The Michell family is thought to have originated in France and moved to Cornwall and Devon following the Huguenot's war with the Roman Catholics in 1685.The earliest Michell I've managed to trace to date is William Michell who was born in Mary Tavy, Devon about 1805. He was a miner by trade where his wife Rebecca was also born around the same time.

There were several Michell families in Cornwall and not all from the same branch of the family tree. During the period 1620 - 1630 for instance, there were 10 Michell boys christened John, and in the later period of 1720 - 1730, there were no fewer than 28 christened by that name.One of the first Michell families to settle in Cornwall was from Normandy. I believe our branch of the family came from Brittany.

If you are a descendant of a Michell, please visit the following, highly recommended website, which has an in depth historical record of the Mi(t)chells       from Devon and Cornwall (but please have a look at this page first  )

http://www.devon-mitchells.co.uk/index.php 

Huguenots is the name given to French Protestants, followers of Calvin in the 16th and 17th centuries. During the reigns of Francis II (1559 - 60) and Charles IX (1560 - 74), when Catherine de Medici was the power behind her sons, a religious wwar broke out between the Huguenots and the Roman Catholics.

On St. Bartholomew's Day in 1572, thousands of Huguenots were murdered. In the civil war that followed, the Huguenot leader was Henry of Navarre, heir to the French throne. After his accession as Henry IV, he turned catholic, but granted freedom of worship to the Huguenots by the Edict of Nantes (1598).

Louis XIV revoked the Edict in 1685, ordering persecution of the Huguenots and closure og their churches. Thousands of them therefore fled to Britain, Germany and Switzerland, where their industry and business skills made them valuable citizens. The Huguenots regained religious freedom at the time of the French Revolution of 1789.

Sampson Michell was born in 1762 and Betty Rice in 1767, in Devonshire.

Sampson Michell and Betty Rice were married on the 9th August 1790 at Whitchurch, Devon. Banns were read 27 June, 4th and 11th July 1790. Sampson Michell and Betty Rice were both described as sojourners of this parish.
Sampson signed his name (without the t) and Betty made her mark.

In 1841, the couple lived at Blackdown, Mary Tavy

The couple had at least six children. Ursula was born in 1792, Margery in 1793, Thomas in 1795, Sampson in 1798. William in 1807 (see below) and James in 1810. All were born in Mary Tavy.

Sampson died in 1830 at Mary Tavy, Devon.

Betty died in 1842 at Blackdown, Mary Tavy.

The 1841 census for Mary Tavy, Devon shows William and Rebecca Michell, both aged 30 (ages for adults were rounded to the nearest 5 years) living at Blackdown.

Mary Tavy Church. Photo courtesy of Catherine Morgan.

William was born in Mary Tavy and Rebecca in Tavistock, Cornwall where the couple lived originally, and also where eldest son William was born in 1826. William senior was a copper miner. He moved to worked at the mines in Mary Tavy about 1830. Their other sons were born here. Sampson c 1831, John c 1833, James c 1837 and Thomas Henry c 1840.

The original census had their surnames incorrectly spelt with a 'T' - Mitchell.

The family moved to live and work at the lead mines near Ponterwyd, Cardiganshire between 1843 and 1846. 

In 1851, William and Rebecca were living at Penparc, in the Rheidiol Valley in the parish of Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, and was now a Mine Agent. Sons William 24, Sampson 20, John 18 and James 14, were miners in a lead mine. Thomas Henry 11, Joseph 8, born in Mary Tavy and Henry 5 born in Ysbyty Yswyth were scholars.

Son William had married Sarah Bands born around 1828 in Cornwall and were living with the family. William and Sarah were my great, great grandparents. 

Margaret Jones 18 of Llanfihangel was employed as a domestic servant.

1861 found William and Rebecca at Cwmystwyth House, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. He was still an agent with the mine and the couple were aged 55 and 56 respectively.

Llanfihangel Parish Church. Photo coutesy of John Lucas.

