LEWIS, DAVID WILLIAM (1845-1920), musician;
b. 15 April 1845, at Brynaman, Carms. He started work in a coalmine when he was only 9 years old. His first knowledge of music was derived from books published by Mills and Eleazar Roberts. In 1870 he went to Bristol to be examined in the tonic sol-fa notation, gained all the certificates that were possible, and qualified as F.T.S.C. — the first in Wales to gain that distinction. He conducted music classes in several parts of Carmarthenshire, composed many anthems and hymn-tunes, and wrote pieces suitable for children. He published Odlau Mawl, and Llawlyfr y Llais, and with others edited Y Caniedydd, Y Salmydd Cenedlaethol, and Y Caniedydd Cynulleidfaol. He also contributed a series of music lessons to the Tywysydd. His services were much in demand as adjudicator and conductor of hymn-singing festivals. He d. 20 Jan. 1920, and was buried in Gibea chapel cemetery. He was made J.P. for Carmarthenshire in 1919.
Author:
Robert David Griffith, M.A., (1877-1958), Old Colwyn
