THOMAS, FRANCIS (Crythwr Dall o Geredigion ; 1726-1796);
b. at Llanwenog, Cards. When 5 years old he lost his sight, but despite this handicap he became a proficient violinist and used to earn his living by playing at parties and other functions. He was also a good poet and was taught the poetic art by David Lloyd, Brynllefrith (1724-1779) (q.v.); Siôn Llwyd, grandfather of D. Lloyd Isaac (q.v.), acted as his scribe. He wrote in both English and Welsh, and two of his poems — ‘Cynghor i Fab Ieuanc’ and ‘Hanes Cyflwr Dyn yn mhob rhan o'i oes’ — appeared in John Howell's (Ioan Howell) Blodau Dyfed, 1824. He d. at Llanwenog, 4 March 1796.
Bibliography:
- Benjamin Williams (Gwynionydd), Enw. Cer.;
- Griffith Jones (Glan Menai), Enw. Aberteifi;
- M. O. Jones, Byw. Cerdd. Cymr..
Author:
Thomas Isfryn Jones, Aberystwyth
