Joe Thomas was my grandfather and I remember him well. He was still living in Usk when he died in 1954. His wife, recorded as Ann in most census returns, was actually registered as Annie Morgans and was born on April 15th 1882 at Gwernllwyna Farm, Deri. She died in a care home in Newport in February 1983, at nearly 101, and was the subject of a big article in the Western Mail.
Joe's parents were indeed Thomas and Ann, who was born Ann Lewis. Her parents were Edmund Lewis and Sarah, nee Morris.
Morgan died in 2005 at the age of 88 (as Cdr. M. J. Thomas, RN (retd), MBE), and his son Keith arranged for a bench to be erected in Usk in his memory. It's by the river, on the footpath known as The Conigar, and you are welcome to go and sit on it.
Win (Winifred) was my mother, born in Brithdir on April 3rd 1919, but except when in Wales, where she was always called Win, she preferred to be known as Ann. She died in Edgware, Middlesex in November 2011, aged 92.
Joe and Ann's youngest child, my Aunt Evelyn, was born (in Usk, I believe) on November 27th 1926, and died after being hit by a coach when crossing a road at Little Mill in 1974, aged 47. Joe, Ann and Evelyn are buried together at Usk Church.
At some time Joe was a Liberal councillor in Usk, so he probably really did, as the song goes, know Lloyd George. He was evidently (according to an Usk history book whose title escapes me) a very popular stationmaster, having replaced one who was not. I do remember walking Downtown (as he referred to Usk) with him when I was little, and everyone we met stopping to say "Good morning, Mr. Thomas!" and then having a chat, making progress rather slow.
I have a lot more details of my Welsh ancestors including most of the possible birth, marriage and death certificates, so if anyone wants to know anything else, please feel free to ask.
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Topic: Joseph Thomas (Read 1698 times)