ere "R. H.," and probably published after the ev James Owen's death. Who was this R. H. ?" I cannot trace anything in this amphlet to connect it with the Rev James wen, save one paragraph on page 12, which also rther proves that this edition was not published the author. This paragraph has local interest id relates to an incident which occurred at Lanfyllin in connection with the election or pointment of bailiffs. In the disturbance which curred on that occasion one Oliver Woodall sta silk cap, and, upon inquiry, the bellman, adwalader Rowland, denied all knowledge of it, d used the words " Bydded i mi fod yn unllam gwelais i ef." In less than three months from e date of the occurrence C. Rowland, while rforming the duties of bellman, and before the rly dawn, dropped down dead in front of Oliver oodall's residence with the lost silk cap on his ad. The paragraph closes thus (within inverted mmas) I had this story (says J.O.) of persons >m Llanfyllin, who knew both men.' CURRENT NOTES. W.S. Mr Gwenogfryn Evans has been cataloguing e Mostyn MSS. The Rev W. T. Giles, chaplain of Chester aylum, died on Thursday. The death is announced of the Rev J. W. aldicott, D.D., late of Jesus College, Oxford, ral deal of Shipston-on-Stour with Tidmington. 1860 he was appointed head master of Bristol ammar School, and was select preacher at xford, 1889 to 1891. He was a J.P. for arwickshire and Worcestershire, an alderman Worcestershire County Council, and chairman the Charities Committee of the Council. He as a prominent member of the Liberal party, d was formerly chairman of the Liberal Assoation for the Evesham division. He was a ong supporter of national education and a unch believer in School Boards. NOTICES OF BOOKS. Archdeacon Thomas contributes to the forthning part of the Montgomeryshire Collections exhaustive article on 66 Rodney's Pillar,” ich he shows conclusively to have been erected a Montgomeryshire monument; and, whilst its mediate object was to do honour to Admiral dney for his victories over the French and e Spanish fleets, it had also in view the celetion of the prosperous and lucrative traffic in ntgomeryshire timber, which had for fifty years en supplied to the navy,and was at this time conered the best and most valuable timber for the pose. This was the meaning of the "Comnorative Jubilee" with which it was inauguri on the 10th of August, 1782. The condition he pillar is now so dilapidated that it may fall L. IV. New Series (being Vol. 13th from the beginning). at any time; and in order to avert that catastrophe and secure its preservation the Archdeacon appeals to all who feel an interest in the cause to contribute towards the sum of £55 for that purpose. Promptness is essential and contributions will be gladly acknowledged by him. .6 The November number of Y Cerddor (Hughes and Son, Wrexham) has as usual come to hand in good time, and is full of information on musical matters, presented in a very readable style. The opening paper is one by Mr D. Jenkins, Mus. Bac. (Cantab), on "Some lessons from the Cardiff Musical Festival," which the promoters of that meeting, and others who have the success of similar gatherings at heart, would do well to ponder. Mr M. O. Jones, Treherbert, contributes a first instalment of a paper which he read before the Cymmrodorion at Llanelly on July 30th, on The progress of Choral Singing in Wales;" and a report of the Cardiff Musical Festival, also written by Mr M. O. Jones, is given. An interesting paper by Mynorydd, extracted from the London Kelt, entitled, "A Sketch of the History of Congregational Singing in London," is also given. To many of our readers, not only in Montgomeryshire, but throughout the whole of the Principality, the first part of a biographical notice of "The late is written by Mr D. Emlyn Evans, and will be Hafrenydd" will be read with deep interest. It completed in the next number. The musical portion of this month's number consists of an anthem by Alaw Manod (in the Tonic Sol-fa Notation) on the words "Treigla dy Ffordd." The rest of the literary matter consists of musical adjudications delivered at important Eisteddfodau, Reviews of New Music, Notes from America, and reports of Eisteddfodau, Concerts, Musical Festivals, &c. The Late Mrs. Fairles-Humphreys of Montgomery. We regret to record the death, which took place on Monday, Nov. 4, as the result of a carriage accident, of Mrs Fairles-Humphreys, wife of Mr N.W. Fairles-Humphreys of Bank House, Montgomery. The family of Humphreys of Bank House is of considerable standing in the county. Arthur Humphreys, who owned property in Montgomery. shire and Cardiganshire, married in 1712 Ann, daughter and heiress of John Gardiner of Southfleet, Kent. His eldest son, James Arthur Christmas, established himself in business in London; the second son, Charles Gardiner, settled at Bank House, married Martha Bright, and had, among other children, Charles Gardiner, who succeeded to the Bank House property, James, the well-known real property lawyer, Samuel, grandfather of Mr Humphreys-Owen, M. P.,of Glan severn, and Edward, father of the late Mr Thomas Humphreys, who, as the older of our readers will recollect, often acted as Deputy County Court Judge for the late Judge Johnes. 