Son William and Sarah, his wife had moved to live in Cwrt, Sampson had married Sarah now 32 from Llanfihangel, and were living in Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel. John was 28 and employed as a Master Miller, Thomas Henry 21 was an Estate Clerk, Joseph 18 and Henry 15 were both lead miners. Jane Jones 17, born locally was their house servant.

In 1871, William now 63 and Rebecca 66 were living at Bwlch Gwynt, Llanfihangel. He was still a Mine Agent. John 38 was the only son living at home with his parents and was a lead miner.

Cwmystwyth Mine. Photo courtesy of Rudi Winter.

Thomas Henry 31,had married and was widowed and living in Minera Cottages, Minera near Wrexham. Margaret Rimmer 55 of Chester kept house for him.

Joseph 28 was living at Cwrt, working as a lead miner and was married to Sarah 30 from Hope Flint. They had four children.

Henry 26 was married to Margaret 22 of Llwynbrain. He had moved to Pier Street, Aberystwyth, and was a Hotel Proprietor. They had one daughter.

I could find no trace of William and Rebecca in 1881. They may well have died by then. They were my great, great, great grandparents. 

William was born in Mary Tavy, near Tavistock, Devon on the 14th November 1826 and lived with his parents in 1841 and 1851 in Mary Tavy and Penparc, Rheidiol Valley respectively. He had married Sarah Bands of St Austell, Cornwall, pictured below, by 1851 and she was with her husband at his family home.

By 1861 the couple had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel and he worked as a lead dresser. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1. All were born in the parish of Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. 

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old.

Below are scenes of the lead mines at Cwmystwyth. The middle photo shows Jean Davies gt gt grandaughter of William and Sarah Michell, with her husband Bill

Son William Henry had left home and was a scholar in Aberystwyth aged 19, lodging at 20 Queen Street, Aberystwyth with Margaret James 75, widowed and her daughter Margaret 29, a dressmaker.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. Catherine Sarah Corps, a niece aged 6, born in Dowlais was living with them. William himself was actually visiting his brother Joseph at Bwlchgwynt at the time of the census.

The family had moved back to mid Wales by 1891.  William 64, a Mining Agent and Sarah 63, were living at Cwmrhydion Ganol, Llanfihangel, with Mary Jane 26 and Thomas Henry 18, a lead miner. Niece Catherine Sarah Corps 16 was still a part of the family.

William died on St David's Day 1894 and Sarah on the 1st October 1895. They are buried at Eglwys Hafod Church, Cwmystwyth.  

Hafod Church, Cwmystwyth. Photo courtesy of Angella Streluk.

Great, great grandaughter, Mrs Jean Davies at the side of William and Sarah Michell's grave .

William Henry was the first child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born around 1852 in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 the couple had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1.

William Henry had left home by 1871 and was a scholar in Aberystwyth aged 19, lodging at 20 Queen Street, Aberystwyth with Margaret James 75, widowed and her daughter Margaret 29, a dressmaker.

A William Michell  29, (not William Henry) was living in Ruabon in 1881, working as an Accountant. He was married to Elizabeth aged 23, born in Marchwiel. They had had two daughters Adeline 2 and Editha 5 months, both bon in Wrexham. Charlotte Williams 15 of Poolmouth was their general servant.

In 1891, William 39 was a writing clerk, living at 9 Cunliffe Road, Wrexham Regis, with his wife and famliy. Elizabeth was 28, Adeline A. 12, Editha G 10, Sampson 8 and Victoria E. M. 3.

GRANDCHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  &  REBECCA  MICHELL CHILDREN OF WILLIAM & SARAH MICHELL JOHN MICHELL b 1854

John Henry was the second child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born around 1852 in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 his parents had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1.

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. Catherine Sarah Corps, a niece aged 6, born in Dowlais was living with them.

GRANDCHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  &  REBECCA  MICHELL CHILDREN OF WILLIAM & SARAH MICHELL SAMPSON MICHELL b 1855

Sampson was the third child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born around 1855 in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 the couple had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1.

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. Catherine Sarah Corps, a niece aged 6, born in Dowlais was living with them.

