The Healing Of Annie Griffiths Part 2

Part 1 of this series was first jotted down several years ago. I am not sure why I never completed part 2. Originally I was going to share Roy's annotations on the comments made about this event in my great grandfather Price Davies' written testimony, made shortly before he died.

In the previous post I mentioned that Roy had informed me, "The Western Mail', 'South Wales Echo', 'South Wales Daily News', 'Merthyr Express', and the Welsh language newspaper 'Tarian Y Gweithwyr' printed accounts of the event."

I still haven't found these accounts, but I did find one from the Weekly Mail, on Page 1, 23rd September 1905.

Front page of the day the article is mentioned. 

The Weekly Mail circulated in the counties of Glamorgan, Monmouthshire, Brecknock, Radnor, Carmathen, Pembroke, Cardigan, Herefore, Gloucester and Worcester. The article in question is right there on the front page in the very center at the top.

Transcribed below

MODERN MIRACLE AT MERTHYR. 

REMARKABLE CURE OF A YOUNG WOMAN. An unusual occurrence has taken place at Penydarren, near Merthyr. A young lady, 24 years of age, named Annie Griffiths, living with her Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Griffiths, at 74, Brynhvfryd-stfeet, who had been laid up with an affection of the hip for some weeks, and who it was thought would not recover the use of her limbs without the aid of crutches, got up completely cured as the result, it is claimed of faith-healing. Two ministers, the Revs Mr. Owen, of Elim Baptist Chapel, and Mr Francis, Aberdu, Cardiganshire, prayed earnestly for her recovery on the Saturday evening, and shortly afterwards she got up, dressed her- self without assistance and came downstairs. The following day she took part in all the chapel services, and is evidently completely cured, for she can walk about the neighbour- hood, to the astonishment of the residents, without assistance and looks in better health than ever. She is a young lady of a religious turn of mind, and regards her recovery as having been brought about by the interference of the Divine Will, and says it was due entirely to her undoubted faith, which was strengthened owing to the reading in a pam- phlet of a similar recovery. Miss Griffiths, although deeply interested in the revival, did not take an unusually prominent part, but in the course of the year her interest in religious matters had become more intense, and her pastor had been much distressed at the fact that she was so very ill.

There are still several original articles to discover, but at least I now have this. There are just a couple of other specific things I want to mention about the article.

1. It confirms my great grandmothers address at age 24, as 74 Brynhvfryd Street. I had this already from the previous article in part 1, but it is always good to have a second confirmation. It should make the 1901 census much easier to read and confirm, assuming they are still living at the same place. 

2. It also mentions, 'the revival' which is a reference to the Welsh Revival in which many miracles were documented in both religious and none religious newspapers like the two I have shared. It made the news in Wales frequently for many reasons, not least of which that it led to whole mining communities being transformed rather suddenly, with pubs being empty while churches were filled. It is also claimed as the beginning of many pentecostal denominations. For my own family it is significant because one set of great grandparents were much changed by it, and another were converted and called to ministry by those changed during this time. 

That's all for now, I'll keep searching for those other original articles. 

The Grandparents I Never Knew: Addendum 1

As I worked through the history and stories of Idris and Iris chronologically I  was loath to interrupt it when I found information that slotted into a past post rather than where I was at. I decided to put all the new information I discovered into this post as an addendum to that project. Yes, that is with the full knowledge that I may one day discover even more. There's a reason books have prologues right?

In the mean time, if you wish to catch up on their story you can find all the posts about Idris here.
The posts about Iris can be found here. Unfortunately, I have yet to link all of Iris' stories into one page.

Firstly, I now have a copy of Iris' marriage certificate to William Sargeant.

Though I knew many of these details, I did not have them all and it's always good to confirm sources. I'll transcribe the document here.

1936 marriage solemnized at Wesleyan Chapel, Cheddleton, district of Cheadle in the county of Stafford.

When Married: 19th December 1936

Name and Surname: William Sergeant
Age: 24 years
Condition: Bachelor
Rank or profession: Bricklayer, Journeyman (I believe.)
Residence at the time of marriage: 16 Heaton ave, Milton, Stoke on Trent
Father's name and surname: Joseph  Sergeant
Rank or profession of father: School caretaker (retired.)

Name and surname: Iris Griffiths
Age: 20 years
Condition: Spinster
Rank or profession: Mental hospital ward/maid
Residence at the time of marriage: "Marantha"Barford, Bridge Lane, Cheddleton.
Father's name and surname: Harold Emmanuel  Griffiths
Rank or profession of father: Minister

Married in the Wesleyan chapel, according to the rights and ceremonies of the Methodists. Certificate by me, James William Harrison (?) minister. John ? Steele, Registrar.

The marriage solemnized between William Sargeant and Iris Griffiths, in the presence of us, Harold E Griffiths and Joseph Sargeant.

