Mr Enoch Waters – Free Press 11th November 1926
Goytrey’s oldest inhabitant has passed away. A remarkable character in many ways. He was born and bred in the village and died on Thursday last at his residence Laswern Cottage and at the advanced age of 92.
Of a careful and industrious disposition he had built his house Laswern Cottage.
Like his father he had followed the occupation of a besom maker and supplied all the residences of the gentlefolk in the district as well as some of the work and collieries with that useful though somewhat humble commodity.
To that for many years he added the business of coal merchant. Except for a break of ten years during which period he was employed at the old British Iron Works Abersychan and at the works in Glamorgan as a puddler.
He lived at Goytrey all his life. The wages paid then were much different from what they are today. His wages were 1s per turn but by dint of perseverance he eventually increased this to 30s per week. And was then considered a well paid man. It is said of him that he was a man who always loved his work.
He commenced to fend for himself at the early age of 10 o a farm. A lifelong non-smoker Mr Waters was a man of remarkable physical strength and his faculties remained unimpaired to the last. He could always hold his own. Honest and upright he was respected by all who knew him.
In politics he was a staunch Liberal and in religion a non-conformist, being a member of Saron Baptist Church.
On Sunday amid manifestations of sorrow deceased was laid to rest at Saron Baptist Church burial ground and in the grave of his wife who proceeded him some 12 years ago.
The rev. E Symonds pastor Chapel Ed officiated and delivered an impressive address bearing upon the characteristics of the deceased.