.
David Jones of Wallington recorded a number of grave stones at Aberavon St.Mary in 1889 and are in his notebooks in Cardiff Central Library.
Wal.7. Evan John David Portreeve in 1778 died 29.April 1783 aged 68 years.
Marry his wife died 17.January 1800 aged 88 years
Evan his son died 26.March 1813 aged 68 years
[ A note attached to this David family]
South of Pentylla Hill, where Llewellyn Street now stands, there were ruins called Capel Ifan Shon Dafydd which were still visible 120 years ago. These were the remains of a farmstead and a medieval chapel originally named Capel Caradoc. Caradoc was a prince who is believed to have founded Margam Abbey in the 11C.. Its subsequent name is believed taken from one Evan John David, who owned the farm, Farm Ty Capel, and was eight times Portreeve of Aberavon between 1772 and 1807.
EVAN JOHN DAVID (1784 - 1846).
Evan was born on 29th. December 1784 and baptised eleven days later at the Aberavon Parish Church.
In 1811 Evan John David is listed as one of the Aberavon Burgesses who owned the Carmel Chapel land.
He succeeded Evan Jones as parish clerk in 1814, and he became a portreeve of the town in 1826 and in 1832.
[He was the fourth generation of his David family to become a Portreeve of the town.]
On 10th September 1817 he married Ann David, who was born in the adjacent parish of Margam in 1779, the daughter of Evan David and Dennis nee. John.
They had three children together, John Evan John David 1818-1879.
William John David 1821-1887. [portreeve innkeeper and farmer].
and Mary John David 1824-1911.
We see him at the Angel Inn.Westgate St.Aberavon in 1841
Evan John David 55 Innkeeper b. Glamorganshire
Ann " 60
John E.J. " 20 Patternmaker
William J " 15 B - Smith
Mary " 15
Elizabeth Richard 20 Female Servant
Evan John David died on 30th November 1846 aged 62 and his grave, which bears the Arms of the Borough, lies near the porch of St. Mary's Church, Aberavon. A grand-daughter, Ann David Erasmus, (died aged 6 in 1849); his wife, Ann, (died 1859 aged 82) and also a son John Evan John David, (died 1879 aged 61), lie in the same grave. Buried nearby is Dic Penderyn (Richard Lewis), the Aberavon-born martyr of Merthyr, who was hung in 1831 for the alleged wounding of a soldier in the riots at Merthyr Tydfil.
His widow Ann continued at the Angel Inn.
1851 Census of High Street, Aberavon:
Ann John David Head Wid. 72 Victualler b. Glam Margam
John Evan John David Son Unm. 32 Iron Casting Pattern Maker Aberavon
Gwenllian Priest Serv 20 General Servant Cardiff
-------------------------------------------------
Evan bapt 9.Jan.1785 Aberavon mother Susan,father Evan ?. a farmer.
Possible marriage to check original names?
Aberavon Burial Index
Thomas David buried 1.Feb.1824 aged 1 Taibach.
Evan David buried 21.Sept.1829 aged 47.Taibach.
MI.B 51.Aberavon.[ one of four David family grave stones at side of porch]
Sacred to the memory of Thomas
son of Evan and Ann David of the parish of Margam
who died Feb 1st.1824 aged 18 months
Also the above named Evan David
who died Jan.20.1829 aged 47 years
Evan bapt 9.Jan.1785 Aberavon mother Susan,father Evan ?. a farmer.
Possible marriage to check original names?
Aberavon Burial Index
Thomas David buried 1.Feb.1824 aged 1 Taibach.
Evan David buried 21.Sept.1829 aged 47.Taibach.
MI.B 51.Aberavon.[ one of four David family grave stones at side of porch]
Sacred to the memory of Thomas
son of Evan and Ann David of the parish of Margam
who died Feb 1st.1824 aged 18 months
Also the above named Evan David
who died Jan.20.1829 aged 47 years
In the Tithes and Apportionments of Aberavon parish (1840) Evan John David is given as the occupier of a homestead, cottage and some 11 acres with Landowner - Rev. Henry Hey Knight.
