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Gwefan Cymru-Catalonia Biographies
(Part 1) Baxter-Davies |
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A list of short biographies from "The History of the Welsh in
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0850e |
This page you are looking at is Section 1 of the
Biographies |
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Forward to Section 2 of the Biographies |
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Forward to Section 3 of the Biographies |
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Forward to Section 4 of the Biographies |
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Forward to Section 5 of the Biographies |
SOME NOTES:
(1) Some entries were out of sequence in the book, and some appeared in an
appendix. Here they are all together and they appear in the right order. The
page on which the beginning of the entry is to be found ijn the original book
is indicated here at the end of the entry.
(2) Our comments within the text appear in brackets in
orange type - for example, the correct spellings of place names - Bank
Flosfelen (sic = Bancffosfelen)
(3) To this list of biographies also we have added the
names of people appearing in photographs in the volume. In some cases there is
no biography for an individual in a photograph.
(4) Usually the photo is a portrait. Sometimes though the individual is in a
group photograph. In a few instances the portrait is an engraving. At some
future date we hope to put these photos online.
(5) There might be the occasional typing mistake - I’ll correct these
errors as I come across them.
(6) There are more names at 0856e (some names which appear in other
sections of the book do not appear in the biographies section)
Biographies
Throughout the text there
appears the spurious form “Glanmorganshire” instead of Glamorganshire (the
English name for Sir Forgannwg, a former county until 1974 in south-east Wales;
and the unusual spelling Anglesea instead of Anglesey (the English name for
Ynys Môn, a large island in the nort-west of the country)
[PHOTO] Baxter, John
Thomas Spent his early life in Bangor, Wis., and attended
High School at West Salem, where he received his preparation for college. He
next entered Ripon college, at Ripon, Wis., as a freshman, in 1881, and
completed his junior year there. There were at Ripon competitive prizes for
declamations in freshman year, essays in sophomore year, and orations in junior
year; and Baxter won first prize in all three. During freshman year he was
elected one of the editors to the college paper, and he was connected with it
in some capacity during the whole stay at Ripon. During his junior year he
represented Ripon in the Wisconsin State Oratorical contest and succeeded in taking
first honors. Consequently he represented Wisconsin at the Inter-State
Oratorical contest held at Iowa City, Iowa, in the spring of 1884, and took
third place among eighteen competitors. Throughout his stay at Ripon he was
greatly handicapped by impecuniosity and earned his expenses as a messenger in
the employ of the American Express company, having a short “run” which took him
away from Ripon in the evening and brought him back early in the morning. At
the end of his third year, not feeling prepared to graduate, he decided to drop
out for a year and then finish his course at Williams college, towards which he
had always looked with yearning. He entered the junior class at Williams in the
fall of 1885, where he became a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. He was
elected an editor of the literary monthly, and received the first junior
“Moonlight” declamation prize. In senior year, as a representative of the
Technian society he assisted in defeating the Logans in the annual joint
debate, receiving one of the six Graves prizes for essay and the Van Vechten
prize, and was library orator on class day. The Van Vechten prize is a $70.00
cash award, made at the end of the senior year, by vote of the faculty and
students of Williams college, to that member of the graduating class who, in
their opinion, has attained the greatest efficiency in the art of
extemporaneous speaking. After graduating in 1887, he became clerk in a law
office in Minneapolis, Minn., and was admitted to the bar in 1889, and since
then has practiced (sic)
law in that city. He is secretary of Minneapolis Bar association, and has read
a paper before the Minnesota Congregational club on “Christian Socialism.” Mr.
Baxter was married in October, 1891, to Gertrude Hooker, daughter of William
Hooker of Minneapolis. (x158)
[PHOTO] Blossom, Mrs. Alice Daughter of Griffith O. and Sarah C.
Williams, and granddaughter of the well known Rev. Daniel T. Davis, of Waukesha
and La Crosse, was born at La Crosse, Wis. Soon after her birth her parents removed
to Mankato, Minn. At a very early age she showed remarkable talent in music,
appearing in concerts when but two and a half years old. Removing to
Minneapolis with her parents, while still a young girl, she there pursued her
studies ardently and with success, only handicapped by her health and strength,
not being equal to her ambition. She was married in 1884 to Geo. F. Blossom and
is the mother of two beautiful children, a girl and a boy. Under the personal
instruction of the celebrated William Courtney, of New York, a Welshman
formerly from London, her phenomenal voice has been developed to a high degree
of perfection, the full, deep, rich, contralto quality being especially
admired. In church and concert work she has hardly a rival in the northwest,
and as a teacher she is very succesful, being at present teacher of the voice
at the Northwestern Conservatory of Music, Minneapolis. She is an earnest,
enthusiastic student and is never satisfied with present success, but
continually striving after a higher ideal. (x159)
[PHOTO] Blythin, C. J. Was
born in 1858 at Prestatyn, Flintshire, North Wales. His parents came to America
in April, 1868, residing a short time in St. Joseph, Mo., thence removing to
near Cambria, Wis. They then moved to Iowa, locating on a farm about four miles
from Williamsburg. Young Blythin left home when about nineteen years old to
attend school at Iowa City, Iowa; coming to Minneapolis in 1884. Entered the
employ of D. R. Barber & Son in 1891 as bookkeeper and now holds the responsible
position of manager with the same firm. (x159)
[PHOTO] Bowen, Daniel T. Born
in Nicollet, Minn., February 17, 1862. Son of William T. and Gwendolen Bowen,
who came to Nicollet from Spring Green, Wis., in June, 1859. The farther was a
native of Llangyndeiren Carmarthenshire (sic; = Llangyndéyrn, Carmarthenshire), Wales, and the mother of
Cardiganshire. They were married ad Blossburgh, Pa., and moved to Spring Green
in October, 1855. In 1864 moved from Nicollet to Judson, where the father died
October 1870. Daniel received a good common school education. Married Sarah,
daughter of Evan Davis, Judson, in 1886. She died in 1888. Married again in
1890, Mrs. Barbara Blake, daughter of Adam Menton, of LeSueur, Minn. In 1890 he
was appointed deputy sheriff of Blue Earth County by W. J. Glynn. In 1894 he
was elected sheriff by a large majority on the Republican ticket. (x162)
[PHOTO] Bowen, Evan Born
February 3, 1821, at Bank Flosfelen (sic; = Bancffosfelen), Llangyndeiren Carmarthenshire (sic; = Llangyndéyrn,
Carmarthenshire), Wales. Emigrated to Blosburgh (sic; = Blossburgh), Pa., in 1840. In 1847
he married Miss Jane Edwards, at Charleston, Pa. Moved to Nicollet county,
Minn., reaching the old townsite of Eureka on October, 27th, 1855.
Within a few days he located on a claim about a mile west of this then
promising city. In the summer of 1865 he purchased and moved to the farm still
owned by the family, in the present town of Cambria, Blue Earth county. In 1867
he was elected sheriff of Blue Earth county. He was a man of much natural
ability and force of character. Impulsive at times, almost to a fault, yet of a
very kindly and generous disposition and the memory of his warm friendship
still lingers in the bosom of many an old settler. He died January 3, 1871,
leaving him surviving, his wife and six children, namely: Miss Mary J. Bowen,
for years a most successful teacher in a number of the High schools of the
state, and now editor of the Idaho Springs News, at Idaho Springs, Col.; Thomas
E. Bowen (see below); Mrs. Margaret Roberts, of Denver, Colorado, formerly a
very efficient teacher in our public schools; John E. Bowen, merchant at
Courtland, Minn.; David E. Bowen, of Cambria, Minn., and Miss Esther Bowen, a
very successful teacher in the Wisconsin and Minnesota schools. (x160)
[PHOTO] Bowen, Mrs. Jane Widow of Evan Bowen, was born at Llan
On (= Llan-non),
Bryn Maen (= Bryn-maen),
Carmarthenshire, Wales, May 21, 1820. Her father's name was David Edwards, who
in 1841 emigrated with his family to Charleston, Pa. Wise, careful and
affectionate; she has ever been much loved by her children and acquaintances.
