Rev John Gwyrfai Owens ( b 1858),

[Huwcyn]

The above gentleman married a relative of my grandmother, called Catherine Owen (b 1855-1861)
They were ,married at a chapel in Felinheli (then called Portdinorwig) in 1881. A newspaper report of the time states him to be living at Cefn, Llanwnda. I cannot find any reference to the family betwwen that marriage and them appearing in Drefach Felindre in 1911.  (Neither can I find him previous to that, for that matter)
         JGO is stated to be a congregational minister, having been born in Holyhead. (Though the name 'Gwyrfai' suggests Caernarfonshire connections). Two sons appear, Robert,b 1891 and Willie 1894. Both sons seem to have been born at Cynwil (Elfed ? ) . Can anyone fill in any gaps, here, please ?

[keyboard86]

Hi their is this family in 1901?

John G Owens 43 occ Minister (Independent) b Caegytr, Anglesey
Catherine 40 b Llanfagban, Carmarthenshire
Robert G 11 b Penboyr Carm
William 9 b Penboyr
Residing at Brynhyfryd, Penboyr
Census Ref RG13/5139/38/10
Keyboard86

[keyboard86]

HI again, in 1891:-

Catherine 36 Married occ Living on own means b Llanfaldler, Carnarvonshire
Robert G 1 b Conwill, Cayo
Plus 1 Servant
Residing at Brynelvet, Conwil Elfet, Carmarthenshire
Census Ref RG12/4520/6/6
Keyboard86

[Huwcyn]

I think they must be.  Thank you very much indeed.

[Huwcyn]

In 1891, John Gwyrfai Owens is a visitor at a house at Penboyr.
One strange thing I've noticed : The 1911 census notes that 5 children had been born, one of whom had died. That leaves 2 children who are unaccounted for in 1891, 1901 and 1911. Since they married in 1881, there is a strong probability that at least one of these two was born prior to 1891.
(if they had been born in the early 1880s, they might well have been independent by 1901). Without knowing where he was a minister pre 1891, its difficult to know where to start looking.

[hanes teulu]

The "Dydd", 10 Dec 1880, carries a report of "J G Owen" being appointed to the independent Churches of Hermon and Soar, Carmarthenshire (Sir Gaerfyrddin). The following week (17th) the paper refers to him as "J. Gwyrfai Owen". He was at the Independent Academy/College, Bala.

You can find this at Welshnewspapers on line 

[Huwcyn]

Thank you . Do you know in which villages those chapels would be, please ?

[hanes teulu]

It was very frustrating to see "Sir Gaerfyrddin" rather than something more specific.
I started to work thru' Welshnewspapers 1880 onwards for further sightings, but "Gwyfrai" drew a blank. Searching under "Owen/Owens" is/would be a painstaking process.

There is mention of Catherine/Robert being in Conwil/Connwyl Elvet in 1891 (at least the newspaper snippet helped confirm that find) - so checked for a Hermon and Soar (so many of those about the place!) in that area. Have found mention of Hermon (Genuki) but haven't progressed to finding a Soar nearby.

He was at Athrofa Annibynnol Y Bala as a student. Might their records still be about?

[Rhosgoch]

Try this link  "http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/CMN/Hanes7.html#HERMON, CYNWIL".

Hermon is in Cynwil (Conwil Elvet) and Soar is in Penboyr and are linked together.