Notes on Evan JAMES (1773-1856)
References to Leyshon are to LEYSHON, Thomas T - Bridges to Harps and Millionaires: A history of my ancestors James and Edwards, Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire, Early 1700s to 1900s (the author, 1993). References to Tasker are to TASKER, W W - Mid Valley Nostalgia: Hollybush, Markham Village, Argoed, Blackwood (1990, D Brown and Sons Ltd, Cowbridge).
1824 ca: WLS GLA Llanfabon Nelson (near Ystrad Mynach): "In 1820 Evan and his second wife moved to Nelson in the parish of Llanfabon." (Leyshon, p35). This contradicts other statements by Leyshon that the first wife died in 1824 (see p40). Also, Evan's last marriage took place in 1826 (see below).
1825 ca: WLS GLA Gelligaer Deri Ffos-yr-Hebog Farm: "...later when his [Evan born 1809] father remarried they went to live in Ffos-yr-Hebog farm. This was an idyllic place up on the mountain side just north west of Deri." (Leyshon, p41). But later, on p 44, he states that they were living at this farm in 1813, which contradicts his earlier statements about the family living at the Ancient Druid Inn at that time! Also on p 44: "A nearby mill house name Tyr-y-felin ... was built by a William JAMES in 1847 and he could possibly have been a member of our James family."
1826 Dec 22: WLS GLA Gelligaer: The Glamorgan Marriage Index has "Evan James m Elizabeth Williams at Gelligaer 22 Dec 1826 by licence".
1837: WLS MON Mynyddislwyn Ynysddu Pant-y-Trwyn Farm: "By 1837 they lived in their last known home at Pant-y-Trwyn farm near Ynysddu, parish of Mynyddislwyn." (Leyshon, p35).
1830s ca: WLS MON Mynyddislwyn Pant (or Bant) y Trwyn Farm, nr Ynysddu.
1841 Jun 7: WLS GLA Eglwysilan Glyncoch (near Pontypridd): census:
JAMES, Evan, 65, independent, not born GLA
JAMES, Elizabeth, 65, born GLA
[HO 107 Piece 1420/10].
1851: WLS GLA Llanwonno Trehafod Troed-yr-Rhiw Trwyn: census :
JAMES Evan, h, m, 78, farmer,
b CMN Pencader
JAMES Elizabeth, w, m, 79, b GLA Merthyr Tydfil
RICHARD Mary, servant, unm, 16, b MON Llanhilleth
PRITCHARD Thomas, visitor, m, 65, labourer, b GLA Merthyr Tydfil.
1856: WLS: year of death, place not stated (Leyshon, p39).
1856 May 28: WLS: place of death not stated, but "was buried in St Catwg's Church, Gelligaer. His second wife Elizabeth died six years later in 1862 and was buried with him". (Leyshon, p40).
1856 May 31: WLS GLA Gelligaer: Evan JAMES of Pontaberbargoed aged 82 years buried (Gelligaer Parish Register). The inscription reads: "In memory of Evan James of Troed rhiw'r trwyn in the parish of Llanwonno, who died May 28th, 1856 aged 83. Also of Elizabeth, widow of the aforesaid, who died Feb 14th, 1862 aged 90 years."
Notes on Elizabeth JAMES nee STRADLING (1774-1824)
1774 Jan 03: WLS: place of birth not stated (Leyshon, p40). Another doubtful source gives date of birth as 12 Dec 1771 or 1774. Also, the James Family Bible gives "Eth JAMES b 10 Jun 1771 or 12 Jun 1772", but it is unclear if this refers to the first or second wife of Evan JAMES. (Pontypridd Public Library).
1824 Dec 3: place of death not stated (Leyshon, p40). Another doubtful source gives year of death as 1815 and place of death as WLS GLA Caerphilly St Martin's. Burial index for St Martins, Caerphilly gives "Elizabeth James, 51 years, of Pontaberbargoed" buried 7 Dec 1824.
Note: on his family tree charts, Jack HILL of Castlemaine VIC AUS states that Elizabeth STRADLING is a descendant of the 7th Baron of Normandy. This seems fanciful. She is probably related to the gentry STRADLING family of St Donats GLA WLS.
Go to the genealogical details page.