28 Mr Charles Gardiner Humphreys married Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev W. Smith, of the same family as the well-known author, Professor Goldwin Smith, and had by her two Charles Gardiner, a sons, John Roberts the carpenter, and, inter alia, “for a stool to be sett at the Church door for the officer that clears the Church from Dogs." C.A. lieutenant in THE SIN-EATER IN WALES.-I do not the 7th Light Dragoons, with which re- know whether the following will throw any giment he served through the Peninsular War, receiving a medal with seven clasps, Richard light on the question of "The Sin-Eater in Smith, and a daughter, Martha, who married Wales," which has again come up for disChristopher Richardson. Mr Richard Smith cussion:-A few months ago, six or so, I was Humphreys, the second son, went as a merchant present at the funeral of a member of one of the to Lima, and, being a man of great energy,shrewd-old-inhabitant families of Bettws-Cedewain. ness, and integrity of character, had a prosperous After the corpse was placed outside the door, business career. He returned to England in 1851, and before the performance of the religious and added considerably to the old family pro- service, a small piece of cake was given, first to perty, to which he succeeded on the death of his the bearers (but whether across the corpse or not elder brother, who was never married. Mrs Fairles-Humphreys was the only child and I cannot now recollect), and afterwards to each of heiress of Mr R. S. Humphreys. In 1877 she the guests. Next a glass of wine was handed to married Mr N. W. Fairles, who, on his marriage each one in the same order. I believe the custom with her, took, by her father's special request, the was general in this district twenty or thirty name of Humphreys. years ago, but I have seen only one other instance of its observance within the last five years. I have never heard any ritual used. Mr Fairles Humphreys belongs to an old Roman Catholic family in the county of Durham. He was brought up to the medical profession, but retired after his marriage, and has actively devoted himself to the local and political duties of a country gentleman. He was High Sherift in 1882-3, and has been three times Mayor of Montgomery. He is a magistrate for the county, an Alderman of the County Council, and a member of the County Governing Body under the Welsh Intermediate Education Act. The funeral took place on Thursday, the remains being interred in a grave situated on the south east side of the parish churchyard, Montgomery, in the burial place of the Humphreys family. W.O. LLANFAIR TALHAIARN. · DOGS IN CHURCH.-In the Churchwardens' Accounts for Llanfair Talhaiarn I came across the following entry : February 14th, 1747. At a vestry then held at Llanfair Talhaiarn It is ordered that whosover brings a Dog to Church in the time of Divine Service within a month after the Date hereof shall forfeit to the Poor of the said parish of Llanfair Talhaiarn one shilling for every such offence in default of such payment the Dog of every such owner to be immediately seized and executed by the Church Wardens for the time being. As witness our hands, etc. Then under the year 1849 Rob. Bassit is paid ashilling "for Driving the Dogs out of the Church and keeping the Church clear of 'em. A sum of money is also paid in the same year to T.H.J. SOME WELSH NOTABILITIES OF THE 16TH CENTURY. (I.) DR. DAVID POWELL, VICAR OF RUABON, 1570-1598.-It is proposed to insert some "finds" out of old Welsh MSS.