Sampson married Sarah Claridge who was born around 1854. Her family originated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Her great grandfather Richard Claridge, born 1769 in Woodstock lived at Gloucester Hall, Penrhyncoch in 1841. His son, and Sarah's grandfather, Richard Claridge 44 and his wife Ann 56 were also living with him.

Richard Claridge Senior had died by 1851, and son Richard Claridge 54 was head of household, farming Gloucester Hall with his brother William 29 and his wife Nanny 25 of Cornwall, Sarah's parents, Mary 23, Sarah 21, Richard John 1, son of William and Sarah.

William 39 a Mine Agent and Nanny Claridge 36, moved to North Wales. 1861 found them living at Brynford Street, Holywell. Their family consisted of Sarah, who was 7, Richard 11, Elizabeth Anne 9, William H. 6, and Laura, 10 months.

In 1871, William was widowed, and he worked as a leadore dresser. Richard 21, was a mine agent, Elizabeth 19 was recorded as at home, William 16 was a miner, Sampson 14 and Laura 10. Sarah had left home was boarding at Chalybeat Terrace, Aberystwyth in the household of David and Elizabeth James, a shoemaker and his wife. Sarah herself, was a dressmaker. 

Sarah's brother Richard, or Dick bought the Dyffryn Castell Hotel in Ponterwyd. He was also a mine Agent.

Dyffryn Castell Hotel, Ponterwyd. Photo courtesy of Roy Douglas

Richard was 31 in 1881 at the hotel, and married to Mary, 28, born in Cardiganshire. They had three daughters and a son at the time, Fannie 8, Sarah J. 5, Beatrice 3, and William H. 1. William Claridge 59, possibly Sarah's father resided at Ponterwyd Gate, a widower, with three children living at home; Eliza A. 29, housekeeper, Sampson 24 a lead miner and Laura 20, noted as at home.

William Claridge 26, possibly Sarah's brother , lived at Troedrhenrhiw, Cwm Rheidiol, with his wife Hannah 23. Both were Cardiganshire born.

Sarah and her husband Sampson, had two children initially, William Bands Michell born c 1879 and Beatrice born c 1881.

By 1881, Sampson had left home and had gone to America to find work and he joined two of William Claridges brothers, who were already out there. The 1881 census for Rheidiol Cottage shows Sarah as head of household aged 26, and was a Captain's wife. William Bands was 2 and Beatrice S, just 3 months old.

Sampson returned home, to take Sarah and both children over to America, where another two children were born, Thomas Henry Michell c 1883 and John Trevethan Michell 1885.

Sadly, Sampson died 2 months after the birth of John Trevethan, aged 29 on the 16th April 1885.

In Memoriam - In Affectionate Remembrance of SAMPSON MICHELL Of Irwin Station, Westmoreland Co., Pa, USA. Who died on 16th April, 1885, Aged 29 years. In the midst of life we are in death

Sarah and her family returned to live in Ponterwyd and stayed with her brother Richard at the Dyffryn Castle Hotel.

1891 shows her as a widow, aged 37, and she worked as a laundress. William Bands was 12, Beatrice Sarah 10, Thomas Henry 8 and John Trevethan 6. Both Thomas and John are shown on the census as  born in America, but are now British Citizens.

By 1895, Sarah had married Isaac Jenkins of Cwmrheidiol. They were living in Llanwenno, Glamorgan where sons Alfred and Sidney were born, but had returned to mid Wales by the time Frederich was born. In 1901, they were living at Blaenpentre, Ysbyty Cynfyn. Isaac was 32, Sarah 45 and their three children were Alfred R. 5, Sidney 4 and Frederick 2.  

Beatrice Sarah Michell married a Mr Morgan.   They moved to Australia.   They had one daughter, their  last known whereabouts  werein Queensland, Australia.