She still resides on the old homestead in Cambria. (x161)
[PHOTO] Bowen, Thos. E. Journalist,
son of Evan and Jane Bowen, was born October 13, 1849, at Blossburgh, Pa., and
came to Minnesota in 1855 with his parents. Began his education in the county
schools; then at the age of sixteen went to the High school at Mankato and
afterwards to the State Normal of the same city. He taught school for a few
years, and then began his career as a journalist at Sleepy Eye, Minn., where,
in February, 1879, he founded and for a number of years published the Sleepy
Eye Herald. November 1, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma E. White.
In 1886 he was elected state senator from Brown county. About 1890 he removed
to Duluth where he edited the Daily News for a few years. Since that time he
has had editorial charge of a number of papers in Duluth and vicinity. He is an
able and ready writer and a fearless defender of his convictions. (http://sleepyeyenews.com/extras/about.shtml “A weekly newspaper published
every Thursday, the Sleepy Eye Herald-Dispatch has a circulation of 2,700. The Herald-Dispatch
has provided news and advertising services to the Sleepy Eye community since
1879.”) (x161)
[PHOTO] Bumford, Richard R. Born
at Mount Pleasant, Racine County, Wis., October 26, 1856. His parents were
David and Eleanor Bumford. The mother died in May, 1860. Richard was educated
at the district school of his native place and at the Racine High School. Came
to Blue Earth County in March, 1876, where he remained teaching country schools
for two years. He then removed to the Welsh settlement in Lyon County, and in
1882 was elected register of deeds of that county, which office he held for six
years. Since that time he has been engaged with grear success in the real
estate, loan and insurance business at Marshall, Minn. Married Miss Lucy Lewis,
of Wyoming County, N. Y., in June, 1886. (x162)
[PHOTO] Cheshire, Isaac Born
at Caernedde, about four miles west of Oswestry, Shropshire, England, in 1830.
Offa's Dyke (a boundary
ditch from the late 700s constructed in order to mark the border between England
and Wales) passed through his
father's farm. He emigrated to Racine, Wis., in 1846. About 1860, at Racine,
Wis., he married Miss Ellen Davies, who was a native of Denbighshire, Wales.
For two or three years during the war he was employed in the Department of the
Interior in Washington. He then held the position of deputy revenue collector
at Milwaukee for about a year. In 1866 he removed to Mankato, Minn., where he
worked dor one year in the employ of Isaac Marks. He then formed a
co-partnership with William Jones, as Cheshire & Jones, in general
merchandise. The firm dissolved in 1875, and Mr. Cheshire was employed in the
auditor's office of Blue Earth County, and for a few years prior to his death
was deputy county auditor. He had a very remarkable talent as a bookkeeper,
being one of the best accoutants Blue Earth County ever had. He was also a fine
singer and a member of the famous Cambrian quartette, of which Prof. John P.
Jones, of Chicago; W. W. Davis, of South Bend, and R. J. Thomas, late of Mankato,
were the other members. He was a patron and ardent admirer of the Eisteddfod
and of all musical and literary societies. He died suddenly of heart disease
May 21st, 1882. Miss Mary E. Cheshire, of Cincinnati, O., is now his
only surviving child. (x162)
[PHOTO] Dackins, David Born
August 9, 1834, at Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Son of David and
Elizabeth Dackins of Lower Green (Grin Isaf), Llanidloes. September 1851 emigrated with parents
to Utica, N.Y., where they lived two years; thence for one year to Columbus,
O., thence for a short time to Memphis, Tenn., and Saint Louis, Miss., thence
in August 1855, to St. Paul, Minn, and from there in April, 1856, to Judson,
Minn., where he, his father and brother, Edward, located on a farm. (Early in April, 1856, David
and Edward Dackins, with their father, settled in Judson... (April 1857...)
Next morning a company from this Eureka fort went to Swan Lake to confer with
Chief Red Iron. David Dackins and Gustav Tidland, who could speak some Sioux,
were sent to the village to interview the Indians, while the rest of the
company halted at the edge of the timber. Red Iron gave the messengers full
assurance of peace and friendship, and the company returned with their
confidence in the redmen somewhat restored. See 0875 History of the Welsh
Settlements) November 1860 married Ellen, daughter of Edward and Jane
Edwards, then of Butternut Valley. August 18th, 1862, enlisted in
Company E., Ninth Minnesota, and was with this company until the battle of
Guntown, Miss., but in the retreat from that disastrous campaign he was
separated from his regiment and once taken prisoner, but through his shrewdness
escaped, and after days of wandering and untold hardships reached the Union
lines. His health, however, was badly shattered so that he was unable
thereafter to rejoin his company. In 1874 he removed to Mankato and followed
the occupation of carriage painter. He as always taken a lively interest in
politics, being one of the very few Welsh Democrats. Never seeking an office
himself, he has always taken pleasure in helping those he deemed worthy,
without regard to party. His wife died May 29th, 1880 (Errata: read “1890” instead
of 1880”). Their children are William, John, Edward and Jennie. [See:
The Welsh of Blue Earth and Le Sueur Counties, Minn. - Their Record in the War
of the Rebellion 0854,
and The Minnesota Massacre 0859]
(x163)
[PHOTO] Daniel, R. E. Born
in Llangeitho, South Wales, May 18th, 1844. Parents, Evan and Mary
Daniel. Emigrated with parents to Racine, Wis., 1848. Parents, Evan and Mary
Daniel. Emigrated with parents to Racine, Wis., 1848. Mother died in 1850.
Lived on farm with grandparents, Roderick and Catherine Evans, for six years,
then worked for other farmers; afterwards went to Racine and learned the
blacksmith trade. Enlisted in Company “F”, Twenty-second Regiment, Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry August 9thh, 1862, and served until end of the war. Mustered
out at Washington, D.C., June 12th, 1865. Engaged in real estate and
insurance soon after close of war. Married Mary E. Lewis, Berlin, Wis., for
twenty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel, three sons and two daughters, moved to
Minneapolis in May, 1887. Mrs. Daniel died December 1st, 1887. Mr.
Daniel married Jeannette M. Jones, of Berlin, Wis., June 11th, 1890.
He is now and has for the past fifteen years been engaged in the business of
adjuster and fire insurance losses. He is interested in music and has taken
prizes as a soloist and conductor in several musical conventions, and has
served as ajudicator of music at the Minneapolis Eisteddfod. (x163)
[PHOTO] Daniel, T. R. The
subject of this sketch was born October 7th, 1846, at Llangeitho,
Cardiganshire, South Wales. In 1848 he came with his parents, Evan and Mary
Daniel, to Racine, Wis., and spent several years of his boyhood with his
grandfather, Roderick Evans, at Mount Pleasant. When eighteen years old he went
to Fox Lake, Wis., where he lived for fifteen years and was engaged in the
mercantile business. In 1869 he married Mary I. Trimble, and ten years later
went to Oshkosh, Wis., where he remained for two years, engaged in the
insurance business. In March, 1882, he took a traveling position with the North
British and Mercantile Insurance Company, and the following year moved to
Minneapolis and was given the state agency for Minnesota and North and South
Dakota for the same company, and is still in the employment of the company.
