The death has occurred in hospital of Mrs Emma Jane Davies, of Abergwenllan, Nantyderry, in her 77th year. Mrs Davies was the widow of Daniel Lewis Davies, who died in 1920, well known in Pontypool as a tailor and outfitter for many years in Nicholas Street, and whose son has a similar business in Park Terrace at present.
The deceased was the oldest tenant on the Llanover Estate, having been at Abergwenllan for forty two years. Her first husband was John Jones, who died in 1907. Mrs Davies was a remarkable old lady, in that she only attended school for a year before she had to go to work in the coal mines at Clydach, where she helped her father to fill the trams underground.
She had a vivid memory of the days when girls and women worked in the mines, and of the frightful conditions which then prevailed. She was with her father when he was killed by a fall from the roof, and was so frightened that she immediately went into domestic service at eleven years of age. She was only nine when she went to work at the coal face.There were two children of the first marriage, Mr T Evan-Jones, MA, head of department of commerce at Crumlin mining and technical college and Mrs Mary Hawes of Watford.
Mr Jones was an assistant for many years at Twmpath School, Pontypool and took a leading part in football and cricket activities in the district. He has been sports officer to an army regiment and is, at present in the Home Guard.
Mrs Davies was interred with her first husband at Llanover Parish Church.