Above were Nos[175 Cottage and garden. opposite the later gas works in Water Street just before the farm near Corperation Road.].
[182 Wain wair. field taken up later by south west corner of Vivian Square].
[ 185 Waun frwynog. field latter taken for north west corner of Vivian Square].
[187 Pasture. this field was on which the north east section of the Vivian Square was later built.]
[188 Homestead. next field north backing on to Pentyla hill.]
[190 Cae Main. later first section of Llewellyn Street backing on to Pentyla.]
[ 191 Cae Main. next west to before.]
[ 194 Cae garw. accross other side of Pentyla hill second field up mountain.]
Landowners. Aberavon Burgesses.Occupier John Evan David No 130.Garden.of 22.perches. at 1 penny. [ which was the rate for any garden.] The position of this garden was inbetween Water Street and the Town Hall.
Land Owner Rees Powell. Occupier. John Evan David No.69. House and garden.[ this is definatley on the site of the Angel Inn as I knew it in the 1950`s onward] the garden is in one, but the house looks more like three,I shall consult later maps.Rees Powell was himself said to be the occupier of no.70.
Also more to be done on Field names by Mr Leslie Evans.
In 1843 Evan had a minor, but successful, brush with the law. The following report appeared in the 'Cambrian' newspaper published in Swansea :
Neath Town Hall, April 29 - Before the Mayor Howel Gwyn and Griffith Llewellyn (Squire of Baglan Hall), Esqrs.
Case dismissed. - Evan John David, a respectable farmer and publican of the parish of Aberavon, was brought up by Peter Wright, R.P., charged with having in his possession a deal board, the property of the Port Talbot Co. The parties would not prosecute, on account of his giving a satisfactory reason how he became in possession of the said board, and the case was dismissed with an order from the Magistrates to him to return the board to the Port Talbot Company, which he promised to do.
Evan John David died on 30th November 1846 aged 62 and his grave, which bears the Arms of the Borough, lies near the porch of St. Mary's Church, Aberavon. A grand-daughter, Ann David Erasmus, (died aged 6 in 1849); his wife, Ann, (died 1859 aged 82) and also a son John Evan John David, (died 1879 aged 61), lie in the same grave. Buried nearby is Dic Penderyn (Richard Lewis), the Aberavon-born martyr of Merthyr, who was hung in 1831 for the alleged wounding of a soldier in the riots at Merthyr Tydfil.
1851 Census of High Street, Aberavon:
Ann John David Head Wid. 72 Victualler b. Glam Margam
John Evan John David Son Unm. 32 Iron Casting Pattern Maker " Aberavon
Gwenllian Priest Serv " 20 General Servant " Cardiff
--------------------------------------------------------
Evan was born on 29th. December 1784 and baptised eleven days later at the Aberavon Parish Church. He was the third child and only son of the above, Evan John David. He, too, became a portreeve as well as parish clerk. The Aberavon and Margam Historical Society, having been less than generous in its appraisal of the father, was more approving of his son:
Evan John David (1784-1846) who was much more competent than his popular namesake, succeeded Evan Jones as parish clerk in 1814, and later in life was portreeve of the town for many years*.
*Evan was portreeve for only two years.
On 10th September 1817 he married Ann Davies, who was born in the adjacent parish of Margam in 1779, the daughter of Evan David and Dennis (sic) John. Ann was the third of four children born to Evan and Dennis.
She and her husband, Evan John David, had three children: [ ?] A
[?] there is this entry for 5th.June.1811. Evan David by Evan John David and Ann David.?.AB.
1. John Evan John David (1818-1879). He could have been known as John thrice for Evan is a Welsh form of John. He was by occupation a pattern-maker specialising in iron castings, and lived for much of his life in Westgate Street, Aberavon. He never married.