-previously unpublished-with notes, and translations, respecting Welshmen of distinction, known and unknown to fame, who lived in that interesting period of our history called the "Tudor times." Dr David Powell is a well-known name. The late Canon Williams, in his Dictionary of Eminent Welshmen, says of him that he was a 'learned divine.” He was, unquestionably, a learned scholar, but the only evidence that we have, I think, of his learning in Divinity is the reference made by Dr. William Morgan, the Translator of the Bible into Welsh, then Vicar of Llanrhaiadr-yn-Mochnant, who, after naming the very special services rendered him by the Bishops of St. Asaph and Bangor, and Dean Goodman of Westminster-adds, "In like manner I had no insignificant aid from David Powell, Edmund Price, Archdeacon of Merioneth, and Richard Vaughan. of Dr. Powell, we fear, it must be said, as far as the evidence yet has reached, that he spent his learned scholarship upon delving into the ancient histories and traditions of the Welsh, and translating Humphrey Llwyd's History for the plea sure of his patron, Sir Philip Sidney, President of the Welsh Marches, and such studies. The following Welsh lines are taken from two copies of the Add. MSS.in the British Museum. They are awful words-written by two Welsh poeta, his own neighbours and parishioners, I presume, giving a very unfavourable view of him as their parish priest, and they hit him with hard words ¡tuchan). The translation which follows falls very short of the Welsh in expression and suggestiveness, &c.:— D.D. Bat Br. Mus. TOCHAN I DR. POWELL (RIWABON). Er bod i drallod yn drwm-ond diras Nid ynnill y kriw krothell krwm, Kawell bloedd dagell blaidd degwm-'n plwy Twynsor o ddoctor o ddysg-eiddigis Y tennyn mawr a'i tynn o'n mysg. A gwerthu'r kroen drwy boen y bo, Rhoi Psalmau a geiriau geir won-mewn pylpyt DD. LLWYD O GLOBRWN. A learned doctor (to) the devil—is Powel, Oppressive, breaking our every custom; A surly learned doctor-and jealous, He well understands the tithe; (1) "Mae o yn ddiareb," or yn ddiarebhawl," (He is a proverb, &c.) is still spoken of a man who is conspicuous for taking advantage in his actions, and of ill report. (2) "Fin leden." "Ceg fel ceg leden (Having a mouth like a flounder) is a common expression, sarcastically said of a person who draws his mouth awkwardly aside when speaking, &c. (3) Kene. "Cenau o ddyn" (From cenau, cenaw, an animal who lives on prey) continues to be said of a greedy, heavy-handed person with a tinge of cruelty in his dealings. (4)Llais kakynen." "Fel caccynen mewn bys coch" (Like a wasp or hornet humming in a fox-glove) is said of one who "mouths" his words, or speaks indistinctly. (5) Crew ("kriw"), the tithing men, probably. Revengeful is Powel-and ungainly of features, With a young pigeon's coo in his throat; Eager, heavy-handed min, he voices like a hor. net in a foxglove Poll-headed goat-queer is thy head. HARRY AP LLEWELYN. The better side of Dr Powell's character by other poets will be given in the next instalment. is another Dr David Powel-contemporaneous P.S.-Will readers please bear in mind that there here with, an ecclesiastic, also of distinction, but of somewhat rebellious disposition against the Church authorities, and amongst the "unknown" to our Biographical dictionaries-whom it is intended to introduce in these notices. man. ROBERT OWEN OF DOLSERAU (Nov. 6, 1895). When Baron Owen was killed by the Gwylliaid Cochion he was a comparatively young He left at Plasyndre, Dolgelly, a widow and eleven children, and none of these had completed their education at the time of his death; yet by intermarriage and by the immense wealth they inherited from their father, who acquired it from his official appointments, they managed to secure the finest and most extensive estates in Merionethshire. Thus John became possessor of Llwyn Estate, Edward of Hengwrt, Hugh of Caerberllan, Griffith of Talybont and Peniarth, Robert of Dolserau, Simon of Hafodowyll, &c. It is worthy of note that these Estates have remained mostly in the hands of their direct descendants to the present day. The fifth son, Robert Owen, married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert ap Morgan ap Jenkin of Bronyclydwr. Their son, Humphrey Owen, inherited the two Estates, but on his death the combined Estate was again divided between his two sons, Harry and Robert. Harry, to whom Bronyclydwr was given, was the father of the celebrated preacher, Hugh Owen of Bronyclydwr, while Robert, the object of the present enquiry, became the owner of the Dolserau Estate, and married Jane, the daughter of the well-known antiquary. Robert Vaughan of Hengwrt (See the pedigree in British Antiquities by R. Vaughan). It seems that Robert Owen adopted the faith of the Friends early in life. We find in the Autobiography of Richd, Davies, the Quaker, the following: In the year 1662 after leaving Penllyn I came on to the House of Robert Owen, Dolserau, who had been a Justice of the Peace and an Officer in Cromwell's Army. He and his wife lived a godly life and they entertained me hospitably." In spite of their position and influential