Rachel Davies (Rees) Llandysul/Llandyssil 1814 - 1901

[nzwelsh]

Hi there, I'm new to this, so hopefully I'm posting this in the correct place.
I'm looking for information about Rachel Davies (Rees), born 1814 in Llandysul/Llandyssil, died 1901 Llandysul. The record of her death states Alma House, Llandysul, as her abode, and burial December 6 1901.

She had a son named John Rees Davies (born in Llandysul/Llandyssil 1840-1916), who emigrated to New Zealand, and had 13 children, all born in New Zealand. Apparently John Rees Davies made spiral staircases (may have been a carpenter) in Cardiganshire.

I am confused as to the father of John Rees Davies. I have a marriage certificate for Rees Davies and Rachel Rees, dated 25 January 1837 (at St Davids Church in the presence of David Rees and James Davies) - I can't attach due to file size. But she may have also been married to (the same-named) John Rees Davies UNLESS John Rees Davies and Rees Davies are the same person? Can anyone help with that?

1861 census (can provide) puts her living in Llandysul with son Dan Davies, she is "head" (presumably this means she did not have a husband at this stage?), 47 with occupation "laundry". Can anyone read the address?

1871 census (can provide) sees her as "head", living in Llandysul with Dan Davies (16 years old) and Anne Rees (sister). The address looks like "Shanks Row", but isn't clear.

1901 census (can provide) sees her as age 87, living in Llandysul. Ecclesiastical Parish is Llandysul St Tyssil.

I have the census records, but can't attach due to file size.

I'm also interested to find Rachel Davies' parents (I assume James Davies is her father, as the witness stated on the marriage certificate - but I'm not certain), and I'd also love to know if any descendants of Rachel Davies are still in the Llandysul area - does anyone know how I could go about that?

I'd love some help with this - I appreciate I have asked a lot!

[nzwelsh]

Correction: I assume David Rees is Rachel Rees' father (as stated on marriage record). James Davies may be Rees Davies' father.

[osprey]

Welcome to Rootschat!

Is this the 1851 census for John? With Rachel's sister Ann?
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SGZ9-LZM

1841 Rachel - washing woman
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M779-5HS

1861 Rachel a laundress, address Fedwen

1871 Charles Row

Birth reg for Daniel Davies dec qtr 1855 Newxastle Emlyn vol 11b pg 25 mmn Rees

I don't think it's safe to assume that the witnesses are the fathers of bride & groom, just as likely to be a brother.

I'm not finding baptisms for any of the children or for Rachel or Rees so they may have been non-conformist.

[osprey]

Alma House/ The Alma was the home of Rachel's son David.

His marriage
9 Feb 1866 parish church of Llandyssul
David Davies 28 bach tailor Lodge father Rees Davies weaver
Elizabeth Jones spinster 26 Lodge father Evan Jones cobbler
witnesses Thomas Jones, Porth, and Evan Jones, King's Head

burial Llandyssul 26 June 1909 David Davies 72 Alma House

The Alma is now a deli
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/123017069#/?channel=COM_BUY

[Mabel Bagshawe]

Details of inquest into Rachel's death - also has a bit of history about Rees Davies. Confirms she was a unitarian, so no baptisms likely to be found

 https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3762571/3762577/52/%22alma%20house%22%20AND%20llandyssul

[osprey]

death announcement for David
https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3764058/3764066/92/

Could this be David in 1851 with Rees grandparents, Daniel a tailor?
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SGZ9-GWS

Daniel & family in 1841
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M779-54T
There's a daughter Ann of the right age to be the one with Rachel in later census entries

Marriage in Llanfihangel ar Arth, Carmarthenshire 13 March 1805 Daniel Rees of Llandyssil & Susannah Jones otp
Witnesses James Lloyd & James Thomas, all sign.

[osprey]

that article is a good find, explains why Rees doesn't show up in records and mentions all 3 sons.

 

[nzwelsh]

Hi all, oh my gosh, thank you so much for the information! It's amazing what you've all found. Just working my way through it, will come back with responses and update soon

[nzwelsh]

Hi again (not sure if I should be replying individually or how to do that), but thanks so much for the effort and information. I've now looked into the tips and links, and they all seem to be for the family I'm looking into (e.g. now I have Rachel's parents and siblings, as well as occupations). The article about the inquest is really amazing. I'm actually visiting Llandysul, so will visit the buildings mentioned, and graves. Next thing is I'll try to find out how Rees Davies (Rachel's spouse) ended up in Pottsville, US (as per the inquest article)!
And thanks for the tip about not making assumptions about marriage witnesses!