Personal Observations:
1. The wedding date is the same as my own.
2. This puts William living in the same area as where Harold was ministering, which is no surprise considering the time line. I had previously wondered if William had lived in Wales though.
3. I don't know much about William's father, I may investigate this further in the future, but for now I have a very definite pile of research on other direct family members which  I still need to conduct.
4. Iris is listed as 20 here. This confirms my suspicions of her being born in 1916. Iris always lied about her age, to the point she couldn't remember her own.
5. I never knew Iris worked in a mental hospital. I wonder if her residence at time of marriage was a place very nearby (It would make sense if it was.) and if I might be able to one day figure out which hospital it was. This is of interest to me since my wife works in the mental health industry.
6. Although Harold often worked second jobs, it is interesting that by this point he is definitely listing his full time job as minister, not collier etc.
7. In the early days of my blogging I often put down Harold's middle name as Emmanuel with double M - as it is listed here. It was in fact a single M, Emanuel.

Secondly, here is the marriage certificate between Idris and Iris.

1938 Marriage solemnised at Bethel Gospel Templ, Wardend Road in the district of Bimingham, in the county borough of Birmingham.

When Married: December 24th 1938.
Name and surname: Idris Davies.
Age: 24.
Condition: Bachelor.
Rank or profession: Viewer at Aero works.
Residence at time of marriage: 45 Asquith Road, Wardend.
Father's name and surname: Price Davies.
Rank or profession of father: Coal miner.

Name and surname: Iris Sargeant.
Age: 22.
Condition: Widow.
Rank or profession: General Stores lift operator.
Residence at time of marriage: 78 Morris Road, Washwood Heath.
Father's name and surname: Harold Emmanuel Griffiths.
Rank or profession of father: Minister of religion.

Married in Bethel Gospel Temple, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Union of Gospel Churches by Certificate.

This marriage was solemnized between us. Idris Davies, Iris Sargeant. In the Presence of us
Harold E Griffiths, Edward I/(orJ) Davies.
And in the presence of (W. Myrddinn Lewis ?) authorized person for Bethel Gospel Temple.

Personal Observations:
1. As with many ancestors, they were married on  Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This was often a day off. In this case I believe Harold has to be in Stoke on Trent for the Sunday, where he was ministering at his church.
2. I had forgotten the wedding was in Birmingham, and not Stoke on Trent. Since it is a Bethel church, the likelihood is it was Pentecostal and one that Idris was ministering in at the time. An April 1937 article of Redemption Tidings records Idris as being part of an assembly in Birmingham.
3. I am not sure of Idris' job at this time. I recall a family member saying they thought he worked with planes at one point, and aero works would seem to fit in with this. I am not convinced I translated the word "Viewer" right.
4. It is good to see a confirmation of the fact Iris worked at General Stores, since this was a recollection her family had.
5. I am not sure what relation Edward Davies is to Idris, I will have to look into this. It does seem more likely that he is a relative, rather than just a friend.

The third piece of information I discovered is a small one.

Taken from Redemption Tidings Vol 4 Oct 1958

It is a small announcement celebrating Price and Annie Davies' (My Great Grandparents) 50th anniversary. In it is news of their family and the information pertaining to Idris and Iris is simply this: "Their second son, Idris, has a situation in Southern Rhodesia, and spends all the time he can in missionary work." 

I admit, the wording is a little strange, as it sounds like he is in crisis. As far as I can guess, they probably didn't know how to succinctly describe what Idris was doing in Southern Rhodesia (Now Zimbabwe.) Idris had a job and helped plant churches.

Idris' eldest daughter, Wendy, is also mentioned.

The fourth and final piece of information I gained since writing the blogs, also comes from the Redemption Tidings magazine.

Taken from Redemption Tidings Vol 23 Sespt 1947

In this brief report there is an even briefer mention of Idris sailing for Africa. "On July 15th a farewell service was held on behalf of our dear Bro. I. Davis (son-in-law to our pastor H. E. Griffiths) who sailed for South Africa."

Although they spelled Davies without the E, it is definitely Idris, as is confirmed by the article being about the Assemblies church in Milton and being pastored by Harold E Griffiths.

It does mean I am now going to have to search through all the old Redemption Tidings magazines for any mention of Davis, in case there are any more spelling mistakes in there!

That concludes the additional evidence and sources I have discovered since blogging about my grandparents stories. It's been a great adventure and I feel like I have learned significant things about them.

The Grandfather I Never Knew Part 10

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9 

-- Part 10 was added to on October 21st. It now includes some small corrections and a large part of Norma Davies' recollections, which she has recorded in 'nuggets' and posted to Facebook in the past. -- 

Idris passed away on May 6th, 1984. He had gone into hospital for treatment regarding his Prostrate A nurse made a mistake while he was in the hospital and this ultimately led to his death. (1) Merthyn received a phone call from Tobias - the house cook and servant, a long time friend of Idris - right before he was due to be preaching. He finished his sermon and then began to deal with the emotional aspects of his father dying. 

