April 13^th – Goytrey Cymrodorian

Easter Monday being the anniversary of the Cymrodorian society, the members of this club as usual assembled at the Half-Way House to celebrate their festal day. Additional interest was felt in the proceedings, as it was known that the worthy proprietor of Goytre House, Leuit. Col. Bird intended to present a new banner to the society.

Accordingly, the members dressed in their scarves &c and proceeded by the Newport factory band, marched in procession to Goytre House, to receive their promised present. Here they met the gallant Colonel and his sons, Messrs C & T Bird in readiness to receive them. The officers of the club then came forward, and received the banner from the hands of the Colonel who then addressed them as follows:

‘My friends, in presenting this banner to your club, permit me to accompany it with my earnest wishes for the prosperity of the Goytre Cymrodorian society, whose property is it now to become. I greatly rejoice in the success that has now attended your society, and I am thankful to see many old friends among the members as well as others who have become personally known since it has been my happiness to reside among you. I trust that the mutual regard which has arisen, will be maintained among us, and this banner may be a token that cordial and friendly feeling will ever exist between us.

I am especially delighted to see a friendly society established in the old parish of Goytre, to which memories of the past, and pleasures of the present, so much endear me. I have carefully studied your rules, and they are all that are proper and beneficial to such an institution, and I hope all the members will do their utmost to maintain them in their integrity, and thus contribute to the welfare of the whole club. In all countries and institutions, ‘union is strength’ and I trust we shall ever be united in true charity, one towards the other, and in our efforts for the general good.

There is a union I pray may also increase amongst us all – the union of faith in the one and only saviour of our souls- that when time and bodily ailments shall be no more, we may be united in that world where there is no more sorrow, sickness or death; but where I trust we who now meet together on earth, may be united in an endless eternity’.

Mr Wm. Gwatkin, the secretary, on behalf of the members, returned thanks to the Colonel on behalf of the members, for the honour he had done them in presenting them with such a handsome pledge of his goodwill and wishes for the prosperity of their society.

Three hearty cheers were then given for the kind donor, and, “For he’s a jolly good fellow &c”, was sang in such strains as evinced that one and all responded from their hearts, and wished to convey to their kind and generous friend that they duly appreciated his gift.

The banner is of blue silk, deeply fringed; on it is beautifully painted the plume of feathers, the well known crest of the Prince of Wales, and his motto ‘Ich Dien’ – I serve, underneath, on a scroll. Encircling this is another scroll, on which is inscribed, presented to the Cymrodian society by Col. H.C. Bird.

The men now reformed their procession and walked to the parish church. The service was read by the Rev. M. Morgan, the incumbent of Mamhilad, and an eloquent and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. T. Evans from Prov. xxii.3, “A prudent man foreseeth the danger and hideth himself”.

After the service, the club returned to the Half-way house and sat down to a good substantial dinner, which the host, Mr Evans had prepared for them. The Rector and Col, Bird occupied the chief places at the table, supported by the Rev. M. Morgan and C & T Bird.

Ample justice being done to the good things of this world, and the cloth removed, the rector, in a handsome manner, proposed the health of Col. Bird, truly remarking that in their kind friend they all found a willing and steady supporter of anything that could possibly contribute to the temporal and spiritual improvement of the parish, of which they had substantial evidence that day.

(Drunk with cheers!)…. The Colonel in acknowledging the warm and enthusiastic manner, in which the toast had been received, expressed the great pleasure he felt, after a long residence in the East, to find himself again, an inhabitant of the old parish of Goytre. He felt especial pleasure in being among them on that day and hoped to be spared for a long time to help them in their endeavours to assist each other in anything that be beneficial to them. He begged to propose ‘health and prosperity to the Cymrodorian society’, loud cheers…..The same stentorian voices also gave a vigorous “three” for Mrs Bird and family. Mr Gwatkin then proposed the health of the vicar of Goytre and requested him to accept their sincere thanks for the excellent sermon he had given them that day….The Reverend gentleman, in acknowledging the compliment remarked that it gave him great pleasure to be among them at their annual feast. As for his sermon he could only say that he felt it to be no more than his duty, as minister of the parish to render them such services on these occasion; and since several of the members had expressed a strong wish that he would give them his support, he felt much pleasure in complying, and begged they would regard him as an honorary member. This was enthusiastically received.

