BEYNON, THOMAS (1744-1833), archdeacon of Cardigan and patron of eisteddfodau and Welsh literature;
b. in Carmarthenshire. He received a grammar school education, but did not proceed to any university. On 21 Aug. 1768 he was ordained deacon at Abergwili and became curate of Cathedin, Brecknock, 1768-70, parish priest of Llanfihangel Cilfargen, Llanfihangel Aberbythych, and Llandyfeisant (all near Llandilo), 1770-1833, rector of Llanedi, 1782-6, and of Penboyr, 1784-1833, rural dean of Emlyn, prebendary of Clyro in Christ College, Brecon, 1796-1833, and archdeacon of Cardigan from 1814 to 1833. He set aside a considerable portion of his stipend towards the building of churches in the places under his care, and the newly-founded S. David's College, Lampeter, was generously supported by him. He supported the circulating schools of Bridget Bevan (q.v.) and testified to the ability of Morgan Rhys (q.v.) the hymn-writer as a schoolmaster in his parishes in 1771-2 by applying for an extension of his services for 1772-3. He was a patron of the Cymreigyddion Society of Carmarthen for many years and was an influential member of the Carmarthen eisteddfod committee in 1819. He delighted in the Welsh language and literature, and many bards and writers dedicated books to him, more especially Daniel Evans (Daniel Ddu o Geredigion). He lived at Llandilo from 1770 on, and d. there [1 Oct.] 1833 [in his 89th year].
Bibliography:
- Episcopal registers of S. Davids, 1761-1835;
- Asaph (Em. W.);
- Y Gwyliedydd, 1833, 352;
- Ceitho;
- N.L.W. MS. 9252;
- [T. Morgan, Enw. Cym.].
Author:
Chancellor John Williams James, D.D., Aber, Bangor