Glyn, Idris' eldest son, was in South Africa at the time. His wife Norma recalls:

"The year was 1984 and it was early May. We had accepted a post to be missionary educators running a Bible College in Durban South Africa. Glyn’s parents had remained in Rhodesia, living in Bulawayo. Glyn’s mother passed away in May 0f 1982, while we were in the States on furlough. After her death Dad moved to Sinoia where he was the senior Pastor of a congregation, coinciding with the time we were in South Africa. Then the call came saying that Dad had passed away from complications after surgery. Sadly we loaded our car, took the children out of school and set out for the long journey from Durban, South Africa to Harare, Zimbabwe (known to us as Salisbury, Zimbabwe). The deeper we drove in Zimbabwe the more shocked we were at how the country we remembered had changed. Signs of poverty seemed to be the norm; gone were the maize fields, in their place farmland lay desolate and uncared for. Farms that during our day raised large herds of cattle now lay in ruins with no signs of livestock of any kind. We were shaken and saddened by what we saw.

After the funeral service and burial at the Warren Hills Cemetery, we lingered saying our earthly farewell. You see in that sacred place not only was it the final resting place of Glyn's father but also of our infant son, who was laid to rest there in 1974. We did not sorrow though, as those without hope, as we drew comfort in the knowledge that in God’s eternal time we would be reunited in heaven."

Roland Pletts, a friend of the families' and a man baptised in the font that Idris built in his garden, was with Idris just a couple of days before he passed away. Roland recalls.

"He was admitted to St Anne's Catholic Hospital in Salisbury/Harare. This was a private hospital run by the nuns and people and doctors had access to its facilities. It was spacious, clean, and housed in a substantial colonial type building surrounded by beautiful gardens.


The day I called to see him he was resting peacefully near to the time of his departure.


Someone else was there who prayed that the Lord should raise him up because he still had a great work to do.

Knowing all the accomplishments and faithful service he had fulfilled over many years I knew Idris had already accomplished a substantial amount and from what he had conveyed to us I realised that he was not wanting to be raised up but was ready to depart and be with the Lord and to hear those sacred words "Well done good and faithful servant....enter into the joy of your Lord."


He passed away in peace a day or two later, a great Man of God who had faithfully lived for Jesus and impacted innumerable people mine included." (2)

At the time the family thought Idris had been alone in those last few days. It gave everyone great joy when they found out years later that it was not so. Indeed, Roland was led to being a Christian, by Idris himself.

Only Glyn was able to make it back to Africa for the funeral. He found it very strange, for there was only one floral arrangement, flowers that he and Norma had bought as a tribute from Wendy, he and Merthyn.

The funeral service was officiated by A.B, Roberson, the pastor of the A.O.G. church at McClery Ave. Harare.

Glyn also received a letter from one of Idris' cousins., Mostyn Cole. It read:

"You have the consolation of knowing that your father was truly a man of God, whose entire life was devoted to spreading the Word. What pride you must have felt in him and his achievements.  My memories go back to the days when Idris was a dashing devil-may-care teenager, or so it appeared to me. He came to work in my father's iron monger shop at the time that my father was slowly and painfully travelling the road to his own death. Idris, to me, was a tonic (I was about 13 or 14 at the time). He was unfailingly cheerful and conscientious and his exploits climbing the cliffs at Morlais Castle (3) in Merthyr filled me with awe. They still do when I recall them. Idris seemed to have nerves of steel." (4)

There will be future blog posts about Mostyn and his family now that I have discovered them.

Glyn also observed that in Africa the way a funeral is done, you go to the church, then to the grave site, the casket is lowered, you throw dirt on the casket. When Iris died you threw rose petals on the casket. It was just an open grave.

In my first version of this post, I had mentioned that Idris was buried in Warren Hills Cemetery, Harare, next to Iris. (5)

I have since discovered that Iris was buried in Bulawayo, and so Idris was not laid to rest next to his wife.

Besides the obvious loss felt by Idris' death it was difficult for other reasons. Zimbabwe was ruled by the dictator Mugabe by this time and it became very difficult to take anything worth any value out of the country. They managed to smuggle Idris' bible out only due to a close family friend who arranged it.

Later, there was another family heirloom that made it to America by way of South Africa, but many of the family pictures, furniture and the bronze backed paintings had to remain. There was little they could take with them. Norma has again supplied plenty of information and clarity about this.

Following the funeral we met with the government official who was assigned to the Death Estate department, to make arrangements for all the legal paperwork, including the disposal of the contents of Dad’s home.

What a shock awaited us when we sat down with the official, who turned out to be a close friend of ours from our teenage years in Rhodesia. His stunning news was only compounded by the history of our friendship.

He told us that the Zimbabwean government required him to “seal” the house from ANY family members and only he was allowed to enter the house and take inventory of all of its contents.
Once he completed his inventory, then government officials would hold a public auction and sell off the entire contents of the home, keeping the money in the government’s coffers! Not one penny would be given to family members listed in Dad’s Will! 