2. William John David (1821-1827) See below.
3.Mary John David (1824-1911). Married William Erasmus (1815c-1871) in 1842. On 1841 Census he was working as a labourer in Westgate Street, Aberavon. They had eight children: 1. Ann (1843-49) 2. William (1845-1897) 3. Evan (1847-1850)
Evan (1853) 5. Margaret (1857) 6. John (1861) 7. Jane (1859-60)
8. Jane (1863-1946). The eldest six were born in Aberavon the younger two in Swansea & Landore.
The 1851 Census found the family at Green Park, Aberavon with William Erasmus, 35, Quarryman b. Pembrey together with wife, Mary, and two children. At the 1881 Census Mary was a widow and living in Swansea with 2 unmarried sons (tin furnacemen) and her youngest daughter, Jane, a dressmaker. She lies with her husband and two of her children, Evan and Jane, in Aberavon Churchyard.
On the 1901 Census Mary Erasmus, age 70, was at 12 Aberystwyth St, St Johns, Swansea with her youngest daughter Jane, 34, an unmarried mantle maker.
The 1841 Census finds Evan and family at Westgate Street, Aberavon:
Evan John David 55 Innkeeper b. Glamorganshire
Ann " 60 "
John E.J. " 20 Patternmaker "
William J " 15 B - Smith "
Mary " 15 "
Elizabeth Richard 20 Female Servant "
In the 1841 Census ages are rounded down to the nearest five years.
In the Tithes and Apportionments of Aberavon parish (1840) Evan John David is given as the occupier of a homestead, cottage and some 11 acres with Landowner - Rev. Henry Hey Knight.
Above were Nos[175 Cottage and garden. opposite the later gas works in Water Street just before the farm near Corperation Road.].
[182 Wain wair. field taken up later by south west corner of Vivian Square].
[ 185 Waun frwynog. field latter taken for north west corner of Vivian Square].
[187 Pasture. this field was on which the north east section of the Vivian Square was later built.]
[188 Homestead. next field north backing on to Pentyla hill.]
[190 Cae Main. later first section of Llewellyn Street backing on to Pentyla.]
[ 191 Cae Main. next west to before.]
[ 194 Cae garw. accross other side of Pentyla hill second field up mountain.]
Landowners. Aberavon Burgesses.Occupier John Evan David No 130.Garden.of 22.perches. at 1 penny. [ which was the rate for any garden.] The position of this garden was inbetween Water Street and the Town Hall.
Land Owner Rees Powell. Occupier. John Evan David No.69. House and garden.[ this is definatley on the site of the Angel Inn as I knew it in the 1950`s onward] the garden is in one, but the house looks more like three,I shall consult later maps.Rees Powell was himself said to be the occupier of no.70.
Also more to be done on Field names by Mr Leslie Evans.
In 1843 Evan had a minor, but successful, brush with the law. The following report appeared in the 'Cambrian' newspaper published in Swansea :
Neath Town Hall, April 29 - Before the Mayor Howel Gwyn and Griffith Llewellyn (Squire of Baglan Hall), Esqrs.
Case dismissed. - Evan John David, a respectable farmer and publican of the parish of Aberavon, was brought up by Peter Wright, R.P., charged with having in his possession a deal board, the property of the Port Talbot Co. The parties would not prosecute, on account of his giving a satisfactory reason how he became in possession of the said board, and the case was dismissed with an order from the Magistrates to him to return the board to the Port Talbot Company, which he promised to do.
1851 Census of High Street, Aberavon:
Ann John David Head Wid. 72 Victualler b. Glam Margam
John Evan John David Son Unm. 32 Iron Casting Pattern Maker " Aberavon
Gwenllian Priest Serv " 20 General Servant " Cardiff
Evan John David died on 30th November 1846 aged 62 and his grave, which bears the Arms of the Borough, lies near the porch of St. Mary's Church, Aberavon. A grand-daughter, Ann David Erasmus, (died aged 6 in 1849); his wife, Ann, (died 1859 aged 82) and also a son John Evan John David, (died 1879 aged 61), lie in the same grave. Buried nearby is Dic Penderyn (Richard Lewis), the Aberavon-born martyr of Merthyr, who was hung in 1831 for the alleged wounding of a soldier in the riots at Merthyr Tydfil.