 

Thomas Henry Michell moved back to the USA as a young man, and eventually married a lady named Blodwen (of Welsh parentage).   They had 4 children, 2 sons, 2 daughters, of whom one daughter survives

In 1909, Sampson's brother James wrote to their sister Lizzie. In it he states;

  Tom Michell, brother Sampson's boy, was here with us last summer, he is a nice boy and comes here as his home. He has a good situation as demonstrator for a large company in the Eastern States. Poor brother Sampson has been dead now 24 years. Do you see Sally (Sarah)? Willie Bands is in S Wales and youngest boy John at home. Beaty in Cardiff.

JOHN TREVETHAN MICHELL & DOROTHY WILLIAMS son of Sampson and Sarah Michell

I am very grateful to the late Mr Gordon Michell for giving me the following information about his family, and to Mr Norman Michell for agreeing its reproduction here. KD. John Trevethan Michell, born in 1885,was the son of Sampson and Sarah Michell (nee Claridge). He married Dorothy Williams,  in 1909. She was born in 1881. Dorothy's great grandparents died on the same day, leaving eight children, seven boys and a girl. Dorothy's grandmother,  who was also called Dorothy, married the local blacksmith, John Jenkins. Their daughter Lisa married a Ponterwyd shepherd, Thomas Williams and they had two children, Dorothy and Isaac. It was this Dorothy who married John Trevethan Michell. Lisa remained a widow for several years after the death of her husband, Thomas. She lived at Ty'r Go, the blacksmith's shop which was used as a village surgery. John Trevethan Michell worked in the mines around Ponterwyd until 1923, when he bacame a road man for Cardiganshire County Council. In time, he was promoted to foreman, and worked for the County Council for 30 years until his retirement, a year before his death. When first married, he lived at Penybont Farm, then purchased and moved to Brynawel Farm, Ponterwyd in 1925. The couple had four children, Gordon, Beatrice, Laura (who went to care for Isaac Williams) and William.  Gordon  Michell inherited Brynawel Farm from his father. He worked as a roadman with Cardiganshire County Council for 38 years. During the Second World War, Gordon was in the R.A.F.. Left; Mr Gordon Michell He married Prudence Mary Prosser in 1936, a girl from Machynlleth. She came to work as a servant girl in the George Borrow Hotel. They had four children, Terry, Sid, Norman and Heather. Prudence Michell died in 1980.  Terry lives and works in Aberystwyth as a Motor Workshop Manager with the G.P.O.. He was in the Territorial Army for many years. He helps his brothers farming at weekends and during the holidays. Sid works as a Bank Messenger. He was a volunteer in the Welsh Guards from 1957 to 1960. He helps his brothers in the partnership.   Norman, also a volunteer in the Welsh Guards from 1961 to 1964 recently retired from being a milkman covering Capel Bangor, Goginan, Cwm Ystwyth, Devil's Bridge and Ponterwyd. He works three farms and is a Community Councillor on Blaen Rhyd Community Council. His wife Daphne sadly died in 2007. She was the cook in charge at Sir John Rhys Junior School, Ponterwyd and undertook the family business paperwork. She also set up Ponterwyd Youth Club. They have three children.   I am very grateful to Mrs Idwena Jones for giving me the following information about her family. She is a daughter to Beatrice Michell and John Emlyn Evans.  Beatrice Helena Michell was born in 1912, and was Gordon's sister, who died in 2005.  She was married to John Emlyn Evans, who died in 1981. They are buried at Ysbyty Cynfyn.   They had three daughters, one of whom died at the age of 5 days.   There are three granddaughters. One great-granddaughter One great great-grandson One great great-granddaughter.   Three members of the family live in the Aberystwyth area of Ceredigion. Three members live in Gwent;  and Two live in Surrey William Erwyd Michell, son of John Trevethan and Dorothy Michell.   was born in August 1920. He was in the RAF during World War II, and met and married Enid while stationed somewhere on the Lleyn Peninsula.   They had one son, who died in November 2004. Enid died sometime in the late 80s and William in February 2005.

GREAT GRANDCHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  &  REBECCA  MICHELL GRANDCHILDREN OF WILLIAM & SARAH MICHELL CHILDREN OF SAMPSON & SARAH MICHELL  WILLIAM BANDS MICHELL

William Bands was the eldest child of Sampson and Sarah Michell. He was born in 1879.