From 1889 to 1894 he had charge of the company's office at Minneapolis, also
the company's local business. Mr. Daniel takes a great interest in music, and
was a member of the duet which secured the prize at the Racine Eisteddfod
in 1882. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. (x164)
[PHOTO] Davis, Charles E. Born
in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1844. (Errata: Strike out first sentence and insert: “Born at Trefonen, near
Oswestry, Shropshire, England, July 9, 1846. Son of Edward and Elizabeth
Davis.”) Emigrated to Le Sueur, Minnesota, in 1865, and thence to Lake
Crystal in 1869, where he engaged in the general mercantile business. He was
very popular and successful and soon became the leading merchant of that town.
He also formed a partnership with W. P. Marston and P. A. Larson in the banking
business there, under the firm name of Marston, Larson and Davis. In 1892 he
sold out his mercantile business, forming a partnership with R. D. Hubbard and
Geo. M. Palmer, under the firm name of Davis, Hubbard & Palmer. Married
Miss Sylvia O., daughter of Thomas Raney, of LeSueur. (x164)
[PHOTO] Davis, Hon. Cushman Kellogg Senator, born June 16th,
1838, at Henderson, N.Y., of Welsh ancestry, who had originally come from South
Wales to Massachussets. His parents moved to Waukesha, Wis., about September,
1838. His father, Horatio N. Davis, was county treasurer of Waukesha county for
several terms; was state senator from Rock county, Wis., two terms, and was a
captain in a Wisconsin regiment during the civil war. He is now 84 and his
estimable wife is 81 years of age. Both are still vigorous in mind and body and
reside at St. Paul, Minn. Their distinguished son, Cushman K., was educated at
Carroll college of that town and graduated from Michigan University in 1857.
Read law with Governor Randall, and was admitted to practice in 1859 at
Waukesha. Enlisted in the Twenty-Eighth Wisconsin Vlounteers in 1862 and was
made First Lieutenant of Company B and soon promoted Assistant Adjutant
Genereal on the staff of Gen. Willis A. Gorman, but after two years service was
obliged to resign his commission on account of ill health caused by an attack
of typhoid fever. In 1865 he settled in St. Paul and resumed the practice of
his profession in partnership with Gen. Gorman. In 1866 he was elected to the
Minnesota legislature and from 1867 until 1873 was United States district
attorney for Minnesota, and in the fall of the latter year was chosen governor
of the state. He served with great acceptance to the people, but declined a
renomination. He again resumed the practice of his profession and soon won the
deserved reputation of being one of the best lawyers in the state. In 1880 he married
Miss Anna M. Agnew, of St. Paul, January 18, 1887, he was chosen United States
senator and reelected in 1893. His vast erudition, especially in jurisprudence
and modern foreign languages, make him an invaluable member of the prominent
Senate committees, and his great ability as an orator, lawyer and statesman put
him in the foremost rank of the present great men of our nation, and he is
prominently mentioned for the presidency. (x164)
[PHOTO] Davies, Charles W. Engraver,
born at Whitesboro, N.Y., June 21, 1854. Only son of David and Sarah (Jones)
Davies. The father was a carpenter and builder and came to Central New York
from Wales, in 1823, when six years old. The mother was born in New York. Both
were active members of the Welsh Congregational church. Charles having finished
his public school education, took a course of elective studies at Whitestown
Seminary until twenty-one years old, when he went to Utica and started to learn
the jeweler's trade, but having a natural genius for engraving he soon acquired
a thorough knowledge of this art under an engraver of that city, and formed a
co-partnership with his instructor, which lasted two years. He then started in
the business alone at Syracuse, where he had the misfortune to lose all his
property by fire. After stopping a short time at Grand Rapids, Mich., he came
to Minneapolis, Minn., and without any capital save an indomitable will, began
business, with a store box for a table, as the pioneer engraver of Minneapolis.
His success has been very great, and his commodious business place at 610
Nicollet avenue, is in marked contrast with his small beginning. In 1885 he
married Miss Clara S. Getz, of Deleware, O., an estimable Christian lady. They
have two children, Marion and Clifford. (x165)
[PHOTO] Davies, Daniel T. Born
October 15th, 1832, at a farm called Brynawen (Brynawen), near New
Quay (Ceinewydd),
Cardiganshire, Wales. He came to the United States from Rhymny (Rhymni),
Monmouthshire, in the summer of 1869. Worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania
and Ohio for about three years and then moved to the silver mines of Colorado.
In the year 1878 he left Montezuma, Col., for Dodgeville, Wis., on a visit to
his uncle, the Rev. J. D. Davies, where he met Miss Sarah, daughter of Robert
R. Williams, of Dodgeville, and they were married January, 1879, then removed
to Kokomo, Col., where they spent three years. In 1882 he came to Minneapolis,
and engaged in the meat business. In 1888 he was appointed by the city council
city meat inspector, which office he filled for about four years. He was
elected deacon of the Welsh church of Minneapolis in 1889 and has continued
zealous and faithful to his trust, and one of the pillars of the society. He
has served as treasurer of his church for many years, and holds that position
at the present time. His family consists of four boys, namely, Eddie, Robbie,
Albert and Wynne. (x166)
Davies, Rev.
David Born at Tirgwyn (Tir-gwyn), Llandysiliogogo (Landysilio Gogo), Wales, July 12, 1789. He
was a son of Evan and Elizabeth Davies, and brother of Rev. Samuel Davis and
Rev. Jenkin Davies, the latter being a very noted C.M. minister. His father was
a prominent elder of the C.M: church, of Pensarn (Pen-sarn), located on his farm. The family
tradition is that the late distinguished Dr. Samuel Davies, president of
Princeton college, was a member of the same Davies family. The subject of our
sketch also prepared himself for the ministry. through his educational
advantages were few. He began preaching at Pensarn (Pen-sarn) church in 1814. In 1824 he
married Mary, daughter of Evan Jenkins, of Ffynon Berw (Ffynnonberw), and about 1830 built him a
new residence on a part of the Tirgwyn (Tir-gwyn) estate and called it Brynawen (Brynawen). In 1837 he emigrated to
Bloomfield township, Jackson county, O. There he preached to the Welsh settlers
- one preaching station being near his own home, which stood on the old
turnpike road, between Gallipolis and Chillicothe, ten miles east of Jackson
Court House; the other station was seven miles away at the house of Isaac
Evans, in Gallia county. Both of these congregations were soon organized into
churches, with houses of worship and flourishing Sunday schools. He was
ordained to the ministry in 1840. In America his ministerial connection (until
his death) was with the Presbyterian church, but he ministered mostly to
Congregational churches. Being a strong Abolitionist he became a member of the
Underground railroad. In May, 1856, he removed with his family to Blue Earth
county, Minn., locating on a farm in the western end of the present town of
Cambria. During 1856-7 and 8 he preached for the Calvinistic Methodist churches
of Blue Earth and LeSueur counties, being the first regular preacher in Horeb
church. In 1859 he joined the Congregational church and with Rev. Jenkin
Jenkins and Henry Hughes, began (in the fall of that year) a preaching service
in the vicinity of Horeb church. Here, at the house of Henry Hughes, he
organized a Congregational church on March 11, 1860. Rev. Samuel Jones, of La
Crosse, Wis., then visiting the settlement, assisting. Dr. Davies (as he was
generally called from his having studied medicine) continued to preach to this
church, alternately with Henry Hughes, until his death, which occurred April
17, 1861. His saintly wife followed him October 6, of the same year. Dr. Davies
was a great reader, a close thinker and a sound reasoner. A man of strong
convictions and of unswerving loyalty to his principles. A fast friend of all
that was right and a firm foe to all that was wrong. He left surviving him five
children: Rev. Evan L. Davies, M.A., of Lake Forest, Ill.; Rev. Peter S.