William John David christened Aberavon.28th.Aug.1821. by Evan John David a farmer of Aberavon, and Anne.
1841. William was at home in Westgate St. Aberavon. [ Angel Inn ]. census age given 15 years, but he was aged 19. He was already working in the trade of blacksmith.
He was by trade a blacksmith but his occupation was given as farmer when he wed Elizabeth Jones at Baglan Parish Church on 12th September in 1844. Three children had been born to them by the time of the 1851 Census:
2462 1851 CENSUS OF CORLANNAU. REF.H.O.107/2462, E.D.3B.
Piece: 2462 Folio: 243 Schedule: 024
Address: WESTGATE STREET
DAVID WILLIAM JOHN HD M 29 SMITH
GLA BAGLAN (c1822)
DAVID ELIZABETH WI M 30 -
GLA BAGLAN (c1821)
DAVID EVAN JOHN SO U 5 SCHOLAR
GLA ABERAVON (c1846)
DAVID MARGARET J. DA U 3 SCHOLAR
GLA ABERAVON (c1848)
DAVID HOWELL J. SO U 1 -
GLA ABERAVON (c1850)
DAVIES JOHN LG U 44 SADDLER
GLA SWANSEA (c1807)
William also became a portreeve, as his father and grandfather before him and he was elected to that post in 1852. There were a further four children and a change to William’s occupation by the 1861 Census possibly following his mother’s death in 1859, since Ann David had been the licensee.
10th. Sept.1858. Cambrian newspaper report.
To let : 10 acres nr Aberavon, occupied by John David Angel Inn, Aberavon.
29th.Oct.1858. Cambrian Newspaper report.
Neath petty sessions:. licence of Angel Inn, Aberavon, transferred from Ann to W.J.David.
Glamorgan Family History Society 1861 Census CD
4081 1861 CENSUS OF ABERAVON. R.G.9/4081, E.D.7.
Piece: 4081 Folio: 047 Schedule: 239
Address: CAUSEWAY ANGEL INN
DAVID WILLIAM J. HD M 40 INN KEEPER & FARMER
GLA ABERAVON (c1821)
DAVID ELIZABETH J. WI M 41 -
GLA ABERAVON (c1820)
DAVID MARGARET J. DA U 12 SCHOLAR
GLA ABERAVON (c1849)
DAVID HOWELL J. SO - 11 SCHOLAR
GLA ABERAVON (c1850)
DAVID WILLIAM J. SO - 9 SCHOLAR
GLA ABERAVON (c1852)
DAVID JOHN E.J. SO - 6 SCHOLAR
GLA ABERAVON (c1855)
DAVID ELIZABETH J. DA - 4 SCHOLAR
GLA ABERAVON (c1857)
DAVID MARY J. DA - 1 -
GLA ABERAVON (c1860)
20th.Sept.1861. Cambrian newspaper report.
For sale: A stable in Wern Street, Aberavon, occupied by W.J.David.
27th.June.1862. Cambrian nespaper report.
Neath petty sessions.: William John David, of the Angel, Aberavon, selling beer out of hours.
9th.Nov.1866. Cambrian newspaper report.
Aberavon courts baron & leet. Illegal sale of public pound to John David.
1871.Census. 12.High St. Aberavon. [ most likley Angel Inn.]
William J. David. hd. m. 50. farmer and innkeeper. Aberavon.
Elizabeth J. ===== wife. 51. Baglan.
William J. ===== son. 19. carpenter. Aberavon.
Elizabeth J. ===== dau. 13. ========.
John J. ===== son. 15. =======.
Catherine J ===== dau. 9. =======.
Margam estate rentals 1881-2.
Two Crofts. John David. £13. [ not exactly sure if this is correct John David]?
1881.Census.