connections--Margaret, sister of Jane Owen, was the wife of the Revd. Wm. Price, Rector of Dolgelley, and Howell Vaughan of Hengwrt, her brother, the High Sheriff of the county in 1672-they were subjected to a more severe persecution than any that has been recorded. To escape from it, they left the country in 1690 for Pennsylvania, where they spent the remaining seven years of their lives. In Pennsylvania it was usually the custom for an acquaintance to write a short account of the life of a deceased Friend, which was then entered in the minute book of the Monthly Meeting. This minute book was printed in Philadelphia in 1789, and, as I am fortunate enough to possess a copy, I make the following extracts from it : I. Hugh Roberts' Testimony concerning his brother, Robert Owen. Robert Owen was one that feared the Lord from his youth, being convinced f the truth when about seventeen years of age. Lydia The Lord not only opened his heart, like to pubis formerly, but he likewise opened his mouth travelling his name and truth amongst many, several times through his native country, Wales, where he was of good service. In 1690 be came into Pennsylvania, where he lived about where he resided, both in doctrine and discipline. seven years, and was very useful in the Meeting Oh! the want of him which I feel! His place is brother, my dear companion! Thy name is worthy yet empty; I pray God to fill it up. Oh my to be recorded in Israel. He died the 8th of the fifth month, 1697, and was buried at Meirion in Pennsylvania. After And Owen and Jane his wife. II. Rowland Ellis' Testimony concerning Robert Robert Owen was descended of a very ancient, and (ac cording to the world's account) one of the greatest families in those parts, having by his father a competent inheritance, and in all his time had the right hand among his equals. King Charles II. came to the Crown he suffered five years' close imprisonment for not taking the at the town of Dolgellau, within about a mile oath of Allegiance and Supremacy, being confined from his dwelling house, to which he was not per mitted to go during the said time. concerning his wife, Jane Owen, she was daughter of a justice of peace, a man of great integrity, and exceeding most of his rank at that time. She was a woman rarely endowed with many natural gifts, being a help mate to her has band in his exercises. They were much beloved in their native land, where, having borne their share of the heat of the day, they came over in 1690 to Pennsylvania, where they finished their course, and were buried within a few days to each Many of the most successful professional men of the present day at Philadelphia are able to trace their pedigree to Robert Owen. month a family who were descendants of his Only last visited this neighbourhood, and took photolected every available information relating to graphs of Dolserau and other places, and col this famous old Quaker. Dolgelley. other. EDW. GRIFFITH. CURRENT NOTES. Mr Smith, for the last forty years chief farm bailiff for Lord Penrhyn, and well known as a judge of stock at agricultural shows, died on Friday at Bangor in his seventy-seventh year. He was regarded as being one of the best judges of Welsh Cattle in North Wales. The Rev T. Stephens, B.A., of Wellingborough, is preparing for the press an interesting volume, which is to contain portraits and biographical sketches of all the students trained for the Congregational ministry at Brecon Memorial College. The College, which was established over 100 years ago at Abergavenny, to Oswestry, then to Llanfyllin, afterwards to Wrexham, then to Newtown, and finally to Brecon. was removed "The Congregational Fathers" is the title of a series of biographical and critical sketches to appear under the editorship of Mr L. D. Jones (Llew Tegid). Among those already announced He was identified with the Evangelical school. are "Dr. Arthur Jones," by the editor; "Dr Personally he was very popular with all classes George Lewis, Llanuwchllyn," by his successor, at Bangor, and whenever he presided at a public the Rev Ifan T. Davies ; "Dr John Thomas, meeting there was always on the platform a Liverpool," by the Rev O. L. Roberts; "The strong muster of Nonconformist ministers. Rev Benjamin Jones, Pwllheli," by the Rev Ellis Jones, Bangor ; "The Rev Lewis Powell, Cardiff," by the Rev J. Bowen Jones, B.A., ex-chairman of the Welsh Congregational Union. IN THE FIELDS AND LANES. A few days ago a hoopoe was shot near the village of Claverley, Bridgnorth, by Mr Dance, of the King's Arms. YOUNG WOODPIGEONS IN NOVEMBER.