchaf, near Pontysgadarn, Llanfihangel, following his trade as a weaver. He joined the Independents and was one of those responsible for building Braich-y-waun chapel. He was also one of those who persuaded Ieuan Gwynedd to start preaching. He died November 1848 at the age of 79, and was buried 18 November in Llanfihangel churchyard. He wrote a great deal of poetry, mostly devotional carols suitable for the early Christmas service and for Easter, and five volumes of his works were published during his lifetime: Telyn Dafydd, 1820; Ychydig o Ganiadau Buddiol, 1824; Newyddion Gabriel, 1825, 2nd imp. 1834; Manna'r Anialwch, 1831; and Mer Awen, 1844. His carols were held in high esteem in a countryside famous for Christmas dawn services. Two of his sons entered the ministry, Joseph, who was at one time minister at Llansilin, and John, who later joined the Baptists.

Author

• Dr Enid Pierce Roberts

Sources

• T. R. Roberts, Eminent Welshmen: a short biographical dictionary of Welshmen... from the earliest times to the present (1908)
• Cymru (O.M.E.), ii, 273; iii, 18, 68, 70
• Collections Historical and Archaeological relating to Montgomeryshire, ix, 161
• R. Williams, Montgomeryshire Worthies (1894), 318
• Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru, i, 364
• Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa parish church registers

Additional Links

• VIAF: 21949826
• Wikidata: Q13131865

Published date: 1959

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