Thanks for your replies to the list everyone. I don't think anyone else is
researching this family or I would have found them by now, but I would be happy if they
were! I would be happy to share.
David & Kay thanks for your reply re: Griffiths Pedigrees of Anglesey &
Caernarfonshire, I have seen a copy and poured over it myself to no avail. Only one small
mention as to a 2nd marriage of Jeffrey Williams of Pentir to a 'daughter' of
Williams of Maesygeirchen. That isn't the connection I was looking for but if more
complete names had been listed I would have been happy. Never mind.
Copies of the oldest documents I have: a Will of 1658, Quarter Session records from 1674,
1730, & 1731.
To date, nothing found after that.
There were many John Willliams's, one William Williams, more John Williams's, then
at last! something different - my Francis Williams 1810-1881. His father, the last John
Williams 1790 - 1864 had needed to mortgage/sell off bits and pieces to Penrhyn Castle
estate and with all received from that, Maesygeirchen passed out of the family. In the
end, this last John Wms. was then able to set his children up financially for the rest of
their lifetimes, including his daughters, and that was the end of MaesyG.
The Caernarfon archives tells me that the previous John Williams of MaesyG.1747-1818 paid
heavy taxes, and that the only other person paying as much as he was Ashton-Smith !! Why
was he paying so much tax? Maybe he wasn't doing his crownly duties ?? Or maybe they
didn't have those at that later date - late 1700's. I must study more.
Because they were so close in proximity to Penrhyn Castle, in its shadow really, and had
many many of the same not only christian names but also surnames - Griffith &
Williams, I've entertained the idea that they may have been a minor branch of this
family. What are the chances?
As mentioned in my first email , I should likely look for advice as to where next.
Thanks all for letting me bend your ear.
Bonnie