By 1881, his father Sampson had left home in Mid Wales and had gone to America to find work and he joined two of William Claridges brothers, who were already out there. The 1881 census for Rheidiol Cottage shows Sarah as head of household aged 26, and was a Captain's wife. William Bands was 2 and Beatrice Sarah, just 3 months old.

Sampson soon returned home, to take Sarah and both children over to America, where another two children were born, Thomas Henry Michell c 1883 and John Trevethan Michell 1885.

Sadly, Sampson died 2 months after the birth of John Trevethan aged 29 on the 16th April 1885.

Sarah and her family returned to live in Ponterwyd and stayed with her brother Richard at the Dyffryn Castle Hotel.

1891 shows her as a widow, aged 37, and she worked as a laundress. William Bands was 12, Beatrice Sarah 10, Thomas Henry 8 and John Trevethan 6. Both Thomas and John are shown on the census as  born in America, but are now British Citizens.

In 1901, William 22 was a boarder at 32 Herbert St Abercynon, where he lived in the household of Thomas and Caroline Morgan. Thomas was a colliery haulier underground, and William a colliery Timberman.

He married Mary Ann Daniel, born 1873. Her parents were Ebenezer Daniel born 1825 who married Jane Jones born 1831, on the 27th May 1851. Mary's siblings were Ebenezer Daniel born 1874, Catherine born 1868, Elizabeth born 1861, Jane born 1859, John born 1855, Sarah born 1863 and Mary born 1856.

Mary Ann's grandparents on her fathers side were David Daniel born 1793 of Llangwyfron, who married Elizabeth Williams born 1797. The couple had the following children in addition to Mary Ann's father Ebenezer; William Daniel born 1827, Mary born 1829, Margarte born 1836, David born 1831, Danniel born 1833 and Elizabeth born 1831.

Mary Ann's grandfather on her mother's side was John Jones born 1785.

William Bands Michell and his wife Mary Ann lived at 11 Penpark Terrace, Abercynon. The couple had  nine children. Ada born on the 14th January 1902 in Abercynon, Beatrice 1905, Sara Jane (Sally) born 1906, Thomas born 1905, Samson born 1913, John born 1907 and died in Februaty 1908, Blodwen born 1912, William born 1909 and died in 1910 and Laura born 1910.

Top left is a photo of Mary Ann Michell, nee Daniel. Bottom left is William Bands Michell.   Photos courtesy of Mrs Pam Roberts

 William Band Michell died on the 6th April 1924.

Pam Roberts states; This is my great grandfather, William Bands Michell's memorial card which my uncle Norman found accidentally on the Rhondda history site.

  Mary remarried after William's death. She died in 1946 and is buried with William and their two sons John and William at Trealaw Cemetery.

GREAT GREAT GRANDCHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  &  REBECCA  MICHELL GREAT GRANDCHILDREN OF WILLIAM & SARAH MICHELL GRANDCHILDREN OF SAMPSON & SARAH MICHELL  CHILDREN OF WILLIAM BANDS & MARY ANN MICHELL

William Bands Michell and his wife Mary Ann lived at 11 Penpark Terrace, Abercynon. The couple had  nine children. Ada born on the 14th January 1902 in Abercynon, Beatrice 1905, Sara Jane (Sally) born 1906, Thomas born 1905, Samson born 1913, John born 1907 and died in Februaty 1908, Blodwen born 1912, William born 1909 and died in 1910 and Laura born 1910.

Ada Michell, Pam Roberts' grandmother was born in Abercynon, in the same valley as Aberdare and died young.

Ada Michell is on right with Pam Roberts' grandfather Tydecho Jones (known as Dago)and on right is Pam's gr aunt Ann Mary Jones...known as Annie May.

 

She had 5 children, Ray, Willie, Bronwen ( her mother), Gwilym and Gareth. Ray and Willie have died. Ray had 2 children, Willie had 3 children, Pam is the eldest of 2 and a Beddoe by birth, Gwilym had 3 children and Gareth had 4 children. Quite a few Joneses and many live in the Rhondda.

