Hi Sam,
Thank you for the background regarding Hugh Thomas. If I remember correctly,
there have been other references on this list to those who emigrated from
the Bala area to Pennsylvania. Families from Citalgarth and Frongoch further
down the valley from Llaithgwm ring a bell.
The following is extracted (and translated )from 'Atlas Meirionnydd'
(Geraint Bowen, editor) published in the 1970's and sadly out of print:
"When Pennsylvania was handed over to William Penn, land was purchased there
by approximately 40,000 Welsh Quakers. The first group to emigrate from
Wales was lead by Dr Edward Jones from Bala (1682), and included Hugh
Roberts, Citalgarth, who became a famous preacher amongst the Quakers. His
friend, John ap Thomas* of Llaethgwm, was unable to travel with him due to
ill health. This first group was followed by several hundred other Quakers
from the county...including entire families and their employees."
This was written by the author Marion Eames, who also wrote two novels (Y
Stafell Ddirgel & Y Rhandir Mwyn) regarding Quaker families from the
Dolgallau area. The first book was translated and is currently available
under the title 'The Secret Room' for £6.95 sterling either from the
publisher, Gomer Press, LLandyssul (
www.gomer.co.uk) or through the website
of the Welsh Books Council, Aberystwyth (
www.gwales.com). The latter has a
secure site for credit card transactions.
* Another extract from 'Atlas Meirionnydd' (author Ivor Owen):
John ap Thomas, Llaethgwm, died 1683, well known Quaker. The last to be
buried in the Quakers' Cemetery, Hafod Fadog. His family emigrated to
Pennsylvania.
Regards
Ken Richards