Davies, Ph.D., of Mandan, North Dakota; David S. Davies, late of Cottonwood,
Brown county, Minn., and the late Mrs. Mary S. Davies, wife of Thos. Y. Davies,
who died March 3, 1871, leaving her surviving one daughter, Mary, wife of John
F. Dackins, of Mankato. (x166)
[PHOTO] Davies, David J. Born
at Llangristiolus, Anglesea, Wales, March 31st, 1814. Oldest son of
John and Catharine (sic)
Davies, who were poor but pious people and gave their young son the rich legacy
of a religious training. In early life he worked on farms and read all the
books he could find. At this time a parson of the English church named Isaac
Jones took much interest in the studious youth and urged him to join the
English church and study for the ministry, but he was too deeply rooted in the
Calvanistic Methodist faith to comply with the parson's conditions. About 1840
he went to work in the quarries of Llanberis, and there when about 27 years old
he united with the C. M. Church of Cefnywaen (Cefn-y-waun). He spent some time at Merthyr
Tydfil (Merthyrtudful),
but in August, 1844, being thrown out of work with 300 others, he emigrated to
America and stayed for some time near Racine, Wis., then at Beloit for three
years, and then located on a farm at Proscairon, Wis. April 22nd,
1848, he married Gwen, daughter of the late Rev. D. J. Williams. Mr. and Mrs.
Davies had always longed for the missionary field, and a door was opened for
them in the call of the Presbyterian Board for teachers of Indians in Nebraska (said to be Omahas elsewhere
in the book). Leaving their farm in the spring of 1853 they crossed the
wild country to their field of labor among these Indians. There they toiled
faithfully and efficiently until the summer of 1860, when they returned to
Proscairon. In the summer of 1861, they removed to Beaver Township, Filmore
County, Minn., where they located on a farm. Mr. Davies died September 22,
1891, leaving surviving his saintly wife and three children, Hugh, Walter and
Claudia (now widow of the late William H. Thomas). Mr. Davies was a man of
strong intellectual grasp, who by wide reading and careful study had become
well posted in scriptural and secular knowledge. He was also possessed of a
most excellent Christian spirit, which greatly endeared him to all that knew
him. (x168)
[PHOTO] Davis, David J. Born
at Llanddewibrefi (Llanddewi
Brefi), Cardiganshire, Wales, December 11, 1814. Son of Thomas and Jane
Davis, Penstair (?Pen-staer)
. He was a carpenter by trade. Married Hannah, daughter of David Jones, an
innkeeper of Llangeitho, December, 1840. Emigrated to America in the summer of
1837 and settled first at Cuyahoga Falls, Portage County, O. About 1844 he
bought a sawmill in Edinburg Township, which he operated very successfully for
eleven years. In July 1855, in company with David J. Williams, he visited the
new Welsh settlement of Blue Earth County and located a claim in Section 16 of
Cambria, to which he removed with his family the following November. His wife
died in October, 1859. He was county commissioner of Blue Earth County in
1862-3, and has held a number of town and school offices. During the terrible
Sioux massacre of 1862 his eighteen-year-old son, Thomas, was killed on the
morning of September 10th within a few rods of the house, and Mr.
Davis and his other children, as they fled, were in view of the savages. Mr.
Davis is a man of strict integrity and much determination. He has always been a
great reader and is well posted in public affairs. His children are Ann, wife
of John R. Williams, of Cambria; David J., Hannah, Mary, wife of John Lloyd, of
Tracy; Jane, wife of David E. Thomas, of Lake Crystal; Herbert, Margaret and
Catherine. (x168)
Davies, David P. Born
at Cwm May Bush (??),
Llanrhystyd (Llanrhystud),
Cardiganshire, Wales, in 1811. Married Miss Jane Davies, of Llanbadarn Fach,
same shire. Emigrated to Jackson county, Ohio, in August, 1838. Came as one of
six, sent by a colony of Welsh people of Jackson, (see 0875 The colony from Jackson,
Ohio)to examine the Welsh settlements of Blue Earth County in October,
1855, and on May 10th, 1856, landed with his family at South Bend,
locating on claims in the present town of Cambria about the 7th of
June following. Horeb church was organized at his house, and he was one of the
charter members and first deacons. He was not only one of the prime movers in
its organization, but also in the erection of its house of worship and the
maintenance of its services for years. In 1857 he erected a small steam saw and
grist mill on his farm in the Little Cottonwood valley. He and his sons took an
active part in the defense of the frontier during the Indian outbreaks of 1857
and 1862. In 1865 he removed to South Bend and opened a general merchandise
store which he still conducts with his son, David P. Davis, Jnr. His wife died
January 5, 1892. Their surviving children are: Daniel P. Davis, of Cambria;
John P. Davis, of Tracy; Mary, wife of James Morgan, of Custer, Lyon county;
David P. Davis, Jnr.; Eben P. Davis, who was wounded by the Indians in 1862 and
now lives at Cambria; and Evan P. Davis, merchant on the Pacific coast. Two of
the children are deceased: Margaret, first wife of Wm. Edwards, of Cambria, and
Henry P., late of Worthington, Minn. (x169)
[PHOTO] Davies, David S. Eldest
son of the late Rev. David Davies, Cambria, Minn., born near New Quay (Ceinewydd),
Cardiganshire, Wales, in 1829. Emigrated with his parents to Jackson County,
O., where he received a good common school education, married in the spring of
1856, Miss Rachel Evans, and removed with the Jackson colony to Minnesota in
May of this year (see 0875 The colony from Jackson,
Ohio), and soon located on a farm in section 13 of Cottonwood, Brown
County, whereon his family still reside. He held a number of offices in his
town and was a leading elder of the Horeb C. M. church for over twenty-five
years. He was a great reader and very fond of Biblical study in which he was
well posted. His sound judgement, wide knowledge, sterling character and consacrated
heart made his life a power for the good in the church and community. He died
January 2nd, 1895, leaving him surviving his wife and nine children,
David E., Mary S., Edward, Ellen, Elizabeth, Peter S., Katie, Alice and John. (x170)
[PHOTO] Davis, David T. Born
at Cwm Mawr (Cwm-mawr),
Llanarth (Llannarth),
Cardiganshire, Wales, August 10th, 1825. He married Miss Magdalene
Evans, of Pant-y-Rhew (Pant-y-rhew),
in the parish of Dyhewyd (Dihewyd),
of the same shire, in 1849, and they lived in a place called Fynon Dalis (Ffynnondalis) in the
last mentioned parish, whence in the fall of 1853 they emigrated to Big Rock,
Ill. September 25th, 1855, they came to Judson, Minn., and located
on the farm now owned by Rev. John W. Roberts. They were two of the thirteen
character members of the Salem Congregatinal church, organized October 14th,
1855, by Rev. Jenkin Jenkins, and Mr. Davis was made one of the two deacons of
this church, which office he held with great acceptance until his death. In the
summer of 1863 he removed to the present town of Cambria, where the remainder
of his life was spent. June 21st, 1866, his wife died. January 5th,
1869 he married Mrs. Jane Williams, daughter of David Pugh, of near Dolgellau,
Wales, who had emigrated first to Utica, N.Y., then to Dodgevulle, Wis., in
1850, and thence to South Bend, Minn., in 1856, where her first husband,
William Williams, died. She, also, died January 30th, 1892, and Mr.
Davis followed her to the Better Land October 28th, 1894. Mr. Davis
was a true, conscientious Christian, who won the esteem of all the community by
his blameless life and faithful service. In addition to his duties as deacon he
led the singing in the Salem church for many of its earlier years. He was also
fond of poetry and had no little ability as a composer of Welsh verse. He was
frequently elected to various town offices, and in all places secular, social
and religious was honest and faithful. His children are Anna Jones, of
Rockford, Ill.; Lizzie Davis, of St. Peter, Minn., Ellen Evans, wife of John L.
