Friday August 26th – Free Press Special
Remarkable Brothers -Three Brothers of 93, 87 and 85 “Beer and Cider Good says Octogenarian”, but tobacco a life shortener.
To have lived 265 years, practically in one district is the combined record of three remarkable brothers still living very near each other in a small area of which Nantyderry Station might be termed the centre.
These are Mr Philip Jenkins 93, Mr Walter Jenkins 87 and Mr James Jenkins, the youngster of the family, who 85, is still trying to catch up his elder brothers.
Furthermore two of the brothers both stand a very erect six feet something each and between all three very few days work have been missed on account of sickness throughout the whole of their long years.
Asked to account for this longevity, Mr Walter Jenkins, the middle one, answered three words: “Beer and cider.” It is a strange fact however, that all three are life long abstainers from tobacco which Mr Walter Jenkins thinks is a life shortener.
This one of the brothers, interviewed by a “Free Press” representative was found to be very typical of the other two and his history gives a fairly good idea of the kind of life that has been led by all of the them.
He is still a fine figure of a man clear-eyed and active in mind and body. It is hard to say which is the most remarkable; his comparitively great physical power or the wonderful memory that can recall all manor of minor incidents over a span of some 89 years.
Following the Hounds at 87
The physical prowess of Mr Walter Jenkins may be judged from that fact that only recently he followed the otter hounds for three days. His son who is 53 had to give up and return, fagged out long before the old man, who one day followed one otter for eight and a half hours. On this occasion the trail started at the Chain Bridge and worked around to Brynderwen, where the old man was in at the kill and he can also tell that it was an 28lb kill. Then he calmly walked off to his home at Nightingale Cottage, Monkswood.
That is the usual address, although Mr Jenkins is careful to point out that only the garden is really in Monkswood, the house being in Goytre.
Old in Years Only
It is doubtful if Mr Jenkins really considers himself old, he is young in spirit and as to his youthfulness in other ways we have only to look back to the story of the hounds. The secret of all this is happiness, for Mr Jenkins says that every day of his life has been happy, even though he has never moved more than a few miles away from his native parish and has never had what are now known as holidays.
They are by far the oldest three in the ancient club which is held at the Carpenters Arms, Penpellenny. Philip has been a member for 70 years, Walter 66 and James for more than 50.
The Biography of Walter
Mr Walter Jenkins was born at Walnut Tree Farm, Goytre, only about a mile away from where he lives at present. When 11 years of age he went out to service with an uncle living in the district. After that he spent three years driving pack-mules with sand from the quarry for the British Works at Talywain. Later he was timber hauling in connection with the building and what is now the great main railway line between Hereford and Pontypool Road. Later he spent three years farming and two years as woodward.
Then came a great span of life in one service. For thirty years he was woodward and keeper for the late Colonel H C Byrde. J.P. After that he was for six years keeper to what is now the Blaenavon Company. Following this, he was for seven years a keeper on the estate of the late Lady Llanover, grandmother to the present Lord Treowen.
His wife died some four years ago at the age of 79. It is rather a curious thing that both Mr Jenkins and his wife were each the ninth child in large families, Mrs Jenkins maiden name was also Jenkins.
Linked With Napoleonic Wars
The lives of the three brothers form a very close link with the Napoleonic wars, for their father was drawn in the lottery to serve with the Army at that time. As he had then a wife and young family, he could not see his way to go, so he sold his house for £50, the price he had to pay for a substitute.
The brother who was interviewed recalls the fact that the language of his father and mother was Welsh and it was the custom for them to reply in English. The father and mother lived to be 83 years of age.
Such in brief, is the outline of the family history of what may be termed the most remarkable “young fellows” in Monmouthshire.
September 2nd– For Sale by Private Treaty
GOYTREY: small holding with immediate possession, comprising 5 roomed Cottage, with excellent garden and about four acres of land. Folio 106
Bunning and Russell, Pontypool.
September 9th – Parish of Goytre
Freehold Accommodation Land known as Glan-y-nant Meadow in the occupation of the vendor, Mr Ben Morgan.