None of this made any sense to us, as the house was filled with many family keepsakes that would mean nothing to a stranger; such as family pictures etc. Added to that there were legal documents, birth certificates, marriage certificate etc. that Glyn really needed as the surviving eldest son.
Exhaustion and grief had already invaded our emotions and now it seemed the hand of a cruel corrupt government was dealing us the final blow. 

Our friend told us to wipe our tears as he had made “certain arrangements” with a farmer in Sinoia that was an elder in Dad’s church. He instructed us that he would “turn his back for three days” to enable us to go into Dad’s home and retrieve documents and a few items that would fit in the truck of our car. He warned us to be cautious what we took though, to prevent causing suspicion by the Zimbabwe officials at the Beit Bridge border, when we crossed back into South Africa.

We picked up our two children from a friend’s home and headed to Sinoia and the farm of the church elder. When we arrived, Boet, (name changed for the family’s protection), and his wife greeted us with open arms, just as though we were longtime friends. 

Boet suggested we leave the two children on the farm so they would not have to witness the heart-wrenching experience that Glyn and I were about to embark on. He and his wife were the epitome of compassion doing everything they could think of to ease our pain. 

Arriving at Dad’s home, stepping into the silent living room literally sucked the air out of me. I sat on the sofa that had a crocheted afghan lying over the back. I had crocheted it as a gift for my mother-in-law several years earlier. Everywhere we looked were poignant memories of precious happy times we had spent together as a family. By now Glyn and I could not staunch the flow of tears at the great loss we were dealing with. 

Boet comforted us with his presence and then helped us re-focus on the task at hand. Glyn went into Dad’s office and began to collect all the legal documents, like birth and marriage certificates along with family Bibles, including Dad’s personal Bible with sermon notes between the pages. This was a treasure not to be lost!

Boet walked with me from room to room to see if there were any personal items that we could carry in the limited space in our car. I was not aware that in my numbed emotional state, I kept walking back to the dining room and running my hand over a tea wagon that had been handmade in England and given to my In-laws as a wedding present. So it actually was an antique that held many memories.
Another item I kept going back to was a Rhodesian Oak Dining Room dresser that had belonged to my parents and then was given to Glyn’s parents, so it had been in both families’ history.
I kept saying over and over as tears flowed unabated, that I could not believe we were losing these family “treasurers”.

The whole time Boet was a stalwart of compassion and help. Taking care of what to do with the two dogs and the faithful African couple who had been caring for Dad since Mom had passed away. Once we had finished all we could do, was to head back to the farm. Boet suggested that we rest while his wife was preparing supper, which we welcomed as our exhaustion was now more than we could bear.

While we were resting Boet quickly rounded up a group of his farm workers and big farm truck and returned to the house. They loaded the tea wagon and the dining room dresser, along with a large wooden crate filled with tools that Glyn had given his Dad and secretly brought them back to the farm, unbeknown to us. The out-pouring of love that Boet and his wife showered on us was a balm to our shattered emotions. After resting on the farm for one more day, we headed back to South Africa to resume our missionary duties; closing the door on that chapter of our lives and never hearing again what happened to the contents of Dad’s home.

Several months later we received a phone call from Swift Transport Company informing us they had a delivery to make. We had absolutely no idea what it was, so we waited impatiently for the truck to arrive.  Imagine our stunned amazement when we discovered the delivery was the dining room dresser, the heirloom tea wagon and crate of tools! (6)

Hardly able to contain our excitement, we carefully removed the packing from around these tangible family treasures.

Yet we kept asking ourselves, how could this be? We saw on the shipping label the items had come from an unknown person living near Johannesburg. Glyn quickly put in a phone call to try and unravel the mystery. The gentleman that answered explained that he and his wife had been members of the congregation that Dad Davies served and they had just emigrated from Rhodesia to South Africa.

They had to get permission from the Zimbabwean government for every item of furniture they took with them and they were not allowed DUPLICATES.

When Boet knew they were leaving, he asked if they had any of the items that he had taken from Dad’s house. They didn’t; so Boet asked them to transport these items with their furniture and then gave them the money to ship them to us in Durban! So all was not lost; like Ruth of old, God in His mercy had given us some “handfuls on purpose”!"

Norma has done so well remembering the sorrow of the time that there is little left for me to say. I will finish with this picture I have of one of Idris' favourite quotes. It is in his own handwriting and reads,

"A shining face radiant with the love of God is worth more than a ton of logic, rhetoric, and elocution."

I like to believe that as well as the preaching and baptisms, Idris also had one of those radiant faces.

_____

(1) I believe Idris had previously had issues with his bowels and the nurse was unaware of this or had forgotten the fact. The doctor had asked that no one give him an enema, but the nurse did so. He died just a day or so later.

(2) This conversation was over Facebook and I have saved it, along with several other observations that Roland Plett had about my grandfather Idris.