The evening was spent in a most pleasant manner, and the cordiality with which the day commenced, continued to the close. The band gave great satisfaction: the readiness of them men, their desire to please and their admirable conduct throughout the day were such as to be generally noticed.

At their departure, the hearty thanks and cheers given them told how well they had sustained their reputation….at the earnest request of the club Col. Bird consented to be treasurer and an honorary member of this well conducted and excellent society6^th April 1861

Dangerous Exploits of a Cow

On Wednesday afternoon a dangerous cow belonging to Mr T. Lewis was being brought from Llangibby to Pontypool and when near the Stopgate (Monkswood) encountered an old woman named Mary Morris, (My 4 x great grandmother)knocked her down, gored her severely and inflicted several dangerous bruises.

The cow was known to be dangerous and a cord had been attached to horn and leg, but this being to long she was taken to Pantypudding Farm and the rope was shortened, after which she was brought to Pontypool. Here an old woman was knocked down and gored and we hear that after other feats and hairbreadth escapes the brute rushed into the canal, where it was secured and taken home.

June 15^th –  Merry but Un-wise

W. Lewis, T. Lewis, J. Lewis, J. Jenkins, W. Forty, W. Phillips and W. Plasted, were charged by p.c. Lewis (14) with being drunk, and creating a disturbance at Goytrey, at one o’clock, on Sunday morning last.

The constable said he was on duty that morning and heard a great noise in a farmyard. He went to ascertain the cause, and found all the prisoners there rolling about among the straw and behaving in a very disorderly manner.

He told them that sort of thing would not do, as they were not only disorderly, but trespassing on the private property of Major Bird, when they abused and threatened him…John Cadovan corroborated the main part of the constable’s statement, and in answer to a question from the bench, said the prisoner, W. Lewis appeared to be the most disorderly among them, and egged the others on.

John Jones said he lived at the farm house and saw the prisoners in the yard and they were making a great disturbance. They had been drinking together at the Half-way house and had a gallon and a half of beer with them in the yard, but witness did not see it.

The chairman said it was a most disgraceful disturbance, the more so as it took place on Sunday morning, and inflicted a penalty of 20s on each, or in default, 14 days hard labour in Usk.

December 7th – Servant and Master 

John Harvey, farmer, charged with assaulting Joseph Howells, farm servant at Goytrey on November 28^th.

Mr Greenway appeared for defendant. Complainant said he was at plough on Thursday when the horses turned stubborn, and he gave one of them a stroke with the plough line. His master said that if he struck the ‘harses’ again he would strike him. He did not strike them again, but told his master he should do no more with them, and he then struck him on the face.

By Mr Greenway, the horses ran away a day or two before, he could not keep the plough in the right place with them, so he threw it down and let them go. Did not kick them. His master scolded him for beating the horses with the plough line. Did not challenge him to fight. Had a fight with a fellow servant a short time since, and ‘got a bit of a scrat on my nose’. Never was threatened to be turned away for ill-treating the horses before this time. Did not call his master a dead fool, but said he was as big a fool as he was.

Thomas Jones, farm servant said he saw defendant strike complainant.

Mr Greenway then addressed the bench on behalf of his client, when he considered he had received sufficient provocation to chastise complainant, who had ill-used his horses, challenged him to fight, and threatened him with his fist…..the magistrates did not consider the defendant was justified in the course he had taken and fined him 20s for the assault or 14 days.

Mr Greenway then complained that p.c. Lewis had exceeded his duty in that he had given the parties advice when he served the summons, for which he was censured by the magistrates.

July 16^th

Wm Read was charged with having assaulted Caroline Drinkwater at the Goytrey on the 17^th inst., as complainant failed to prove the charge the case was dismissed, she having to pay the 3s costs.

March 14th

GOYTREY – The temperance band of hope met at Penpelleny Cross at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, and formed in procession headed by their temperance band, and superintendent. In passing the smith’s shop they received not a few “good reports.” At Goytrey house they were most cheerfully welcomed by Col. And Lady Bird, and by a party of about 60, who had dined there. Having sung “Touch not the Cup,” they returned to Chapel Ed, to enjoy a treat of tea and cake, which was given to the members of the society. At 7 p.m., a temperance meeting was held, when addresses were delivered by the chairman, (Rev. D. Hargest,) Mr John Jenkins, and Mr John Ballard, and many interesting recitation, dialogues, &c., given, interspersed with appropriate singing. The meeting concluded with an addition of 27 “recruits.”