Some of their children; Laura, Beattie, Blod, Sally, Sam and Thomas

 

 

Family photo of Pam Roberts' grandparents Ada and Tydecho Jones with their children Raymond on far right , then Bronwen, Pam's mother, Gwilym sitting on his mother's lap and William ( Willie) on far left. Gareth was not then born.

GRANDCHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  &  REBECCA  MICHELL CHILDREN OF WILLIAM & SARAH MICHELL JAMES MICHELL born 30th August 1857

James was the fourth child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born on the 30th August 1857 in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 the William and Sarah had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1.

Cwmystwyth Mine - photo courtesy of Jon Moorby

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother, and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8.

James emigrated to the United States in 1882. He married Emma Brown in 1884. She was born in Pennsylvania in1856. They had four children two died. Willie was born in 1884 and daughter Lillie in 1889. 

Son Willie had left home before 1907 and married Lettie in that year. She was born in Pennsylvania as were her parents.

Box 26, East McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa, USA. October 3rd 1909 Dear Lizzie, I wrote to you about a week ago addressed Ffestiniog only - if Blaenau Ffestiniog is different post office, notify them of the error, it may be OK. I hope to hear from you again soon, would like to hear from Richard and the children, also expect to hear from sisters Eda and Annie. I read paper with account of Annie's daughter's death, also the death of Will Ball Level's sons in South Wales. Are you near Portmadoc and Pwllheli? I have been to both places, are you near brother Tom? He is in North Wales somewhere in the lead meadures. I have not heard from him since I left home in 1882. I will send you my photo. Was 52 years old August 30th and have been bald some 20 years. Have not heard from brother Henry for seven years, do not know his whereabouts. Henry Bands lives at Duquisne, about four miles from here. Have not seen any of them for two years. I do not visit very much, too busy attending my own business, still we are on the best of terms. I suppose you know we have two children living, buried two - eldest and yougest. Our eldest boy Willie is married, living near us here and has one child (boy), a dear little fellow - 15 months old. Willie is a mechanic and has worked for the Westinghouse Air Brake Co. - eight years. I have worked for them also 16 years on same job or at least same dept that I started in 16 years ago. I have had promotion. Have not much work with fair pay. I hope Richard has a good position and that you are all well and comfortable. When you write, let me know everything. If you cannot tell me all at once, write again. A letter only costs 2 cents now. I often hear from Eda. She writes such nice sisterly letters. I never hear from her but what I long to see all my sisters. My brothers never seem to care for me, so I feel about them as friends only, except Tom of course - he wwas young when I left - our Willie resembles him - Willie is very steady, but a great baseball player. He has met with several accidents in the game, still he will play - Lillie has taken two courses at college and is now in the General Office of the W. Air Brake Co. - she has a fine position. She was 22 last August 11th, while Willie was 24 on August 16th. Emma as I suppose you have heard was very delicate for years. Her health has greatly improved of later years so she is home now. She has plenty to do as we have a flock of about 70 chickens and a large garden. I wish you could see our place - of course self priase is no recommendation, still I think you would naturally be interested in our welfare as I can assure you that I am in yours and hope you are very comfortable. Tom Michell, brother Sampson's boy, was here with us last summer, he is a nice boy and comes here as his home. He has a good situation as demonstrator for a large company in the Eastern States. Poor brother Sampson has been dead now 24 years. Do you see Sally? Willie Bands is in S Wales and youngest boy John at home. Beaty in Cardiff. I don't want to turn your wording this time. Hope to hear from you. All join me in kindest regards to all. I remain, dear sister and brother in law, your loving brother, Jim.

Willie and Lizzie's son, mentioned in Jim's letter above, sadly died six months later.

The Thirteenth Census of the United States on the 5th April 1910, gives the following information on James and family.

