Hello Bob,
How good to hear from you. Now, I have printed out your email for
reference, because you ouch on a few things that triggered off my memory.
Some years ago, before computers came into the general scheme of things, I
took a course in Porth to learn what I could about them. One of the tutors
there was Egryn Ellis.Naturally I questioned him on his unusual Christian name
because I recognised it as being part of a Parish name of Llanegryn in
Merionethshire. I have been researching family history for 26 years, so was armed
with some knowledge of the Merionethshire Parishes in which I had reason to
be interested in.
Now, Egryn Ellis confirmed that he was named for the parish of Llanegryn
because some of his ancestors came from that Parish. However, at that time, his
mother lived in a bungalow in Harlech and sometimes did bed and breakfast
for limited guests. As I wanted to spend a few days in the area for
researching the local graveyards, I stayed with her. Egryn Ellis was formerly a
policeman, if that rings any bells.
I am afraid you are a few years too late to have anthing to do with the man
from whom I had great help in finding my family. Dr. Lewis Lloyd died some
years ago, but I am certain that he would certainly have been only too glad
with all his knowledge to have been a great help. He wrote books on the
mariners of Barmouth, Harlech, and other such places in North Wales. He was a
lecturer in Harlech University, but he did not lecture on history. History and
local families were his hobby. And how he loved it.
I also have interests in Llanenddwyn, Llanddwywe, Llanbedr and Llanegryn.
Family did not stay on the same farms from generation to generation, although
some of them did. But, when an ancestor died, then if there were several
siblings, then only one of those left could be the farmer.
Why don't you google some of those [parishes, and there are pictures of
parish churches sometimes. Another Parish neearby is Llandanwg. The Church
there is called the Church in the sands. If you visited, you would see why. The
gravestones are nearly buried in the stuff. When it was built though the
sea was far away.
The National library of Wales site has archives with licensed marriages if
you visit that. It has been a great help to me with some of my lot. Of
course, you do realise that the Calvanistic Methodists were prominent in that area
too.
Dolgellau is the local registration district for births, marriages and
deaths, but a few miles away from our area of interest generally speaking.
So, your mother was born in Porth. Well, a bit before my time, the 1920s,
however, I grew up in a village called Pontygwaith which is about four miles
from Porth, and I used Porth library regualarly as a child. I preferred it to
Tylorstown or Ferndale. I still cotton on to folk who came from Porth and
always mention the library there, where it still is with the familier tilles.
I do not live in Pontygwaith now though, I moved over to the Rhondda Fawr
some years ago. So, I take a keen interest in anything from either valley of
interest. Always on the lookout for surnames so that I might find a connection
either with myself or with someone I know who might need information. Like
yourself of course.
There is a Charles Ellis living locally, but I don't know his ancestry.
I think I have burnt your eyes long enough this time round though.
Best regards,
Maureen
Rhondda