I have a few questions regarding my Richard THOMAS and the Briton Ferry
area.
Richard THOMAS b.1855 Morriston, Llangyfelach to Daniel & Elizabeth.
1881 census (Apr) living in Llandilo Talybont as boarder, roller in tin
works
1881 Marriage cert (31 Jul.) Briton Ferry living on Vernon St.,
wife Maria DAVIES, living on Villiars St.
Father of Maria, John. witnesses: John DAVIES and Alfred DAVIES.
Family lore says Richard was very musically inclined and was either a
lay minister of music or choir director, or some connection between
church and music. They say he was trained in music and after immigrating
to America in 1895 taught music to his children. Many great great
grandchildren scattered in the United States share a strong singing
voice.
questions:
1. How far is Llandilo Talybont from Briton Ferry? From the 1st child's
birth cert. Maria was about 21/2 mos pregnant when they were married.
Would he have been "commuting" between Llandilo Talybont and Briton
Ferry? Or after the 1881 census would he have moved to Briton Ferry,
perhaps to more closely associated with a church there?
2. His children were born Neath Road, Briton Ferry, Feb. 1882;
Riston St., Briton Ferry,
Aug.1883;
Villers St., Briton Ferry, 1887.
for all, he was working in tin
works
Are those streets common to just one church? Are there any kind of
church records that would give me information about him and his
involvement with them? If church records are available, how would I go
about checking them?
3. Maria died Oct. 1889 Farmer's Field, Pontardulais. I can't find
anything on a census called Farmer's Field. Would that be a street name
or a farm name, or a name of a Hospital? How far is Pontardulais from
Briton Ferry? I'm thinking he may have gone there to have family help
with his children, although the 1881 census shows Maria's family (shown
as Marian on the census) living in Briton Ferry.
If anyone has any thoughts on any of this, or ideas for my further
research,
I appreciate your help and or suggestions.
Thank You--
Alyson Chapman