Dwelling: High St Aberavon. [Even though the address is not given in full, I am sure it is the Angel Inn next to J.M.Smith Ironmo
William John DAVID M 60 M Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Rel: Head
Occ: Licensed Victr & Farmer
Elizabeth DAVID M 60 F Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Rel: Wife
Howell Jno. DAVID U 31 M Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Rel: Son
Occ: Polisher & Upholsterer
Catherine DAVID U 19 F Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Rel: Daur
Occ: Barmaid
Thomas Dp. WILLIAMS U 8 M Alleghenny Co (Birmingham), United States
Rel: Grandson
Occ: Scholar
Note See William Gibbon in below census only three doors away from above census.
Must be the William Gibbon witness in marriage of Elizabeth Roderick in 1873?
1881.Census
Dwelling: High St
Census Place: Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Source: FHL Film 1342285 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 5335 Folio 33 Page 3
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
William GIBBON M 31 M Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Rel: Head
Occ: Mason
Alice GIBBON M 28 F Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Rel: Wife
Joathan GIBBON U 3 M Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Rel: Son
Occ: Scholar
John Thos. GIBBON U 1 M Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales
Rel: Son.
Gerwyn Smith ABERAVON. SUDDEN DEATH OF MB WM. JOHN DAVID.
We regret to announce the sudden death on Thursday
morning of Mr Wm. John David, farmer, at his residence,
ANGEL INN. The deceased was 70 years of age, and held
the contract for the construction of the new road to
the sea beach. He was several times portreeve under
the old corporation,and was widely known and respected.
South Wales Daily News....11thMarch1887
Aberavon Burial Index
William John David 12th.Mar.1887. aged 66 years Aberavon
MI.C51.Aberavon. Tombstone poor.
In the memory of William J.David ----
who died March.10th.1887.aged 66. years
Not my will O Lord but Thine be done
Also of Elizabeth the wife of W.J.David who died
August 21st 1904 aged 84 years
Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own
works praiseher in the gates.
His will reads in full:
This is the last will & testament of me, William John David, of Aberavon in the County of Glamorgan, Publican & Farmer. I bequeath to my son John David, two cows, two horses, (to be selected by him from the stock on my farm) and all the farming implements there on for his own absolutely I hereby bequeath to my dear wife, Elizabeth all my beds, bedding & such article of my household furniture & effects as she may select for her own use during her life and after her death such beds, bedding & bedclothes to my children, Howel John, John & Catherine & my daughter Elizabeth in equal shares I give divest and bequeath to my said wife all the residue of the real & personal estate I may die possessed or entitled to Upon Trust (except as to the ground rent receivable by me from the Chemical Works at Aberavon & my cottage at Baglan near Aberavon aforesaid called Pantyscowen as soon as conveniently may be after my decease to sell and dispose of the same by public auction....
Witnesses J. Hartley John, Solicitor, 36 Bellevue Street, Swansea
Bennett & Behrens, 11 Picton Place, Swansea
1891 Census: High Street, Aberavon
David Jones Head Marr. 33 Mason b. Baglan. English & Welsh spoken
Catherine “ Wife “ 36 b. Aberavon “ “ “
William J. “ Son 5 “ “ “ “
Howell G. “ “ 2 “ “ “ “
Annie Jones Serv Unm. 17 English spoken
Elizabeth David Wid. 72 b. Baglan Welsh “
1901 Census: Angel Inn, High Street, Aberavon
David Jones Head Marr. 43 Publican b. Baglan. English & Welsh spoken
Catherine “ Wife “ 46 b. Aberavon “ “ “
William J. “ Son 15 “ “ “ “
Howell G. “ “ 12 “ “ “ “
Elizabeth David Mother Wid 82 b. Baglan " “ "
Elizabeth, the wife of William J. David, lived with her married daughter, Catherine Jones, after his death. (See above) She was to outlive him by 17 years. She, too, was buried in Aberavon Churchyard in August 1904 at the age of 84.
=================================
Additional notes if needed.
Evan David christened Aberavon 5th.June.1811. by Evan John David and Ann David.