-Close A meeting was held at Chester on Monday in connection with the proposed memorial to the late to my residence at Mold, in a fork of a large Daniel Owen, the Welsh novelist. The chair was beech tree, there is a woodpigeons' nest with two taken by Mr Herbert Lewis, M.P., and letters I have many ested in the movement, including Archdeacon opportunities of watching the habits of these Howell, Mr R. Jones, Pertheirin, the Bishop of birds, but have never before seen them with Bangor, Sir G. O. Morgan, Bart., M.P., Professor young so late in the year.-Robt. Ashton, Bryn Ellis Edwards, and Principal Roberts. Eventu- Alyn, Mold, in the Field. ally it was decided that the memorial should were read from a large number of persons inter-young ones about fully fledged. take the form of a monument to be erected at Mold, the novelist's birth-place, and that the disposal of any balance that might remain should be decided upon at a general meeting of subscribers. Probate of the will, dated January 25, 1895, of Mr Godfrey William FitzHugh, of Plas Power, Denbigh, who died on the 28th February last, has been granted to his widow, Mrs Katherine Emily FitzHugh, and his son, Mr Godfrey FitzHugh, of Trefaldwyn, Montgomery. The testator bequeaths to his son his horses and carriages, and the live and dead stock, and all articles and things in and about the mansion house of Plas Power and the park; and he leaves to Mrs FitzHugh his inrest under the will of his late brother, Mr Thos. Lloyd FitzHugh. All the residue of his property the testator devises and bequeaths in equal shares to his wife and his son, the value of his personal estate having been entered as £5,744 7s 4d. The death took place last week, at St. Leonard'son-Sea, of the Right Rev James Colquhoun Campbell, who preceded Bishop Lewie Lloyd in the Bishopric of Bangor. The late bishop, who was a brother-in-law of the late Lord Aberdeen, took his B.A. degree at Cambridge in 1836. He was admitted to holy orders in 1837 by the then Bishop of Llandaff. He held the rectory of Merthyr Tydvil from 1844 until 1859; was honorary canon of Llandaff Cathedral from 1852 to 1857,and Archdeacon of Llandaff from 1857 to 1859, when he was consecrated to the see of Bangor, which he held until April, 1890, when he resigned. Upon his retirement he was presented with his portrait, which is now hung in the Palace, the list of contributors including many prominent Nonconformist residents in the diocese. Mrs Campbell died twenty years ago, and his two sons, the younger of whom was a curate in the diocese, have also predeceased him, the only direct survivor of the family being a daughter. Although Scotch by birth, Bishop Camp bell had acquired a knowledge of Welsh, and frequently occupied the pulpit at Welsh services. The Late Mrs. Denables of Oakhurst. We announce, with much regret, the death of Mrs Venables of Oakhurst, who, for nearly sixty years, has been one of the best known and most respected residents of the neighbourhood of Oswestry. Mrs Venables died on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Oakhurst, in the 82nd year of her age. Mrs Venables, whose maiden name was Miss Harriet Corrie, was the daughter of the late Edgar Corrie, Esq., of Arlington Manor, near Newbury, Berks., and was married in 1837 to the late Rowland Jones Venables, Esq., of Oakhurst, a magistrate for the counties of Salop and Denbigh, and an officer in the North Salop Yeomanry, who died in 1868. Mrs Venables continued to reside at Oakhurst up to the time of her death, and to take an interest in religious and philanthropic work. It was her pleasure to throw open her grounds for such purposes as Sunday School festivals, both for Nonconformists and Churchpeople. Her benevolence made her name dear to the poor, who will miss in her a kind and generous neighbour; and by a large circle of private friends her death will be deeply regretted. The funeral took place on Monday, the remains being interred in the grave of the deceased lady's husband, in Selattyn parish churchyard. The Late Rev. Dr. Dickens Lewis of Shrewsbury. We regret to announce the death of the Rev. W. Dickens Lewis, D.D., which took place at his residence, Kingsland, Shrewsbury, on Thursday afternoon, after an illness extending over somo eighteen months. The rev. gentleman was one of the recognised leaders of Nonconformity in North Wales, and he was an ever welcome preacher or lecturer in many other parts of Great Britain, being equally eloquent in English and in Welsh. but thence he migrated to Bala College, and subEarly in life he was employed in a bank in London, sequently to Jesus College, Oxford, where he took his M.A. degree. While at Oxford he was a contemporary of Dr James, ex-dean of St. |