MORGAN, WILLIAM (1818-1884), Congregational minister and college tutor;
b. 1818 at Henllan Amgoed, Carms., a member of a well-to-do family which was prominent in the local Congregational church. He received the best education that was available in the neighbourhood. He was apprenticed to a draper and served as such in Haverfordwest, Carmarthen, and London; when he was in London he became associated with some reforming societies. He returned to Wales, began to preach, went to Ffrwd-y-fâl school for a year, and then to Hackney College, London, for a short period. From Hackney he went to the University of Glasgow to read for a degree. His health broke down and he spent some time travelling in Germany and Switzerland. He returned to Wales and decided to become a minister. He was ordained in the Union Street church, Carmarthen, 27 April 1847. He had charge of Blaen-y-coed church for a time. Afterwards he was invited to become minister of the English Congregational church at Carmarthen. On 1 Jan. 1863 he became tutor in divinity at Carmarthen Presbyterian College. He joined the Liberation Society when he was still young and remained a staunch supporter of it throughout his life. He became one of the most enlightened leaders of his period in movements for promoting education, equality, and religious and political freedom. He d. 25 April 1884.
Bibliography:
- Congl. Year Book;
- Y Dysgedydd, 1884;
- Y Diwygiwr, 1884;
- Y Tyst a'r Dydd, 6 May 1884;
- H.E.A.C., v, 327-8.
Author:
Rev. John Dyfnallt Owen, M.A., (1873-1956), Aberystwyth
