THOMAS, JOHN (1757-1835), Penfforddwen , poet, etc.;
b. 1757 at Allt-ddu in the parish of Llannor, Caerns., and christened 10 July 1757. He became a weaver, seaman, and schoolmaster; at one time he served in a customs office in Liverpool. He spent the greater part of his life at Penffordd-wen in the parish of Nantglyn, Denbs.; he afterwards lived in Llwynbidwal, Bryneglwys, in the same county. He acquired some proficiency in astronomy and prepared some almanacks. He published (a) Urania, neu Grefydd Ddadleuon, 1793 — a species of interlude; (b) Annerch Ieuengtyd Gymru, yn IV Rhan, 1795 (with two later eds.); (c) Telyn Arian, sef Llyfr Barddoniaeth, c. 1800 (and about six subsequent eds.); (d) Nabl Arian, sef Llyfr Barddoniaeth, 1827. He d. at Overton, Flints., 2 Jan. 1835, and was buried there.
Bibliography:
- J. Jones (‘Myrddin Fardd’), Enw. Sir Gaern.;
- Cymru (O.M.E.), xxx, 201-4 (by T. Llechid Jones);
- Llyfr. y Cym., 653, 676, 692.
Author:
Robert (Bob) Owen, O.B.E., M.A., (1885-1962), Croesor
