EDWARDS, JOHN (Meiriadog ; 1813-1906), poet and editor;
b. at Llanrwst, he was educated at the local grammar school, and afterwards apprenticed as a printer. He revealed much literary talent while still young, and between 1835 and 1860 in particular many of his poems were published in Seren Gomer, Y Dysgedydd, Y Diwygiwr, Y Gwladgarwr, and Y Drysorfa. In turn he lived at Cefn-mawr, Llanfaircaereinion, Cardiff, and Merthyr Tydfil, before finally settling down at Llanfaircaereinion, Mont., in 1844; there he m. Elizabeth Watkin. He was an ardent Baptist, and in politics an uncompromising Liberal. During his lifetime he was an acknowledged authority on Welsh grammar and syntax, and a master of cynghanedd. A most successful eisteddfod competitor and winner of many chairs, he was also a popular adjudicator. He edited Yr Hyfforddwr for a time from 1852, and from 1858 he was responsible for Y Llusern. He d. 24 July 1906, aged 93 years. His manuscripts were presented to the National Library of Wales in 1926.
Bibliography:
- Bye–Gones, 1906, 276;
- T. M. Jones, Llen. fy Ngwlad, 103, 105;
- Ceitho;
- N.L.W. MSS. 5950-73.
Author:
Dr David Jenkins, C.B.E., M.A., D.Litt., (1912-2002), Penrhyn-coch, Aberystwyth