Evans, of Cambria, Minn., and Evan J. and John T. Davis of the same place. (x170)
[PHOTO] Davis, David Y. Born
in Llanarth (Llannarth),
Cardiganshire, Wales, in September 1835. His parents were named John and
Elizabeth Davis. In 1841 he removed with his mother to Tredegar, Wales, and thence
in June, 1851, to the United States - locating first at Bridgeport, O.,
removing the following year to Pomeroy, O. He came to the present town of
Cambria in July, 1855, and located on the claim he recently sold to Rev. Thomas
E. Hughes. He returened to Ohio in September of that year, but came back to his
claim the following April. He again returned to Ohio in 1858, where he remained
until the spring of 1860. August 18th, 1862, he enlisted in Company
E, Ninth Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, and served wit his regiment faithfully
until the close of the war, taking part in all its marches and battles. October
4th, 1869, he married Miss Susanna, daughter of David and Margaret
Lloyd, of LeSueur County. In the spring of 1875 he rented his farm and moved to
Amiret, Lyon County, where he was in the mercantile business for one and
one-half years. He ten removed to Ottawa, LeSueur County, where he continued in
the mercantile business until the fall of 1888, when he retired form business
and built a comfortable home in Mankato, where he now resides. Honest,
conscientious, and of sound principles - a successful business man - a faithful
and brave soldier and a kind and hospitable friend and neighbor, he is much
respected by all. The children are Lizzie, Evan, Thomas, Maggie and Edwin. (x171)
[PHOTO] Davis, Dr. Edward J. Third son of Edward and Jane
Davis, was born at Pencraig (?Pen-craig), Towyn (Tywyn), Merionethshire, Wales, July 6th, 1839. When he
was quite young his parents emigrated to Marcy Township, Oneida County, N. Y.,
where they settled on a farm. They had six other other children, all of whom,
except one daughter, still survive, namely: William C., of Lake Crystal, Minn.;
Owen H. and Lewis L., of Madelia, Minn.; Mrs. Charles Bennett and Mrs. William
C. Durkee, of Mankato, Minn. When Edward was twelve years old his parents moved
to the village of Whitesborow in the same county. He attended the village
school for the next two years, when his father met severe financial reverses in
his business of cattle buyer, and henceforth Edward had to rely on his own
resources. The next six years he worked on farms during the summer and did
chores for his board in the winter while attending the village school and
Whitestown Seminary. During 1860 and until the spring of 1862 he taught at the
Wilson Institute, Wilson; Niagara County, N.Y. Judge A. W. Tourgee, was his
co-laborer and room-mate during first year. He then returned to Whitesborow and
began to study medicine with Dr. Charles E. Smith, but October 9th,
1862, he enlisted as private in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-Sixth
Regiment, New York Volunteers, and was soon ordered to the front. After two
month's service he was detailed assistant hospital stewart (sic), and after the
battle of Gettysburg was commissioned hospital stewart (sic) of the regiment. After the battle of
Cold Harbor in June, 1864, he was detailed chief steward of second division,
fifth corps, field hospital. This position he held until March 2nd,
1865, when he was commissioned first lieutenant in his regiment, and
re-mustered on that date as such and assigned to the command of Company C,
which he held until disabled by wounds at the battle of Five Forks, Va., April
1st, 1865, when he was brevetted captain for gallant conduct at this
battle. Was mustered out with his regiment at Syracuse, N.Y., June 16th,
1865, and in the following September resumed his study of medicine and
graduated M. D., from the Anthony Medical College, December 24th,
1867. Came to Makato early in April, 1868, where he opened an office the
following May and ever since has been in active practice. His kinfolks had
already come west except his father, who was accidentally drowned in the spring
of 1867. His mother lived to the ripe age of eighty-three and died at her
daughter's home in Mankato. June 30th, 1870, he married Miss
Chrissie Thompson, of Wilmington, Ill. Three children have blessed their union,
two of whom are living, a son and a daughter. He was appointed United States
examining surgeon of pensions in 1869, and served continuously until 1893. He
was a member of the state board of health for fifteen years. Was present and
helped organize the State Medical Society in February, 1869, being an active
contributing member ever since, and in 1885 was chosen its president. Was a
charter member of the Minnesot Valley Medical Society, of which, also, he has
since been an active working member, and one year was honored with its
presidency. Has served five years on the Mankato board of education; and since
1872 has been elder of the Presbyterian church of Mankato, and has always been
prominent in all the work of the church and Sabbath school. (x171)
Davis, Evan Born in 1826, at Llangwrle (??a mistake for Llangynllo),
Cardiganshire, Wales. His parents were Daniel and Sarah Davis. He received a
fair common school education. At the age of 24 years he married Miss Catharine
Davis, daughter of Havod Hir (Hafod-hir), Llanbadarn Fach of the same shire, a sister of Rev.
David Davis, Bethania. A year after their marriage they emigrated to Jackson
county, Ohio, and thence in May, 1856, moved with the Jackson colony to the
Welsh settlement of Blue Earth county (see 0875 The colony from Jackson,
Ohio), locating in Judson, where he died in 1885. Genial, kind-hearted,
hospitable and ever ready to extend a helping hand he was much beloved by all
his acquaintance. The widow and the youngest son, John E., still reside on the
old homestead, The other children are Elizabeth, wife of R. S. Pritchard, Mary,
wife of David J. Williams, Benjamin E., Daniel E., Katie, wife of David E.
Bowen, and Evan E. (x173)
[PHOTO] Davis, Evan J. Born
at Nant-y-Gwrdu (??)
Llanarth (Llannarth)
Cardiganshire, Wales, in May 1819. At the age of seventeen he united with the
Congregational church at Pen Cae (Pen-cae) (this
town is known today as Glynebwy, in English “Ebbw Vale”) under Dr.
Phillips, of Neuadd-lwyd. He went to work in the coal mines of Sirhowy (Sirhywi) in 1840.
Married Miss Ann Thomas, daughter of John Thomas (Founder) in 1847. The
following year, 1848, he emigrated to America, locating for a short time at
Sugar Creek, Pa., thence going to Bridgeport, O., where in 1852 his wife died.
Shortly after his wife's death he removed to Minersville, O. There he assisted
in the organization of the first Congregational church at that place and was
elected its first deacon. In October, 1855, he removed to Blue Earth County,
Minn., and located on a claim in the present town of Cambria. There he took a
very prominent part in the early history of the community and held a number of
the local offices. On his arrival in Minnesota he first united with the
Congregational church, whose place of worship was then in Judson, but owing to
the fact that this was six miles away from his claim, while the Calvanistic
Methodist church was situate (sic) on the corner of his farm, he determined to unite with
Horeb, especially since the Congregational church had suspended for a short
time, owing to a little discord that had arisen. He was very highly esteemed by
his Calvanistic brethren and had he consented would have been made an elder.
March 31st, 1860, he married Miss Ann Evans, daughter of Edward and
Ann Evans, then of LeSueur County. January, 1862, he was appointed postmaster
at Butternut Valley. He enlisted in Company E, Ninth Regiment, Minnesota
Volunteers, in August, 1862. Served for about a year in the Sioux campaign and
then his regiment was ordered south - first to Missouri and then in May, 1864
to Mississippi. At the battle of Guntown, June 10th, 1864, he was
made a prisoner and taken to Andersonville prison, where he died October 15th,
1864. He was a man of strong political, moral and religious convictions, and
was always honest, earnest and fearless in their defense, yet he was primarily
a man of peace, kind, generous, conciliatory. A sincerely good man of excellent
judgement and social principles, he was highly respected and dearly loved by
all who knew him. (x173)
Davies, John E. Born
at Nefyn, Pembrokeshire (sic.
Sir Benfro / Pembrokeshire is in South Wales; Nefyn is in North Wales, in the
present county of Gwynedd, formerly Sir Gaernarfon / Caernarfonshire,
Caernarvonshire), Wales, July 26th, 1795. Married Miss Dinah
Lewis [PHOTO], of Llandilo (Llandeilo), in 1822.