James was 52 was head of the household. His place of birth was erroneously recorded as England. He had married to Emma for 26 years. She is recorded as being the mother of four children with 2 now living. Daughter Lillian was 21 and born in Pennsylvia. James and Emma have another child, Ethel aged 1, also born in Pennsylvania. James' mother in law Agnes Brown lived with the family and had been widowed for 40 years. She was born in Ohio. All are registerd as white in colour. The census states that James immigrated to the U.S. in 1882, and was a 'naturalized' American, as opposed to an 'alien'. His occupation is given as a packer with the Air Brake Company, working on his own account. He can read and write.

His property is 'owned free' and is a house numbered 15 in the 'farm schedule'. Emma has no occupation. Lillian is a stenographer, also with the Air Brake Company. Mother in law Agnes does not work. All can read and write, apart from little Ethel.

McKeesport Automoblie and Machine Co. AGENTS  for BUICK AUTOMOBILES  LARGEST GARAGE IN THIS SECTION. 613-615 MARKET STREET

POLK'S EAST McKEESPORT DIRECTORY 1910, is a register of employed residents  living in East McKeesport at that time. Here are members of our family; James Mi(t)chell, packer, Punta Gorda Avenue, Nr Madison .

Lillian Mi(t)chel, Stenographer, bds James Mi(t)chell.

William Mi(t)chell, machine hand, 5th Avenue, Nr Argo.

Son Willie had been out of work for 10 weeks in 1909, but at the time of this census in 1910 he was working at the Air Brake Company as a labourer and was head of his own household which included his wife Lettie. He was 25 years old. His father wrote of him; Willie is very steady, but a great baseball player. He has met with several accidents in the game, still he will play.

I have been unable to discover any further information on the family, but would love to hear from any descendants.

  

Ann was the fourth child of William and Sarah Michell. She was born around 1860 in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 the couple had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anne 1.

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. Catherine Sarah Corps, a niece aged 6, born in Dowlais was living with them.

I cannot locate Ann in any further census. She is however mentioned in a letter James Michell wrote to his sister Lizzie in 1909. He writes;

Box 26, East McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa, USA. October 3rd 1909 Dear Lizzie, I wrote to you about a week ago addressed Ffestiniog only - if Blaenau Ffestiniog is different post office, notify them of the error, it may be OK. I hope to hear from you again soon, would like to hear from Richard and the children, also expect to hear from sisters Eda and Annie.

I read paper with account of Annie's daughter's death,

Elizabeth was the fifth child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born around 1865 in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 the couple had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1.

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. 

Elizabeth married Richard Jenkins of Trisant, Aberystwyth on the 20th December 1888. She was living at Fountain House, Newport, Pembrokeshire at the time. William Michell and Mary Jane Michelll were witnesses to the marriage.

They lived at 11 Pier Street Aberystwyth on the 27th April 1890 where their eldest son William Richard Jenkins was born. In 1892, daughter Mary was born when they lived at Lottenham House, Aberystwyth on the 2nd March 1892. They had moved again to 4 Pen Maesglas Road, Aberystwyth  wher Aniie Jenkins was born on the 14th August 1893. Sarah Michell Jenkins was born on the 14th September 1897 and christened at Holy Trinity Church, on Sunday 24th October 1897. Their fourth child Thomas Henry Jenkins was born on the 25th November 1901, when the family lived at 2 Meirion Terrace, Blaenau Ffestiniog and was Christened at the English Chapel, Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Husband Richard was a caretaker at Blaenau Ffestiniog Grammar School, where he was very popular.

In 1909, Lizzie's brother Jim sent her a letter from America, giving details of his family. This can be read in its entirity in James Michell's profile above. In it he says;    I hope Richard has a good position and that you are all well and comfortable. When you write, let me know everything. If you cannot tell me all at once, write again. A letter only costs 2 cents now........Hope to hear from you. All join me in kindest regards to all. I remain, dear sister and brother in law, your loving brother, Jim. 

More details to follow.

Mary Jane was the sixth child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born around 1866 in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 the couple had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1.

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. Catherine Sarah Corps, a niece aged 6, born in Dowlais was living with them.