(3) Morlais Castle. A 13th century castle, above the Taff Gorge near Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

(4) I was unsure who Mostyn Cole was or how he was related to Idris. (Except the obvious statement that he was a cousin.) After speaking to Roy (Idris's nephew.) I discovered that he was the son of Annie Griffiths' younger sister, Mary Jane Cole (nee Griffiths). This Annie Griffiths was Idris' mother, not to be confused with his mother in law, also named Annie Griffiths (nee Simpkins).

(5) I don't have a picture of Idris' grave. With the current unrest that still exists in Zimbabwe, I am unsure if I ever will, but I am definitely trying to push open doors and see what is possible.

(6) I have personally seen these tools and the heirlooms, as Glyn and Norma still have them at their home in the United States.

The Grandfather I Never Knew Part 9: Towards the end

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8

Idris' youngest son, Merthyn, was married to his wife Christine in the late 70's. Idris and Iris were both able to attend, and it made the newspaper as an international affair. (1)

Recently, Iris' younger sister Ruth was able to share the video below with me. It's the family spending some time together at Ruth's home. There were in fact, several visits back to the motherland during their time in Africa. The eldest man is Idris, the elder woman is Iris, and the younger man is my Dad, Merthyn. 

Iris and Idris may have had many more years together, but both suffered from problematic health issues. Iris passed away in May 1982. After an operation to remove stomach ulcers, an infection set in and Iris eventually died of Septicemia. (More of her story can be read here.)

Idris loved Iris greatly and the engraving on this headstone reads:

In dearest memory. My beloved wife and companion went to be with the LORD on the 8th May 1982. Always remembered by her loving husband, Idris, Children Wendy, Glyn and Merthyn. Called to higher service. We will meet you over there." 

Idris became an official lay minister of the A.O.G. in 1983, shortly before he died, although he had been very active in every church he had ever been a part of, ministering to the congregation in song and deed.

Roland Plett, one of those baptised in Idris' garden font, recalls:

"Perhaps the fondest memories I have of Idris was the way he led the worship. In those days this was mostly the Elim Choruses and Hymns. His rich Welsh voice was strong and he was not shy in using it. Best of all was when he would break into Welsh and sing to the Lord. The whole place was moved. This was often followed by a moving prayer.

He enriched us all with his vibrant personality and strong faith and stamped upon us all something of the great Welsh Revival days. We were truly blessed to have such committed people to lead us." (2)

These ministerial credentials were reassessed on a yearly basis, but it was definitely one highlight of Idris' life. 

While working for the A.O.G. he was given a loose-leaf bible. These were created in such a fashion that sermon and study notes could be inserted into them. This allowed Idris and other preachers to deliver sermons with just their bible on a lectern or in their hands. 

This is a picture of Idris' bible and is currently in the possession of Glyn, his eldest son. It contains quite a few sermon notes, and I will transcribe these at a later date so that this generation can enjoy his insights, thoughts and inspirations.

I find it incredibly joyful that Idris was immersed in what he loved most, the work of God, when it came to his last few years on this earth. In the final post of this series, I will look at his last moments. Afterwards, there will still be space to blog about his favourite songs, his sermons and other facts I have found out since writing the earlier chronological postings. 

_____

(1) The newspaper article is taken from the Grimsby Evening Telegraph. 

(2) Taken from a transcript of a short interview conducted over Facebook with Roland Plett in 2017

Remembering David John Davies

Earlier in the year I put in a request on the website Find a Grave. It was for anyone who could photograph the grave of my great grandfather's brother, David John Davies. For more on what I know about his life you can read the following:

David John Davies: Following the trail. 

David John Davies: Cause of death. 

I had forgotten about the request I made, but this morning I received a surprise email from Find A Grave letting me know that a David Wilson-Pinkney had discovered the grave and photographed it. Thank you!

Some of the letters are missing but I was able to piece together the wording. The inscription reads as follows:

In affectionate remembrance of David John, 

beloved husband of Edith Davies, 

who departed this life Feb 4 1931, Aged 52 years. 

Home at last, thy labour done.

There is no gravestone of his wife, Julia Edith Davies because she married some years later and emigrated to the United States. I write about her little adventure here. I have yet to find her gravestone but it is somewhere in Pennsylvania. 

I feel a sense of completion having now transcribed his gravestone as well as knowing the cause of death.

The only thing left to say is that he is buried in Penrhys Cemetery, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales at plot number D20, and burial number 434. 

The Death of Julia Edith Gwynne

In my last post I traced Julia and her new husband's path to America. Due to world war 2 they were not finally together again until 1947. An accounting of her earlier life and role in the early Pentecostal movement within the United Kingdom can also be found.

I assume that Julia and her new husband George settled somewhere near 232 Chestnut Street. Kingston. PA. This is what George listed as his address in 1939 upon reentry to the United States.

On October 19th 1961 the Department of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued a death certificate for Julia Edith Gwynne.

