SAUNDERS, WILLIAM (1806-1851), poet and writer;
b. 17 Jan. 1806 in Gwarcwm, Llanllwni, Carms., son of Evan Saunders, farmer. After receiving education at the Castellhywel school and at Carmarthen grammar school he was apprenticed as a printer. He worked for Samuel Williams, printer, Aberystwyth, and during that period became prominent as a poet, winning prizes at eisteddfodau held in Carmarthen and elsewhere on such subjects as ‘Y Gwanwyn,’ ‘Yr Haf,’ ‘Yr Hydref,’ ‘Y Gaeaf,’ ‘Y Daran,’ ‘Y Môr,’ as well as metrical translations. From 1830 until he died he worked in the printing and publishing office of William Rees (1808-1873), (q.v.), Llandovery. Poems and other work by him appear in journals printed by William Rees, e.g. Yr Haul, Y Cylchgrawn, and Yr Efangylydd, he was also responsible for editing part of Rice Rees's edition of Cannwyll y Cymry, published by William Rees. One manuscript volume of his work is preserved in the Cardiff City Library. He d. 30 June 1851.
Author:
Rev. Canon William Roger Hughes, B.A., (1898-1958), Bryneglwys, Corwen