And so he was christened as just plain Evan David. in 1811, where exactly in Aberavon for sure we do not know.
But in the Tithes and Apportionments of Aberavon parish (1840), we see that his father Evan John David is given as the occupier of a homestead, cottage and some 11 acres with Landowner - Rev. Henry Hey Knight.
This said croft formed part of the ruins of Caradoc`s Chapel, at the bottom of Pentyla Hill Aberavon,
Also at the baptisms of Evan`s later siblings his father John Evan David was said to have been a farmer.
In June of 1840 Evan using the name of, Evan John David married Mary Thomas at Neath Registration District. It must have been in the Registry Office because its not to be found in any parish Church records.
They settle in nearby Cwmavon, where on the 14 November 1840 a son John was born Evan being a collier, then we see :-
1841.Census. Ty Isaf Cottage Cwmavon.
Evan John David. 30. collier. yes born in county.
Mary David. 25. yes.
John Evan David. 9M. yes.
Head of family Evan John David died aged 38 years at Cwmavon on the 28 June 1849 and was buried at St. Mary`s Aberavon.
Grave.C54. Aberavon. also see grave.C.53.
In loving memory of Evan John David of this town who died 28th.June.1849.aged 37.yrs.
Also in loving memory of John Evan David who died 2nd.July.1904.aged.62.yrs.
Also of Elizabeth wife of the above who died 24th.Feb.1933.aged.87.yrs.
His widow Mary nee Thomas
1851.Census 12 Furnace Row. Cwmavon
Mary Davies. hd. wid. 31. charwoman. Baglan. c.1820.
John Davies. son. 9. Michaelston. c.1842.
Ann Davies. da. 5. Michaelston. c.1846.
Jane Davies. da, 2. Michaelston. c.1849.
Thomas Folly. lg. M. 28. IRL. c.1823.
Sarah Folly. lg. M. 24. Swansea. c.1827.
Morgan Folly. lg. 6 Swansea. c.1845.
Cannot find bapts for Ann or Jane, may have turned non conformists.
At the end of no1 Furnace Row was the New Inn where my Joan Davies was the widowerd innkeeper who had staying with her then her nephew and nieces the Jones children from Aberavon.
Grave.C54. Aberavon. also see grave.C.53.
In loving memory of Evan John David of this town who died 28th.June.1849.aged 37.yrs.
Also in loving memory of John Evan David who died 2nd.July.1904.aged.62.yrs.
Also of Elizabeth wife of the above who died 24th.Feb.1933.aged.87.yrs.
-----------------------------------------------
page 24 the story of baglan les evans
in a deed dated 1199, Morgan ap Caradoc gave to the monks of Margam Abbey, [ he died i 1208 ] the lands which ranged from Pwll Ysguthan in Aberavon to the land held by the men of Bagelan. just after in another grant he, he granted the hill pasture which mentions the way to Caradoc`s chapel to Bagelan.
Mr.A Leslie Evans of Taibach states that this early medieval chapel was sited near Pentyla Hill Aberavon, until it was demolished by 1870. He said it was known locally as Capel Evan Sion David, and also shows a sketch of a window from the chapel.
I myself have a deed c 1870 showing it marked on a plan.
------------------------------------------------------------
SEE PAPER FOLDER MARY DAVID [NEE THOMAS FOR THIS FILE]
Mary Thomas wife of Evan John David was baptised at Baglan Church on the 2nd of Febuary,1819. by Richard and Jennet Thomas. Her brother Richard was to follow at same Church 2nd. Jan.1820.Their father being a labourer.
The obituary of Mary David 1816-1902 nee Thomas said that she was married at Aberavon in 1837.
This marriage cannot be found in the index.
1841.Census. Ty Isaf Cottage Cwmavon.
Evan John David. 30. collier. yes born in county.
Mary David. 25. yes.
Evan David. 9M. yes. Is this Evan John David the same as the John
1851.Census still at Cwmavon at 12 Furnace Row.But as surename Davies.