Death Occurred In: Clarks Summit State Hospital Lackawana, Newton Twp(1), PA.
Deceased's Mailing Address: 90 Belmont Street, Carbondale, PA
Name Of Deceased: Julia Edith Gwynne
Date Of Death: October 19th 1961
Where Did Deceased Actually Live?: Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania
Did Deceased Live In A Township?: No, deceased lived within actual limits of Carbondale city or borough.
Sex: F
Color Or Race: W
Married: Yes
Date of Birth: 6/10/1880
AGE (In years last birthday): 81
Usual Occupation: H'wife
Social Security Number: None
Birthplace: South Wales
Citizen Of What Country: Wales
Full Name Of Spouse: George E. Gwynne
Mother's Maiden Name: Not known
Father's Name: Enos Davis
Informant's Name And Address: 90 Belmont Street, Carbondale, Pennsylvania, George E. Gwynne
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Death was caused by - Immediate Cause: Broncho Pneumonia (Right)
Arteriosclerosis (generalized)(2)Was Autopsy Performed: Yes
I hereby certify that I attended the above named deceased and that death occurred from the causes and on the date stated above at 5:15am E.S.T.
Signature: Ben Kline, MD
Clarks Summit State Hospital
Date Signed: 10/19/61
Burial
Date: 10/21/1961
Name Of Cemetery: Maplewood
Location: Carbondale, Lackawanna, PA.
Date Received By Reg: 10/21/1961
Registrar's Signature: Alyce Burke

So what did I learn from this? Quite a few things which are really useful.

1. I have an address of where they lived together in Pennsylvannia. This will allow me and others in the future to continue research based on census' etc. when they are released. It also means I can do a google search and see if the house or complex is still standing.

2. Julia lived for 81 years. In some ways this means more because I know that she and George had a good portion of life together after World War 2 threatened to keep them apart.

3. We know that George was still alive at the time of Julia's death. I also have his death certificate.

4. We know how she died. Bronchial Pneumonia. I assume that the word "Right" written after this cause means it was in the right lung, but I am not positive.

5. We know the cemetery Julia was buried in. I haven't done a thorough search for this yet, but I am hopeful that I may be able to locate the graves. It certainly is a lot more information to go on that I have even for some of my direct ancestors.

So there we have it. The death of Julia Edith Gwynne.

___
(1) Twp stands for Township.
(2) Thickening of the arteries, preventing strong blood flow.

Whatever Happened To Julia Edith Davies?

I have written a little about the earlier part of Julia's life and her contribution to women in church leadership here. After 1937 she disappeared from all the church records I could find. A few conversations with an extended family member, Roy Davies, and several record searches later I have been able to piece together a little of what happened after this date.

To begin with let me just say that in relation to earlier posts, I don't yet have David John Davies and Julia Edith's marriage record, but I have located them in the index.

Title of Index: England and Wales Marriage Registration Index

Event: Marriage
Registration Quarter: April - May - June

Registration Year: 1905

Registration District: Merthyr Tydfil
County: Glamorganshire
Event Place: Merthyr Tyfil, Glamorganshire, Wales
Volume: 11A
Page: 1197
Line Number: 64

All of the facts fit so I look forward to ordering this in the future and transcribing the full document. 

But what happened to Julia later in life, after she led the church at Ystrad in the 1930's?

I was tipped off by Roy that Julia remarried in 1939 to George E. Gwynne. Again, I do not have the full record, but I have located it. I will also transcribe this fully when I have sent off and received it back.

Title of Index: England and Wales Marriage Registration Index

Event: Marriage
Registration Quarter: April - May - June

Registration Year: 1939

Registration District: Pontypridd
County: Glamorganshire
Event Place: Pontypridd, Glamorganshire, Wales
Volume: 11A
Page: 1246
Line Number: 109

I am not sure why this was in Pontypridd. What I do know is that George had lived in Wales, but moved to Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He must have returned to Wales in the late 1930's. After they married he returned to Pennsylvania. He was already a naturalised citizen. The plan was for Julia to join him later that year. Roy told me George had travelled on the Queen Mary and with that information I was able to find a copy of George Gwynne's port of entry papers for this journey back to America.

Here's a brief transcription of the pertinent information:

List of United States Citizens for the immigration authorities.
S.S. Queen Mary sailing from Southampton, 14th June, 1939. Arriving at Port of New York 19th June 1939

Family Name: Gwynne.
Given Name: George E.
Age: 58
Sex: Male
Married or Single: W (Which I think means widowed.)

If native of United States insular possession Or if native of United States, give date and place of birth (City or Town and State): 614568 

If naturalized, give name and location of court which issued naturalization papers, and date of papers: Comm. Pleas. Court. Wilkes Barre. PA. 22 April 1938
Address In United States: 232 Chestnut Street. Kingston. PA.

