Oh how interesting. Well I'll keep digging. Mind you being naughty then, and being naughty now are two different things; these little villages can be nasty places to live, and people are as nosey as ever. Let me know if you receive the email I sent (via Roots) with the attachments?
Actually my neighbour, who's 90, is from Ystalyfera, and still has a sister living there. I wonder if she would know? I will have a chat when I see her.
The Bible I have was given to Margaret Ann who was my dads grandmother, when she left home on March 4th 1903. The Bible is in Welsh, which gives you a hint of strong Welsh-speaking heritage. William Thomas (the naughty boy) died Feb 10th 1941 in Burnham on Crouch Essex? Strangely my dad used to keep his boat in Burnham-on-crouch.
The Thomas line lived in a beautiful little farm in Rhosaman/Brynamman, called "Llwyn Farm." When Gwilym (William) Williams and Elinor (Eleanor?) died their two daughters took over the farm: they were spinsters. Dad said they used to walk down to the village to buy a copy of the NEWS OF THE WORLD, where they devoured the gossip. They were a couple of "tough birds!"
Gwilym (William) Williams: born 1845 died 1919
Eleanor came from Maespant, Gwynfe) and was born 30.8.1848
The above couple were married at Llwyn Farm. They had 11 children:
John 1869 - 2.3.1881
Mary 3.5.1872 - 29.1.1959 MARRIED WILLIAM JONES (BLAENCWMTEG)
Morgan 1873 MARRIED ELIZABETH PHELPS
Thomas 1876 - 11.12.1881
Margaret Ann (my grt grandmother) 1878 MARRIED THOMAS THOMAS
Gwilym 1880 MARRIED CATHERINE JONES
Elizabeth 1882 - 29.12.1959
Richard 1884 MARRIED MARY JONES
David 1885 MARRIED MARY DEAN
Rachel 1887 - 29.5.1954
Gomer 28.7.1888
....and the above's children are listed too.....
There's a little boys name written in the bible: Eddie Thomas who was born March 3rd 1907 but, sadly, died in February 1910.
We have an extensive, written, family tree going back to 1719. My grt. grt. grt. grt grandparents were Thomas and Elizabeth Williams who lived at "Rhiwddu, Gwynfe in Llangadog). Gwynfe is THE most gorgeous place and is in the same area as Carreg Cennen Castle. Again this was/is farming country.
I have all the children listed: there are a lot of names and dates. Let me know if you receive the email or if I can be of any help. I would gladly send you a copy of the family tree if you like.