Mary Davies. hd. wid. 31. charwoman. Baglan. c.1820.
John Davies. son. 9. Michaelston. c.1842.
Ann Davies. da. 5. Michaelston. c.1846.
Jane Davies. da, 2. Michaelston. c.1849.
Thomas Folly. lg. M. 28. IRL. c.1823.
Sarah Folly. lg. M. 24. Swansea. c.1827.
Morgan Folly. lg. 6 Swansea. c.1845.
Cannot find bapts for Ann or Jane, may have turned non conformists.
At the end of no1 Furnace Row was the New Inn where my Joan Davies was the widowerd innkeeper who had staying with her then her nephew and nieces the Jones children from Aberavon.
Grave.C54. Aberavon. also see grave.C.53.
In loving memory of Evan John David of this town who died 28th.June.1849.aged 37.yrs.
Also in loving memory of John Evan David who died 2nd.July.1904.aged.62.yrs.
Also of Elizabeth wife of the above who died 24th.Feb.1933.aged.87.yrs.
Evan David christened Aberavon 5th.June.1811. by Evan John David and Ann David.
A Mary Thomas was baptised at Baglan Church on the 2nd of Febuary,1819. by Richard and Jennet Thomas. Her brother Richard was to follow at same Church 2nd. Jan.1820.Their father being a labourer.
Aberavon marriage 13th.April 1840.
Evan John David of full age a
EVAN JOHN DAVID (1784 - 1846)
Evan was born on 29th. December 1784 and baptised eleven days later at the Aberavon Parish Church. He was the third child and only son of the above, Evan John David. He, too, became a portreeve as well as parish clerk. The Aberavon and Margam Historical Society, having been less than generous in its appraisal of the father, was more approving of his son:
Evan John David (1784-1846) who was much more competent than his popular namesake, succeeded Evan Jones as parish clerk in 1814, and later in life was portreeve of the town for many years*.
*Evan was portreeve for only two years.
On 10th September 1817 he married Ann Davies, who was born in the adjacent parish of Margam in 1779, the daughter of Evan David and Dennis (sic) John. Ann was the third of four children born to Evan and Dennis:[ this would be difficult to check or prove] by AB.
She and her husband, Evan John David, had three children: [ ?] A
[?] there is this entry for 5th.June.1811. Evan David by Evan John David and Ann David.?.AB.
1. John Evan John David (1818-1879). He could have been known as John thrice for Evan is a Welsh form of John. He was by occupation a pattern-maker specialising in iron castings, and lived for much of his life in Westgate Street, Aberavon. He never married.
2. William John David (1821-1827) See below.
3.Mary John David (1824-1911). Married William Erasmus (1815c-1871) in 1842. On 1841 Census he was working as a labourer in Westgate Street, Aberavon. They had eight children: 1. Ann (1843-49) 2. William (1845-1897) 3. Evan (1847-1850)
Evan (1853) 5. Margaret (1857) 6. John (1861) 7. Jane (1859-60)
8. Jane (1863-1946). The eldest six were born in Aberavon the younger two in Swansea & Landore.
The 1851 Census found the family at Green Park, Aberavon with William Erasmus, 35, Quarryman b. Pembrey together with wife, Mary, and two children. At the 1881 Census Mary was a widow and living in Swansea with 2 unmarried sons (tin furnacemen) and her youngest daughter, Jane, a dressmaker. She lies with her husband and two of her children, Evan and Jane, in Aberavon Churchyard.
On the 1901 Census Mary Erasmus, age 70, was at 12 Aberystwyth St, St Johns, Swansea with her youngest daughter Jane, 34, an unmarried mantle maker.
The 1841 Census finds Evan and family at Westgate Street, Aberavon:
Evan John David 55 Innkeeper b. Glamorganshire
Ann " 60 "
John E.J. " 20 Patternmaker "
William J " 15 B - Smith "
Mary " 15 "
Elizabeth Richard 20 Female Servant "
In the 1841 Census ages are rounded down to the nearest five