Points of note:
Firstly, I believe the W in Married or Single stands for widowed, but I am unsure why they wouldn't put married since he had married Julia by this point. Perhaps because he is widowed from an American citizen? I need to look into this more. All the other facts fit perfectly so I am quite sure it is the right George.

Secondly, I believe the numbers given on the question about being native of the United States are something like an alien resident number. I need to do some research to find out if this is the case but it seems likely.

The third point is that the "Comm.Please.Court" short hand I believe refers to the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. I am not sure if this was or is a regular place for immigration papers to be issued. I will need to do more research on that aspect.

Finally, his address in the United States gives me something to research further in the future, although it is Julia I am most interested in. It is not surprising to find him living in Pennsylvania, many Welsh people moved to Pennsylvania either temporarily or permanently to look for jobs in the mining industry or working with slate. I have other direct ancestors who did this.

So let's move on to Julia's move to the United States.



S.S. Mauretania. Passengers traveling from Southampton, October 14th 1947.
No. On List: 16
Family Name: Gwynne
Given Name: Julia
Age: 66
Sex: Female
Married or single: M
Calling or occupation: H'wife
Able to Read: Yes
Able to read what language (Or if exemption claimed on what ground.): English
Nationality (Country of which citizen or subject): Britain
Race or people: Welsh
Place of birth (Country): Wales
City or town, State, Province or District: Penrhyw (1)
Immigration Visa, Passport Visa, or Reentry Permit Number (Prefix number with QIV, NQIV, PV or RP and give section of act involved: Sec 5 6A (3) Div 33359
Place: London
Issued: 17th June 1947
Data concerning verification of landing etc. (This column for use of Government officials only.) Blank
Last Permanent Residence Country: Wales
City or Town, State, Province or District: Yrstrad, Rhondda

Points of note:

Firstly, the obvious reason for why there is such a vast difference in time of arrival between George and Julia is that shortly after George arrived in the U.S.A. war broke out between Britain and Germany. World War 2 did not end until 1945. I am sure Julia went to George just as soon as she was able.

Secondly, Julia noted that she could read English. I don't know if a test was done upon entering port or whether this was self declaration. I know many people in Wales of Julia's age could not read English but as a bible teacher and preacher I have no doubt that Julia could indeed read. It is interesting to me that there was no mention of Welsh. Living in the Rhondda and preaching at Ystrad Julia could most definitely speak it. Indeed, all of my grandfathers side of the family could speak it. It drove my grandma up the wall because she could not.

Thirdly, I don't know what the reference numbers and index in the immigration visa question mean. I may be able to find out with a little more research.

Finally, at present there is only one other bit of documentation I have about Julia and that is her death certificate. She lived a good long life and she and George were still able to spend some good years together. I will transcribe their death certificates in a future post.

The Gravestones of Price and Annie Davies

My first cousin once removed recently made a trip to Wales and upon request he stopped by the graveyard of Price and Annie Davies to take a picture for me. These are one set of my great grandparents. I had previously tried to find them through find a grave but had no luck. He said next time he made the trip he would happily accomodate my request.

Since he knows Welsh he also kindly translated the inscriptions. The original inscription reads:

"Er Serchus Cof Am

Annie Davies

Annwyl Briod

Price Davies, Cynt o Dowlais Top

Bu Farw 6 Chwefror 1961

Yn 78 Mlwydd Oed

Hefyd Am y Dywededig

Price Davies

Bu Farw 15 Mai 1966

Yn 84 Mlwydd Oed

"Byth Ar Swn Y Delyn Aur."
He informed me that the literal translation is:

"In Loving Memory Of

Annie Davies

Beloved Spouse of

Price Davies, Formerly of Dowlais Top

Died 6 February 1961

At 78 Years Old

Also of the Aforesaid

Price Davies

Died 15 May 1966

At 84 Years Old.

"Ever to the Sound of the Golden Harp."

This relative, Roy, always sends me helpful links to explain references as well. He let me know that "the last line is from a Welsh hymn "Y Delyn Aur" (the Golden Harp) by Ann Griffiths. Her name was almost the same as Annie's before her marriage - Annie Griffiths."

I will share the hymn and some history behind it in another post. I can now add these to the gravestones I have for one set of my great grandparents on my mothers side. I blogged about them here.

Julia Edith Davies' Contribution To Women In Church Leadership

Julia Edith Davies. According to my first cousin once removed she was born 9th June 1890, in Manordeifi, Pembrokeshire, Wales. 

Married in Merthyr Tydfil, 11th June 1905 to my great great uncle David John Davies. 

Sometime between 1911 and 1917 they began leading a church together. At that time it was in the Ystrad, Rhondda and they met at a Baptist Chapel. Today it is called Mount Zion Pentecostal Church and has moved to Gelli but is still in the Rhondda Valley.

Whether or not Julia Edith preached earlier than 1926 is not known for sure, but she was definitely preaching at the church by the period of the late 1920's. 

Article in 1926 July edition of Redemption Tidings (The official magazine of the Assemblies of God, Great Britain.) 