They emigrated to Utica, N.Y., in 1839, and thence to Big Rock, Ill. In June,
1855, they came to Blue Earth County, Minn., and located at the present town of
Cambria, being the first white settlers of that town. Prior to his arrival
there had been no religious organizarion of any kind formed west of South Bend,
but the very first Sunday after he came, Mr. Davies organized a Sunday school
at the cabin of Humphrey Jones in the western part of Judson, and was made its
first superintendent. He also was mainly instrumental in forming a prayer
meeting, in addition to the Sunday school, and in organizing this religious
nucleus into a Congregational church in the following October (This church is
now known as Salem Congregational church). Mr. Davies was made one of its first
deacons, which office he held until his death, which occurred at Cambria May 26th,
1867. He was a man of much religious faith and fervor and was always energetic
in pallying them to practical deeds. In hospitality he and his good wife
excelled. The latch string of their cabin door always hung out to welcome
strangers and rarely a day passed in those early years but it ws pulled by
someone. There is hardly a pioneer in the settlment who, when he first came, a
stranger in quest of a home, did not dine and lodge at the cabin of “Shon
Davidd” (sic. Should be
Siôn Dafydd. This is how John Davies - the official English name - is said in
Welsh). His wife, Dinah Davis, was born at Llandegefyn (No such place. Probably should
be Llan-y-cefn), Pembrokeshire, Wales, October 17th, 1801,
and died at Cambria February 7t, 1879. A good Christian woman. kindhearted and
generous, never so happy as when ministering to others. Their children are
William E. Davies, Sarah, wife of William R. Lewis, of Lake Crystal, and
Elizabeth, wife of Richard Jones, of Cambria, Wis. (x174)
[PHOTO of Mr. and Mrs. Davis] Davis, John I. (Ioan Idris), born at Bala,
Merionethshire, Wales in 1821. (Ioan Idris is his bardic name, Ioan being the form used in the Bible
corresponding to colloquial Welsh Siôn (in English, John). The 'I' of his
official English name is probably Idris - in the 1800s it began to be used as a
given name, taken form the name of a mountain by Dolgellau seventeen miles
south-west of the town of Y Bala. The mountain is Cader Idris (the) chair (of)
Idris, a giant in local mythology) Son of John Davis, bookbinder and
stationer. He was educated at the grammar school of Dolgellau and afterwards
apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade with his uncle, “Meurig Ebrill.” The
Welsh bards “Meurig Idris” and “Idris Fychan” took much interest in him, and
taught him bardic composition until he became well versed in the twenty-four
Welsh measures. The fair promise of youth matured in him to make an able and
useful man. Emigrated to Utica, N.Y., when twenty-one years old. He was soon
chosen elder of the C. M. church, and two of his co-elders were Revs. D. F.
Jones and R. F. Jones. At Utica he married Miss Owens. Removed to and resided
for some time at Cambria, Wis., and came with his wife to Judson, Minn.; in
1868. Here his wife died May 16th, 1882, and he also died January 13th,
1889. His loss was felt in many circles and especially in the Sabbath school.
He was a fine Welsh poet and many of his compositions yet remain, which it is
hoped will be gathered together and published. The following is a specimen of
his work, from his poem,
Y Ddafad Golledig (the
lost sheep):
I'm galw daw Mugeilydd, - er niwliau
····'R anialwch fe'm cenfydd:
Ior (Iôr) ydyw fy
Ngwaredydd
Yn y farn fy Nuw a fydd.
(My Shepherd will come
to call me - in spite of the mists
of the wasteland he will perceive me;
(the) Lord is my Saviour
At the judgement he will be my God) (x175)
[PHOTO] Davis, John P. Born
in July, 1838, on the Atlantic Ocean, when his parents, David P. and Jane
Davis, were emigrating from Cardiganshire, Wales, to Jackson County, O.
Received a good common school education, and removed with his parents to Blue
Earth County, Minn., 1856, with the Jackson colony (see 0875 The colony from Jackson,
Ohio), and located in the present town of Cambria. In 1862 joined the
state militia to protect the froontier against the Sioux, and in December, 1863
enlisted in Company E, Second Minnesota Cavalry, wherein he served until the
close of the war 1865. In 1866 he married Catherine, daughter of David and
Margaret Lloyd, of Sharon, LeSueur County, and operated his farm in Cambria
until 1873, when he removed to New Ulm and engaged in the mercantile business.
After two years he removed to Tracy, Minn., and continued in the mercantile
busienss there until 1888, when he sold out and became president and
stockholder of the “Commerce Bank” of Tracy. In 1892 he removed temporarily to
Hamline to give his children the benefit of the university there. Mr. Davis
still conducts a loan and real estate office at Tracy. His business vsntures
have been very successful so he need not fear a rainy day. Politically he is an
aggressive prohibitionist. In religion he and Mrs. Davis are faithful members
of the First Presbyterian church of Tracy, of which Mr. Davis is an active
ruling elder. Their children are Margaret Ella, wife of Neil Finch, of Tracy;
John Edgar, Jayne and David Edwin. (x175)
[PHOTO] Davies, John S. Son
of the late Rev. David Davies, born in Cardiganshire, Wales, August 12th,
1831. He came to America with his parents in the year 1837, settling in Jackson
County, Ohio. At the age of seventeen he began to teach in the common schools,
which occupation he followed with fair success for about eight years. In 1856,
he, with his parents, brother and sister, removed to Minnesota, with the
Jackson colony, and located on farms in the present town of Cambria, where he has
resided most of the time ever since. In 1860 he married Miss Mary, daughter of
the late Thomas J. Jones, of LeSueur County. There remains today as the fruit
of this union seven sons and two daughters, viz: D. Charles, J. Milton, Peter
W., D. Alvin, J. Elmer, P. Osborne, H. Lester, Ellen M., and M. Edith. Mr.
Davies was elected deacon of Zion church in the year 1878; he has now for many
years been a member and deacon of Horeb church in the town of Cambria, and has
also for years led the congregational singing in (the) said church with fidelity and
acceptance. (x176)
[PHOTO] Davis, L. (No entry. Appears in a photo
captioned “Welsh Business Men of Lake Crystal, Minnesota”)
Davis, Lewis Born on the banks of the
river Rheidol, parish of Llanbadarn Fawr, Cardiganshire, Wales, January 1,
1832. Married Ann, daughter of John and Catherine Jenkins, Penrhyn Coch (Penrhyn-coch), in
February, 1859. Removed to Rhosllanerchrugog (Rhosllannerchrugog), Denhighshire (sic: = Denbighshire / Sir
Ddinbych), in 1865. Emigrated to Calumet, Mich., in June, 1870, and
worked four years in copper mines of Lake Superior and vicinity. His wife died
March 4, 1874, at Calumet. In the year 1875 he removed to Judson, Minn., where
he located on his present valuable farm. The fine residence shown in engraving
was built in 1892, and is located on the farm of his bachelor brother, David
Davis, who was born at the same place in Wales in 1830, and came to Judson in
1870 and lives with Lewis. Lewis has been a faithful member of the Salem C. M. church
since he came to Judson, and in 1882 was made a ruling elder. His children are:
John C., Catherine, wife of Evan Pugh; Elizabeth, widow of John R. Jones; Sarah
J., wife of Robert H. Owens; David and Lewis, all of Blue Earth county, and
Mamie, of Hillsdale, Mich. (x176)
Davis, Owen Born
at Havodglas Gwyryfon (
a mistake, probably for Hafod, Llangwyryfon; if not Hafod-las, Llangwyryfon),
Cardiganshire, Wales, January 1822. Son of Evan and Gwen Davis. Emigrated to
Jackson County, O., in 1838, where he married Miss Margaret Hughes, daughter of
John Hughes, of Oak Hill, O. In 1857 he removed to Cleveland Township, LeSueur
County, Minn., where he located on the farm now occupied by the family. During
the Indian outbreak his home was the place of the neighbourhood. June 2d, 1865,
he was mustered into Company E, Fourth Minnesota Volunteers. He died January 7th,
1893, leaving surviving his wife and four children, Evan, John and Elizabeth
and Mrs. David Rees Lloyd. In life he was always of robust health, energetic
and industrous. He had a genial, contented and hospitable disposition, and was
honest and upright in his dealings. (x177)
[PHOTO] Davies, Ph. D., Rev. Peter S. Fourth son of Rev.