Good Friday! Good Friday!

ARE YOU COMING? – To where? For a country

trip on GOOD FRIDAY next, to

Chapel-Ed tea meeting, Goytrey.

TEA ON THE TABLE AT 2 P.M.

Single Fares from Pontypool to Nantyderry Station;

Thence, a beautiful 10 minutes’ walk through a grove.

Don’t forget

Tickets may be had of MISS JONES, Bristol

House, Pontnewynydd; MR THOMAS JONES, Grocer, &c.,

Sowhill, Pontypool; and MISS PROSSER, Caroline-st.

The Train will leave Nantyderry at 9 p.m., by which

You can return after the PUBLIC SERVICE.

April 11th 

THE ANNUAL TEA MEETING AT CHAPEL-ED, Goytrey was celebrated on Good Friday, when an immense number of people were present. There were two services in the chapel during the day – morning and evening. At a cursory glance at the prospects of a tea party at the very small hamlet of Goytrey being fertile in the monetary bearing, one would naturally be inclined to predict an unfavourable issue, but when on takes into consideration that it has as its object a good cause, viz., the expansion of the funds of the chapel, and that Goytrey itself is surrounded on every side by picturesque scenery, – rivulets glittering like serpents in the sunshine or like threads of silver, and wooded heights gilded with the gleams of the sun where the fresh breezes blend with the carolling of the feathered tribe, – it is not, then, to be wondered at that such a large number of people availed themselves of the opportunity of visiting the sparsely populated hamlet on this occasion. The grave-yard of the chapel in which the “rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep in their narrow cells,” was, in common with the others in the neighbourhood, strewn with flowers which had been deposited there on the previous Sunday, but their wither appearance more forcibly impressed us with the speedy and relentless decay of all animated nature. However, a very pleasant day was spent, the tea and cake was plentiful and good, and Mr Hargent’s courtesy was marked, and contributed not a little to promote the successful manner in which the annual reunion passed off.

April 18th

AWEFULLY SUDDEN DEATH OF J. C. H. OWEN, ESQ, SOLICITOR.

An awful instance of the uncertainty of human life occurred in this town on Tuesday last. On that day Mr. Owen proceeded to Cardiff to attend our County Court. He alighted from the train at the Clarence Railway Station, and went to the Clarence Hotel, where he partook of some refreshments, and afterwards proceeded towards the Court. Alas! Who would have thought before he reached the Court of Justice, before which he had business to transact, “the strong arm of Death” would arrest him, and that the next Court before which he would plead would be that presided over by the Judge of All? But such was the case? Upon ascending the steps in front of the Town hall, Mr. Owen fell and expired almost instantaneously. He was removed into the Reading-room of the Literary Institution, and medical advice instantly summoned. After the lapse of a few minutes, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Essex were upon the spot, but their services were of no avail, life being quite extinct. The friends and relatives of the deceased were communicated with by telegraph, and in the course of a few hours, his brother, Mr. David Owen, surgeon of Newport, arrived upon the scene, at which he seemed deeply affected. About eight o’clock in the evening, deceased was laid in the shell of his coffin, and on the following day, about two o’clock, was removed to the residence at Goytrey, where an inquest was fixed to be held this day (Friday). It is the opinion of the medical men that the deceased died from either disease of the heart or apoplexy. We understand that for some time past he had complained of pains in his chest, and that he had a presentiment that he would die suddenly from disease of the heart. Indeed, some days before his decease he sustained a fall from his horse, in consequence of an attack of the disease which is supposed to have caused his death.

Mr Owen, who claimed decent from the royal blood of old Cambria, (the celebrated Owen Glendower, the last Prince of Wales, being amongst his ancestors), was, we believe, born in Abergavenny, from which place he was removed in infancy to Monmouth, where he was articled to the legal profession, and where he practised for some time as a solicitor. He first brought himself into notice during a serious and protracted strike among the colliers on the Hills, by his earnest advocacy of their cause; and by continuing this course of conduct he eventually succeeded in obtaining their confidence so entirely that he was appointed their “Attorney-General,” and their untied contributions furnished a very considerable emolument for his services. Having once established a reputation as the friend of the poor man, he had no lack of clients among the humbler classes, whose cases he was always ready to undertake; and his experience, tact, and confidence often enabled him to gain their cause when it seemed almost hopeless. His increased practice led to his removing from Monmouth, and for many years he has resided at Goytrey, having also a residence in Cardiff and offices at Newport, Pontypool, and other places, and an extensive practice throughout the mining districts. We are glad to hear that his family are not unprovided for, Mr. Owen having in addition to other means, insured his life for £1000.