The above article was written in July 1926 by Julia's husband. The first paragraph is of note. It reads:

"I am taking the pleasure of writing to you a brief account of our Whitsuntide Convention. Although owing to the present coal crisis[1], we had to cancel our expected speakers, yet we carried the meetings on locally, the other Assemblies rallying with us, and from beginning to end the Lord caused his face to shine upon us. Those who ministered the word were Bro. Dan John, Clydach Vale; J Crew, Tumble; Miss A. Meredith, Treorchy; Mrs. E. Davies, Ystrad."

What conclusions to draw from this? Firstly, at least some and perhaps all of these, were not the intended speakers for the convention, but the general strike made it impossible for the original speakers to make it to the Rhondda and the church in Ystrad.

Secondly, Julia Edith is referred to here as Mrs. E. Davies. This was not unusual. She often went by Mrs. J. E. Davies and Mrs. E. Davies. 

Thirdly, there was more than one woman speaker at this convention. Miss A. Meredith also spoke. 

Later in 1926 both Mr. and Mrs. Davies traveled for an evangelistic campaign in Ramsgate.

Article from the 1926 Oct edition of Redemption Tidings

In this case it's a simple announcement that "This Assembly, too, is having a Special Gospel Campaign during September-October, when they expect Mr. and Mrs. Davies, of Ystrad, Wales, for a Soul-saving Campaign." 

It's not definitive proof that she preached, but it was not unusual for her to do so. Another article from Redemption Tidings in June of 1929 is recalling a miraculous healing that one of the congregation experienced. The full article is provided here.

Article in 1929 June edition of Redemption Tidings

I won't transcribe the entire article, but the bit in question is a paragraph in the middle which reads;

"I went to our mission at Ystrad, where I was a member, and that night our dear sister Mrs. Davies (the pastor's wife), was delivering a message from the Word of God. She said how we people believed in God for everything, yet when we were taken ill we run for the doctor.[2] I was drinking in every word she was saying." 

Julia. E. Davies was a preacher, and in the early days of the Pentecostal movement it seemed that no one batted an eyelid. 

Julia's husband died in 1931. Julia herself was sick when his death occurred and the church initially called David John's brother to lead them for a few months. I've written about this here.[3]

When Julia recovered from her sickness she took over the leading of the church. 

Article in the February 1934 edition of Redemption Tidings

"Time has passed since the homecall of our late pastor, Mr. D. J. Davies of the Ystrad Assembly, to be with Christ, but we can truly say that the Lord has been very faithful in watching over His flock and providing for them another leader, viz, our late Pastor's wife, Mrs. J. E. Davies.
The Lord has granted times of refreshing in our midst; souls have been saved, many of whom have received the Holy Ghost, and many bodies have been healed, Hallelujah."

The 1935 listing of the Assemblies of God churches in Great Britain list Julia Edith Davies as the official leader of the church in Ystrad. 

1935 Jan Redemption Tidings listing of Assemblies of God Churches, Great Britain and their leaders.

This is just the lower half of the listings, but you can see Mrs. E. Davies listed in the bottom right hand corner next to the Ystrad church. She wasn't the only woman leader in the listing. Miss N. Shearman leads in Gloucester, and Miss J. Curtis in Hull.

Price Davies (Julia's brother in law) records in his memoir that there were 700 people sometimes in the congregation at Ystrad[3], which met at the Nebo Baptist Church until the Mount Zion church building was built. This wasn't a woman leader in some church of 20-30 congregants tucked away in the middle of nowhere. The Assemblies of God church in Ystrad was significant. David John (Her deceased husband) was the former secretary of the Assemblies of God in Wales and a member of the national executive board that led the Assemblies of God in its early days in Great Britain. 

I see Julia Edith Davies as a pioneer of women in leadership within the church. 
____

[1] Unlike the same time period of time within the United States, there was no roaring 20's in Britain and the 1920's were a time of social upheaval and strikes. The 3rd May 1926 to the 13th may 1926 was a General Strike where none of the coal miners worked and non essential railways shut down. Any visiting speakers from outside of the Rhondda would have been unable to visit during this period. This article is written in July 1926 but it is about the May Whitsuntide Convention which would have been affected by this. 

[2] To my knowledge neither Julia Edith Davies nor her husband David John Davies believed it was wrong to visit a doctor. They did however believe in divine healing and often preached on such. The denomination of which they were a part, the Assemblies of God, also believes in divine healing. The denomination does not believe in avoiding doctors and believe that God uses doctors to bring about healing. While this is the teaching of the church, the lady writing the article, a Mrs. Chinn, obviously decided that in her current case of cancer there was nothing more the doctor could do and so she would trust in divine healing instead. 

[3] I am fortunate that my Great Grandfather Price Davies recorded his own memoirs of his involvement in the birth of the pentecostal movement in Great Britain. Mentioned within them is his time at Ystrad assembly in the Rhondda Valley.