David Davis, late of Cambria, Minn. Born at a farm called “Bryn Awen” (Brynawen),
Cardiganshire, Wales. When a child emigrated with the family to Bloomfield
Township, Jackson County, O. At seventeen he began teaching school in winter
and attending the acadamies of Pine Grove and Albany and Ohio University at
Athens, O. In 1857 entered the classical course at Marrietta College and
graduated A. B. in 1861, taking fourth honor in the class, and was one of the
four chosen members of the Phi-Beta-Kappa Society. Graduated in 1864 from Lane
Theological Seminary, Ohio, and became pastor of the “South Side” Presbyterian
church of Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was ordained the same year by the
Pittsburgh, Prebytery (N.S.). During his pastorate of eight years the church
became self-sustaining and built a house of worship costing $40,000. During
this time he was an active member of “Board of Missions for Freedmen” from its
organization until he left Pittsburg. His next pastorate, which also lasted
eight years, was over the Presbyterian church of Pomeroy, O. He and his
estimable wife took an active part in the “Ohio Temperance Crusade” of that
period, his wife being the leader of the crusade in Pomeroy, while he
frequently lectured in the streets and also edited and published at his own
expense a temperance paper called “The Shining Light.” This was during the
period when the W. C. T. U. was born. In 1880 he resigned his Pomeroy church to
take charge of a weak mission in Midland City, Mich. Of his work there we
quote:
·····
“The five years which Mr. Davies has spent in Midland have been marked by great
progress in the Presbyterian church. For some years previous to October, 1880,
the church had had no pastor. The building had been destroyed by fire and no
definite steps had been taken toward rebuilding. The number of members eas
twenty-eight, and said it was a missionary church. Now it is self-sustaining
and with a membership of 150. In 1883 a handsome brick church was erected at a
cost of about $6,000, and was paid for before dedication, except a small debt
upon the furniture. For two years previous to the completion of the building,
wervices were held in the Beardsley Hall most of the time, a portion of the
time in the Stranahan building. While connected with the Midland chirch, Mr.
Davies has done a good deal of work outside, having organized five churches in
neighboring towns and counties, the last of which was at Coleman, as recently
mentioned in this paper. - Midland Republican.
·····
In 1886, to obtain a change of climate for his failing health, Mr. Davies
accepted the position of Presbyterial missionary to the Aberdeen Presbytery,
Dakota, and in two years he helped to organize fifteen new Presbyterian
churches. He then supported Groton church for a time and was secretary of
trustees of Groton college during his stay. He next became pastor of the
Presbyterian church of Missouri Valley, Ia., where during his stay of three and
a half years, the church doubled its membership, became self-sustaining and
made extensive repairs on its house of worship. After a short time at Menlo,
Ia., he accepted a call to Mandan, N. D., in the summer of 1894. In 1889 he
received the degree of Ph. D. from Bellvue College of the University of Omaha.
He married Miss Melinda E. Williams, of Cincinnati, O., in 1866. (x177)
[PHOTO] Davies, Rev. Richard Born at Llanwaddelan (Llanwyddelan),
Llanullugan (sic; =
Llanllugan) parish, Montgomeryshire, Wales, January 1st,
1804. His parents were named Richard and Mary Davies. Married, in
Montgomeryshire in 1835, Miss Jane Herbert, sister of the late Owen Herbert, of
Blue Earth County. Emigrated to Jackson County, O., in the spring of 1837.
There he began preaching in 1840 with the Calvanistic Methodist churches. In
April, 1842, he went on a trip through Wisconsin to inspect that then new
county. He reached Racine about June 1, and finding a few Welsh families
located on farms about 4 or 5 miles south of the village, he preached to them
and about the last of June or first of July he organized fifteen of these
people into a church and then returned to his home in Ohio. In the fall of 1843
he removed to Racine, Wis., where he lived until 1852, when he went to La
Crosse, Wis. He was ordained April 16, 1854, at Racine, Wis., by a
Congregational council. In July, 1855, he came to South Bend, Minn., and there
on August 1, 1855, organized a Union church, in which he ministered for some
time. June 24, 1856, he organized Saron church of Le Sueur county. July 2,
1856, he also organized the Calvanistic Methodist church of Horeb, in the
present town of Cambria, Minn. In October of this year, while he was away at La
Crosse on a business visit, his house at South Bend was burned, and his wife in
attempting to save a few things perished in the flames. He had just started a
mill at South Bend at this time, but this sad catastrophe so completely upset him
and, added to his rather poor business ability, caused his business venture to
fail, and the financial embarrassments that followed harrassed him thereafter
for many years. In the spring of 1858 he married Miss Elen Williams, of
Milwaukee, Wis., and moved his residence to Sharon, Le Sueur County, where he
remained until the summer of 1862, when he located on a claim in the Crow River
country. The Indian outbreak soon followed and he and his wife fled back to
LeSueur County and abandoned their claim forever. Mr. Davies had a very narrow
escape from the savages at this time. After the first scare he with a few
neighbors ventured back to their homes, from Henderson, whence they had fled,
to look after their stock and to gather provisions for the winter. Suddenly one
morning a band of Indians made a raid upon them and killed a number of Mr.
Davies' nearest neighbors and made hot pursuit after him, but in passing over a
ridge he got out of their sight for a few moments and improved these in hiding
in a slough, where he lay until dark and then made his way to Henderson. As
soon as the Indian trouble was over he located on a farm near Blue Earth City (sic) and in 1874 moved
to Mankato, where July 24, 1887, he died at a good age, leaving him surviving
his devoted wife. During most of his ministerial career he was in the employ of
the Home Missionary Society of the Congregational and Presbyterian churches. He
also ministered for the Calvanistic Methodists for some time. He preached the
first Welsh sermon in Minnesota and probably west of the Mississippi. It was
claimed that he also preached the first Welsh sermon in Wisconsin and Illinois.
The many flourishing churches which he organized attest that the labours of
this worthy pioneer of pioneers were not in vain in the Lord. (x178)
[PHOTO] Davis, Thomas Y. Born
at Rhyd-y-Fydde (Rhydyfuddai?
ford of the milk churn), Llanarth (Llannarth), Cardiganshire, January 21st, 1830. When
about ten years old moved to Tredegar, Glanmorganshire (sic), whence he emigrated to America,
landing in New York June 18th, 1851. Settled first at Wheeling, W.
Va., then at Pomeroy, O., and from there in April, 1855, he came to Blue Earth
County, Minn., being one of the first eight Welsh settlers in the present town
of Judson. After residing a short time on his claim in Judson he removed to the
present town of Cambria. During the Indian massacre of 1862 he went to the
defense of New Ulm and there joined Capt. Bierbauer's company and took part in
the last battle. He was also a member of all the militia companies of his town
during those days of Indian terror. April 25th, 1865, he was married
to Miss Mary Davis, daughter of Rev. David Davis. His wife died March 3d, 1871.
