Owen Thomas Jones, 1878-1967

Abstract

Owen Thomas Jones was born on 16 April 1878 at Plasnewydd, Beulah, near Newcastle Emlyn in South Cardiganshire. He was the only son of David Jones and Margaret Thomas, who later lived at Blaen-ffynon, Newcastle Emlyn; their other child, a daughter, died at the age of six; the son spent a rather solitary childhood but was greatly interested in the countryside and he retained throughout his life a deep affection for his native land. He attended the British School at Trewen near Newcastle Emlyn until he was about 15 years old. During this period, he came under the influence of Dr D. S. Davies, who had been a Medical Officer of Health in Bristol, and then lived in retirement near Newcastle Emlyn. Amongst other things, Davies encouraged Jones to learn English, and perhaps rather surprisingly French, before going to Pencader Grammar School in 1893. Until this time, Jones spoke only Welsh; and of course to the end of his life he spoke and wrote Welsh with equal facility. At his Grammar School, he was awarded a first class in the College of Preceptors examination in 1894 and attained the same standard at matriculation in 1895.