J Straker, son and Chadwick, Abergavenny
September 30th – Glan-y-nant Goytre
Important sale of hauliers horses, tip carts, timber wagon &c.
Also Live and Dead Farming Stock for Mr Ben Morgan (retiring)
J Straker, son & Chadwick.
Glan-y-nant Goytre, mid-way between Pontypool and Abergavenny, on the Top Road near the Horseshoe Inn and about Two Miles from Nantyderry G.W.R. Station.
J Straker, son & Chadwick are instructed by Mr B Morgan who is giving up his Haulier’s business to sell, without reserve:
6 useful draught horses in hard condition and working up to date of sale;
3 new tip carts and gambo
Nearly new 5 ton timber carriage
8 sets of Gears; Rick of Fern; Chains; 70 Galvanised sheets; Chaff Cutter; Two ton of pit wood; six Scaffold poles; four spare collars; float; trap; horse rack; capital rally car;
50 young Cardie Ewes
50 head of poultry
Sow and seven pigs
15 fresh bred two-year-old cross bred steers and heifers
Well bred cart sucker
Cow and calf
12 fresh cider hogsheads
14 tons of hay; (standing on New Barn Farm) 3 year old shire bred colt; two pitter colts; 50 Welsh ewes and Fat lambs; excellent float; sow with first litter.
Sale at two o’clock sharp
Cash only.
September 30th – Sale of Goytre Property
On Tuesday at the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, Mr Montague Harris offered for sale the Goytrey House Estate and Lands, including the Mansion house and freehold farms.
For Goytre House, situate about six miles from Abergavenny, together with stabling, garage and Lodge and about 30 acres of gardens there was no bid.
Goytre House Farm, about 16 acres freehold and 33 acres leasehold sold to Mr Morgan, Bryn, Newbridge for £800.
Pasture land, about 2 acres and piece of pasture land about 1 acres sold to Mr Morgan, Bryn, Newbridge for £97.50.
Pantysgawn freehold farm and outbuildings about 66 acres sold to Mr John Williams, Mamhilad near Pontypool for £850.
Two pieces of land called Cae Susanna 15 acres, sold to Mr Vaisey, Pontypool for £45.
Freehold a piece of pasture land sold to Mr Albert Owen, Goytre for £250.
Piece of land Penperllenny, Goytre, upon which is a stone built house held on lease for 60 years, let on an annual rent of £6 by private treaty to the tenant. The freehold was sold by private treaty to the tenant.
Smith’s shop and cottage and part of garden, held by Mrs Wilks, Goytre, was sold by private treaty to the tenant. The freehold was also sold to the tenant.
Freehold of a piece of garden ground adjoining Penperllenny lot, 22 poles, was sold by private treaty to the tenant.
Freehold of three pieces of pasture land and two houses, situate at Penperllenny, Goytre, about 4 acres, was sold to Mr D F Pritchard, Goytrey House, Goytre for £320.
Block of pasture and stable land Goytrey, about 12 acres sold to Mr David Morgan for £42. Freehold for this lot sold to Mr David Morgan for £350.
Freehold residence and land, Pentre Grange, Goytre, let at a yearly tenancy to Mrs Jones, sold by private treaty to the tenant.
Freehold Llwyn Celyn Farm, Goytre, together with 32 acres of land, sold by private treaty, sold to Mrs Jones, Pentre Grange, Goytrey.
Messrs Gardeners, Hayward and Grey were the auctioneers.
September 21st – Saron Baptist Church
On Tuesday evening the Rev. E W Pryce Evans, M.A., of Crane Street Baptist Church, Pontypool, addressed the young people’s guild and friends; his subject being “The Ministry of the Mountains.”
Quite a good congregation assembled and they were amply rewarded. The Rev. gentleman provided a fine intellectual treat.
This is the first of a series of intellectual lectures arranged by the energetic Pastor, Rev. L C Edwards, who is determined that the winter months shall not pass away unimproved.
September 30th1921 – Sale of Goytre Property
On Tuesday at the Angel Hotel Abergavenny, Mr Montague Harris offered for sale the Goytrey House Estate and Lands, including the Mansion house and freehold farms.