On August 26th, 1879, he married again, his second wife being Miss
Margaret Barrett. In the spring of 1889 he sold his farm in Cambria and removed
to Mankato, where he still resides. He has but one child, Mrs. Mary Y. Dackins,
wife of John F. Dackins, of Mankato, Minn. (x179)
[PHOTO] Davis, William Born
May 3rd, 1847, at Glan Llyn Penmon (Glan-llyn, Penmon) Anglesea, Wales. He was
the son of John and Jane Davis. Worked at carprenter trade in Liverpool and
Manchester for four yearrs, thence emigrated to America in spring of 1868,
locating for one year at Chicago. Thence came to Winona, Minn., where he was
employed in the Chicago and Northwestern railway shops for four years. At
Winona he learned photography, and in April, 1874, came to Mankato and opened a
photographer's gallery, which he has conducted very succesfully up to the present
time. September, 1869, married Miss Ann Pritchard, of Lake Emily, Wis. They
have been blessed with three children, Mary J., now Mrs. M. H. Perry, of St.
Peter, Llewelyn and Charlotte. (x180)
[PHOTO] Davis, W. C. (No entry. Appears in a photo
captioned “Welsh Business Men of Lake Crystal, Minnesota”)
[PHOTO] Davis, Sr., William W. Born at Rhiwlas, Llanfihangel (= Llanfihangel yng Ngwynfa),
Montgomeryshire, Wales, January 23rd, 1829. His parents were William
and Alice Davis. His ancestors on his father's side had resided at Rhiwlas over
400 years. He was one of nine children, all of who with his parents emigrated
to Racine, Wis., in 1848. He married Ellen, daughter of John and Elizabeth
Baxter at Racine May 9th, 1848, and on April 21st, 1858,
removed to South Bend, Minn., where he engaged in the mercantile business.
Removed to Mankato about 1865 and was in business ever since. He has also been
postmaster for a number of years. He was one of the charter members and first
deacons of South Bend Congregational church and for many years superintendent
of its Sabbath school. Has been a prominent singer and was a member of the
famous Cambrian quartette (sic).
(x180)
[PHOTO] Davis, Jr., William W. Born at South Bend, Minn., May
13th, 1862. Son of W. W. Davis of that place. Educated at the
Mankato public schools. For the past ten years has been bookkeeper for the R.
D. Hubbard Milling Company. He is also director and treasurer of the Mankato
Savings Bank. For the past eight years has been an elder in the First
Presbyterian church of Mankato. June 28th, 1893, he married Emma H.,
daughter of Hon. L. G. M. Fletcher, of Mankato. Faithful and honest, Mr. Davis
has won high regard in business and religious circles. (x181)
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Bowen)·· Thomas Bowen (see: Thomas E. Bowen)·· Daniel Bowen (see: Daniel T.
Bowen)·· Richard Bumford (see: Richard R. Bumford)·· (see: Isaac Cheshire)··
(see: David Dackins)·· Daniel (see: R. E. Daniel)·· Daniel (see: T. R.
Daniel)·· Charles Davis (see: Charles E. Davis)·· (see: Cushman Kellogg
Davis)·· Charles Davies (see: Charles W. Davies)·· Daniel Davies (see: Daniel
T. Davies)·· (see: David Davies)·· David Davies (see: David J. Davies)·· David
Davis (see: David J. Davis)·· David Davies (see: David P. Davies)·· David
Davies (see: David S. Davies)·· David Davis (see: David T. Davis)·· David Davis
(see: David Y. Davis)·· Edward Davis (see: Edward J. Davis)·· (see: Evan
Davis)·· Evan Davis (see: Evan J. Davis)·· John Davies (see: John E. Davies)··
John Davis (see: John I. Davis)·· John Davis (see: John P. Davis)·· John Davies
(see: John S. Davies)·· Davis (see: L. Davis)·· (see: Lewis Davis)·· (see: Owen
Davis)·· (see: Peter S. Davies)·· (see: Richard Davis)·· (see: Thomas Y.
Davis)·· (see: William Davis)·· Davis (see: W. C. Davis)·· William Davis (see:
William W. Davis)·· William Davis (see: William W. Davis)·· (see: Daniel
Edwards)·· (see: David Edwards)·· (see: Hugh Edwards)·· (see: Hugh H.
Edwards)·· (see: James Edwards)·· (see: John Edwards)·· (see: William
Edwards)·· William Edwards (see: William R. Edwards)·· Ellis Ellis (see: Ellis
E. Ellis)·· (see: Daniel Morris Evans)·· David Evans (see: David C. Evans)··
(see: David Edward Evans)·· David Evans (see: David H. Evans)·· David Evans
(see: David H. Evans)·· David Evans (see: David M. Evans)·· David Evans (see:
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Evans)·· Margaret Evans (see: Margaret J. Evans)·· Mrs Mary Evans (see: Mrs
Mary A. Evans)·· Owen Evans (see: Owen J. Evans)·· Robert Evans (see: Robert G.
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William Harris)·· David Howell (see: David R. Howell)·· Robert Howell (see:
Robert R. Howell)·· (see: Byron Hughes)·· (see: David Hughes)·· (see: Evan
Hughes)·· (see: Henry Hughes)·· Hugh Hughes (see: Hugh D. Hughes)·· (see:
Jennie Hughes)·· (see: Richard Hughes)·· Robert Hughes (see: Robert E.
Hughes)·· Robert Hughes (see: Robert H. Hughes)·· Robert Hughes (see: Robert W.
Hughes)·· (see: Thomas Hughes)·· (see: Thomas Hughes)·· Thomas Hughes (see:
Thomas E. Hughes)·· Thomas R Hughes (see: Thomas R Hughes)·· William Hughes
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Hughes (see: William S. Hughes)·· (see: Richard Isaac)·· James James (see:
James A. James)·· John James (see: John E. James)·· Edward Jenkins (see: Edward
F. Jenkins)·· (see: Jenkin Jenkins)·· Jenkins (see: W. Jenkins)·· William
Jenkins (see: William E. Jenkins)·· MrWilliam Jenkins (see: Mrs. William E. Jenkins)··
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David D. Jones)·· David Jones (see: David E. Jones)·· David Jones (see: David
F. Jones)·· David Jones (see: David J. Jones)·· David Jones (see: David K.
Jones)·· David Jones (see: David M. Jones)·· (see: Edward Jones)·· (see: Edward
Jones)·· Edward Jones (see: Edward R. Jones)·· (see: Mrs. Ellen Jones)·· (see:
Evan Jones)·· Evan Jones (see: Evan D. Jones)·· Evan Jones (see: Evan H.
Jones)·· Evan Jones (see: Evan T. Jones)·· (see: Humphrey Jones)·· (see:
Humphrey Jones)·· Humphrey Jones (see: Humphrey H. Jones)·· Hugh Jones (see:
Hugh G. Jones)·· Hugh Jones (see: Hugh H. Jones)·· John Jones (see: John A.
Jones)·· John Jones (see: John A. Jones)·· John Jones (see: John C. Jones)··
John Jones (see: John C. Jones)·· John Jones (see: John E. Jones)·· John Jones
(see: John I. Jones)·· John Jones (see: John J. Jones)·· John Jones (see: John
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Williams)·· William Williams (see: William H. Williams)·· William Williams (see:
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Isaac Woods)··
Section omitted. In Welsh spelling, 'y' can be either a 'schwa' - the
neutral vowel to be heard in the first part of the English word 'about',
for example, or an 'i' sound, either short as in 'bit' or long as in 'beat',
depending on the word . In the versions of names between braces, we have marked
the 'y' pronounced as [i] with an umlaut (y). Examples are Glanconwy,
Rhandir-mwyn, Bryngwran. This is not a standard Welsh spelling - but in
materials for learners of Welsh it is usual to use some special letter to
indicate this pronunciation to aid learners. The 'real' spelling therefore is
without the umlaut - Glanconwy, Rhandir-mwyn, Bryngwran.