Mr. Owen’s appearance is too familiar to need a description, but we may state that he was apparently in the prime of life, though in his 60^th year and that he was 6ft. 3in. in height; and proportionately bulky, he had a pleasant look and a bold, commanding presence; and no man inherited a greater right from nature (judging from his phrenelogical developments), to plead, in palliation of any particular foibles to which he may have been liable, the deprecatory language of Robert Burns : –

“Thou know’st that thou has formed me

With passions wild and strong

And listening to their witching voice

Has often led me wrong.”

April 25th

INQUEST ON THE LATE MR. J. G. H. OWEN, –

An inquiry touching the death of this gentleman was instituted at Goytre Cottage, the residence of the deceased, on the morning of Friday 18th, before E. D. Batt, Esq., coroner, and the following gentlemen: – Messrs. Thos. James (foreman,) Thos. James, jun., J.. Walters, Wm. Walters, Wm. Price, John Daniel, George Coles, John Williams, Wm. Lewis, J. Marshall, John Jenkins, and Walter Davies. Mr James Weare deposed – I was standing outside the Town Hall, Pontypool, about 11 o’clock in the morning of Tuesday the 14^th inst., talking to Mr Conway and other gentlemen, when Mr Owen came up and shook hands with several persons present. I shortly afterwards saw him seize hold of the iron gate at the entrance, and perceiving that he was sinking, I caught him in my arms and prevented him from falling. He spoke a few words in a faint voice relative to someone going for a doctor, adding “But it’s too late now.” He was carried into a room at the Town Hall, and died in about quarter of an hour after he was first attacked. I remained with him until he died. ….Mr Supt. M’Intosh informed the coroner that Mr Weare was the only witness he thought it necessary to produce, and added that as he himself was present when deceased was attacked, he could if required corroborate the evidence given …. The coroner said he did not think any additional evidence necessary, and as the deceased had been well known to the jury for some time, they would have little difficulty in arriving at a proper verdict….The jury expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with the evidence produced, and returned a verdict that deceased died from natural causes. – On Monday the remains of the lamented gentleman were interred at Llantillio Pertholey, near Abergavenny, to which place they were followed by a numerous body of friends and relatives.

May 2nd

THE LATE MR. OWEN.

SIR,- I trust you will pardon me if I correct a mistake in your notice of the late Mr Owen, solicitor, in which you say he was first brought into popularity by his advocacy of the cause of the colliers. This was not exactly the case, as in the year 1840 his fame became not only provincial but world-wide, when he defended the Chartist leaders, – Frost, Williams and Jones – at the Special Commission held in Monmouth, and detected a flaw in the indictment that had escaped the notice of Her Majesty’s Solicitor and Attorney General, then sitting in judgement on the prisoners. This caused considerable delay in the finally carrying out of the sentence, as the subject had to be argued before the twelve judges. In the meantime petitions poured in from the clergy, magistrates, and all denominations of Christians, to the Secretary of State, for a commutation of their sentence, but without avail. It was from Mr Owen’s office that the petition emanated – addressed personally to her majesty. – that touched her kind and noble heart, and resulted in their lives being spared. This caused the name of their attorney to be known throughout England; and clients came to him from the counties of Gloucester, Brecon, Hereford, and Glamorgan, and he was repeatedly sent for from London;  so that he was induced to remove to a more central situation. But still the people of Monmouth claim him as their townsman. They were proud of his native talents,- but more than all, they were justly proud of his true kindness of heart, his willingness to be the poor man’s friend, his promptitude in seeing justice done to his cause. We, his old neighbours and townsmen, mourn him sincerely, for we know that in our generation we shall not look on his like again. He is gone from among us and there is none to supply his place. We all seem to feel that we have lost an old and valued friend. In the cause of the Welsh colliers his heart was always particularly warm. He used to call them his bold mountaineers, and it was always his wish that hey should follow him to the grave. But his funeral was quite private. None but the immediate friends of the family – with the exceptions of John Bird, Esq., Mayor of Cardiff, – was in attendance.

Monmouth, April 25^th.                                           L.