famous clockmaker family from Llanrwst - Griffith Owen

[ejones4765]

Hello, my name is Dewi Wyn Jones, and I am trying to research the famous clockmaker family from Llanrwst - Griffith Owen - Famous clock/watchmaker 1818–1902.

Griffith Owen - Famous clock/watchmaker 1818–1902
BIRTH 13 MAY 1818 • Bodesi Farm, Bethesda, Caernarvonshire, Wales
DEATH 30 MAR 1902 • Llanwrst, Denbighshire, Wales
1st cousin 4x removed

Does anyone know of any of the said family please?

Dewi

[JJen]

Hi,

North Wales Times 21 May 1898 has an article referring to a Griffith Owen, Llanrwst. It would appear that he was not in good health, in his 80th year and one of the oldest inhabitants and a most respected tradesman of the town. His business included watchmaker, clockmaker and jeweller. He was a faithful Deacon with the Calvinistic Methodists and a most ardent supporter of temperance.

JJ

[ejones4765]

Thank you JJen. Is there any family ancestry available do you know please?

Dewi

[Rhododendron]

Extract from "Wales Clocks & Clockmakers" by William Linnard:

"OWEN, Griffith
Llanrwst.  Denbigh Street.  1818-1902.  Father of Hugh Owen of Bangor. Set  up in business ikn 1842.  Two watchcase papers endorsed 1868 and 1874 in Museum of Welsh Life, St. Fagans.  Watch dated 1888 known.  Over thirty longcase clocks recorded.  (see Brown, Clockmakers of Llanrwst, pp 134-5)"

BTW There are other Owen Clockmakers mentioned in this book.

[ejones4765]

Diolch / Thank you

Are there any info on his children at all please?

Dewi

[Rhododendron]

No information on his extended family BUT the entry for his son - in the same book I referred to - is as follows:

"OWEN, Hugh
Bangor.  High street 1845-1933.  Son of Griffith Owen, Llanrwst.  Set up in business in Llanidloes about 1868, but moved to Bangor about 1874 (information from his grandson, B. Idloes Owen).
Watchcase paper endorsed 1874 in the Museum of Welsh Life, St. Fagans.  Longcase clocks and gold watch hall-marked 1882 known."

Note who the information came from, and the family connection.

[purlin]

I have a long case clock made by Watkin Owen of Llanrwrst, maybe a relation.

[ejones4765]

Not sure Purlin. Thank you by the way.

[Ellenmai]

1851 Census living at Denbigh Street, Llanrwst.
Wife Grace born 1827 Denbighshire
Children Hugh 1845, Catherine 1847, Anne 1849 & Jane 1851 all born Llanrwst.