For Goytrey House, situate about six miles from Abergavenny, together with stabling, garage and lodge and about 30 acres of gardens there was no bid.
Goytre House farm, about 19 acres freehold and 33 acres leasehold sold to Mr C F Morgan, Bryn, Newbridge for £800.
Pasture land, about 2 acres and piece of pasture land about 1 acre sold to Mr Morgan, Bryn, Newbridge for £975.
Pantysgawn freehold farm and outbuildings about 66 acres sold to Mr John Williams Mamhilad near Pontypool for £850.
Two pieces of land, known as Cae Susanna 15 acres, sold to Mr Vaisey, Pontypool for £45.
Freehold of a piece of pasture land sold to Mr Albert Owen, Goytrey for £250
Piece of land, Penpellenny, Goytre, upon which is a stone built house held on lease for 60 years, let on an annual rent of £6 sold by private treaty to the tenant. The freehold was sold by private treaty to the tenant.
Smith’s shop and cottage and part of garden, held by Mrs Wilks, Goytrey, was sold by private treaty to the tenant. The freehold was also sold to the tenant.
Freehold of a piece of garden ground adjoining Penpellenny lot, 22 poles, was sold by private treaty to the tenant.
Freehold of three pieces of pasture land and two houses, situate at Penpellenny,Goytre, about 4 acres, was sold to Mr D F Pritchard, Goytrey House, Goytrey, for £320.
Block of pasture and arable land Goytrey about 12 acres sold to Mr David Morgan for £42.
Freehold of this lot sold to Mr David Morgan for £350.
Freehold residence and lands, Pentre Grange, Goytrey, let as a yearly tenancy to Mrs Jones, sold by private treaty to the tenant.
Freehold Llwyn Celyn Farm, Goytrey, together with 32 acres of land, sold by private treaty sold to Mrs Jones, Pentre Grange, Goytrey
Messrs Gardners, Heywood and Grey were the auctioneers.
October 14th– For Sale or to Let
The Haven, Nantyderry, near Abergavenny – apply J Williams at above address.
October 21st – For Sale or by Public Auction
Freehold roadside Small Holding 31/2 acres or thereabouts Glan-y-nant:
Comprising a stone and slate built compact five roomed messuage, garden and orchard, three meadows, piggeries and outbuildings, now in the occupation of Mr Ben Morgan, ideal poultry or pig farm with small residence in good repair.
Cummuted tithe 13s 1d
Land tax 1s 9d
Further information:
Messrs Liscombe and Dawson Commercial St Newport.
November 11th1921 For Sale by Private Treaty The Haven Nantyderry
Near Abergavenny [now in the occupation of Mr John Williams the owner]
The House stands in its Own Grounds of One acre or thereabouts with Lawns and Kitchen Garden and is surrounded by a large collection of very fine Shrub and Fruit Trees. The House consists of Hall, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Pantry, China Pantry, Scullery, a Convenient Office with Greenhouse attached, Four Bedrooms, Bathroom and upstairs W.C. There are several Outhouses.
The Property is Freehold and is situated within three minutes walk of Nantyderry Station abutting onto the main road from Penpellenny to Nantyderry. It commands a beautiful view of the best parts of Monmouthshire. The House was built quite recently and is fitted out with all modern conveniences. There is a splendid supply of water.
Vacant possession on completion of purchase.
Further particulars from: A DENSLEY
Business Transfer Agent & c. Penygarn, Pontypool
November 13th – The Haven, Nantyderry
For sale by Private Treaty
The house stands in its own grounds of one acre, or thereabouts, with lawns and kitchen garden and is surrounded by a large collection of very fine shrubs and fruit trees.
The house consists of hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, china pantry, scullery, a convenient office with greenhouse attached, four bedrooms, bath room, and upstairs W.C. There are several outhouses.
The property is freehold and is situated within three minutes walk of Nantyderry Station, abutting onto the main road from Penpelenny to Nantyderry.
It commands a beautiful view of the best parts of Monmouthshire. The house was built quite recently and is fitted out with all modern conveniences, There is a splendid supply of water,
Vacant possession on completion.
Further details from:
A Densley, Penygarn, Pontypool.