SAMUEL, DAVID (Dewi o Geredigion ; 1856-1921), schoolmaster and writer;
b. 1 March 1856 at Aberystwyth, the son of Edward Samuel. He was educated at Aberystwyth National school, Aberystwyth grammar school (Edward Jones), Llandovery College, University College, Aberystwyth (1873), and Clare College, Cambridge, which he entered with a mathematical scholarship in Oct. 1875. He won several prizes and graduated in Jan. 1879, being placed twentieth wrangler. He became master at Appleby grammar school, Westmorland, and at Ashburn grammar school, Derbyshire. In Jan. 1887 he opened a private grammar school at Aberystwyth, where he taught for nine and a half years, until appointed (1896) to the headmastership of the new county school (Ardwyn) at Aberystwyth.
Under the influence of Daniel Silvan Evans (q.v.) he began to take a keen interest in Welsh language and literature, and contributed extensively to newspapers and periodicals, especially Cymru (O.M.E.) and Y Geninen. (For a list, see N.L.W. MS. 2809). He was also interested in theology. He often adjudicated at the national eisteddfod. He edited a collection of Welsh ballads, Cerddi Cymru, with an introduction on ballad-singers and ballad-writers. He d. 26 May 1921.
Bibliography:
- Camb. News, 27 May 1921;
- The Welsh Gazette, 2 June 1921;
- N.L.W. MSS. 2809-46.
Author:
Emeritus Professor Sir Thomas Herbert Parry-Williams, D.Litt., (1887-1975), Aberystwyth
