MORGAN, DAVID (1779-1858), Independent minister and historian;
b. Dec. 1779 at Dôl-wen, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Cards.; his father, who was well-to-do, was an Anglican for the greater part of his life but became a Methodist in his later years. David received a better education than was usual in those days and, at the age of 23, went for a short time to a school at Shrewsbury, his intention being to become a merchant. He then went to Machynlleth where he joined John Jones, the shopkeeper, one of the pillars of the Independent church, at whose home on the very first night he met the Rev. John Roberts of Llanbryn-mair (1767-1834) (q.v.). Many years later, as a very old man, he used to say that the personality of that good man had changed the course of his life. He did not take kindly to a tradesman's life and within six months had returned home to Dolau, Tal-y-bont, near Aberystwyth (whither, in the meantime, the family had moved), with the intention of becoming a farmer. He m. a daughter of the Llwyn-glas household and the two young people went to live at Cerrig-cyrannau where, contrary to the wishes of their respective families, they joined the Independents. He began to preach at Tal-y-bont, which was then under the ministry of Azariah Shadrach (q.v.). In 1811 he took charge of the churches at Towyn, Llanegryn, and Llwyngwril, Mer. He was ordained in the open air at Towyn, March 1813, and the following year received a call to Graig, Machynlleth, where he remained until 1836. During his stay there he established branches at Soar, Uwchygarreg; Pennal; Llanwrin; Penegoes; and Glasbwll. In 1836 he moved to Gartside chapel, Manchester, and in 1839 to Llanfyllin, where he remained until his retirement in 1857. He d. at Oswestry 14 July 1858, and was buried in the Pendref chapel burial ground at Llanfyllin.
He was one of the leaders of his denomination and was a well-known and active Liberal. He wrote a great deal to the Dysgedydd and was one of those who contributed articles to John Roberts of Llanbryn-mair's ‘Blue Book.’ But it was as an historian that he came into greatest prominence. His chief work was Hanes yr Eglwys Gristnogol. He also published ten parts of Hanes Ymneillduaeth yn Nghymru, which is mostly the story of the Independent churches, but was unable to complete this work. His other book was a commentary, Esboniad ar Lyfr y Datguddiad, a rhannau o Broffwydoliaeth Daniel.
Bibliography:
- H.E.A.C., i, 276-84;
- Enw. F., 732-3;
- J.T.J., ii, 281-3.
Author:
Rev. Richard Griffith Owen, M.A., (1890-1973), Bangor