Eda was probably the seventh  child of William and Sarah Michell.

Unfortunately she does appear in any census returns. I am aware of her existence through a letter James Michell sent to his sister Lizzie in 1909 which states;

Box 26, East McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa, USA. October 3rd 1909 Dear Lizzie, I wrote to you about a week ago addressed Ffestiniog only - if Blaenau Ffestiniog is different post office, notify them of the error, it may be OK. I hope to hear from you again soon, would like to hear from Richard and the children, also expect to hear from sisters Eda and Annie. I often hear from Eda. She writes such nice sisterly letters.

Stephen Henry was the eighth child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born around ???? in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 the couple had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1.

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. Catherine Sarah Corps, a niece aged 6, born in Dowlais was living with them.

Thomas was the ninth child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born around 1852  in Llanfihangel.

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. Catherine Sarah Corps, a niece aged 6, born in Dowlais was living with them.

Edna was the eleventh child of William and Sarah Michell. .

Thomas Henry was the first child of William and Sarah Michell. He was born around 1873 in Llanfihangel.

By 1861 the couple had set up home in Cwrt, Llanfihangel. At the time, they had five children. William Henry aged 9, John 7, Sampson 6, James 3 and Anna 1.

William was a Lead Mine Agent by the time they had moved to live at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel in 1871. He and Sarah were both 43. Sons John 17 and Sampson 16 were lead miners, James 14, Anne 11, Elizabeth 8, my great grandmother and Mary Jane 6 were scholars and Harriet Louise was just 2 years old. Son William Henry had left home.

By the time of the 1881 census, William, Sarah and family were living at the Llangam Lead Mine Office, St Mary Hill. John, Sampson, James, Anne, and Elizabeth had left home. Mary Jane was 16, Harriet Louise 12 and Thomas Henry was a new addition to the family, born around 1873 in the Cwmystwyth area and aged 8. Catherine Sarah Corps, a niece aged 6, born in Dowlais was living with them.

Sampson was the second son of William and Rebecca Michell. He was born around 1831 in Mary Tavy and lived in Blackdown, Mary Tavy with his parents, and siblings William 13, John 8, James 4 and Thomas 1, in 1841.

By 1851, the family consisting of parents William 45 and Rebecca 45, William 24, Sampson 20, John 18, James 14 all lead miners, and scholars Thomas Henry 11, Joseph 8 and Henry 5 had moved to live in mid Wales. Their home was Penparc, Llanfihangel.

Sampson had left home and married Sarah born around 1829 by 1861. The couple lived at Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel. He was now a Mine Agent and they had two children. William, born around 1852 and Sampson, born around 1855 in the parish of Llanfair y Creuddyn.

Sampson  41, Sarah 42 and their family are found living at Bryn Dinas, Minera in 1871, where he is a Mining Engineer. Son William 19 is a clerk and Sampson 16 is still in school.

Part of Minera Lead Mine. Photo courtesy of Eirian Evans.

Ten years later, the couple were at Plas Dinas, and he was a Lead Mining Agent. No children were living at home. Elizabeth Morgans 21 from Llanfihangel, worked as general servant.   

Sampson's wife Sarah had died by the time of the next census 1n 1891. He was now 60 and still living at Plas Dinas, and working as a lead mining agent, but had remarried. His second wife Emily was 28  and was born in Moss. They had a son Frank J. born around 1889, in Minera. Harriet Price 21 of Moss, Emily's sister, was visiting them. Ellen Jones 27 of Corwen and Annie Williams 15 of Llanarmon were domestic servants. Emily's parents were Owen and Mary Price, born c 1835 in Fardon, Cheshire, and 1833 in Astley, Lancashire, respectively. Emily's siblings were John born c 1871, an unemployed baker in 1871, Albert c 1872, Anne c 1875, William c 1877, Thomas M. c 1878, George O. c 1879, Harriet c 1880 and Evaline c 1887. All were born in the Wrexham area.

Minera Lead Mine. Photo courtesy of Chris Allen.

The couple and child Frank were still living at Plas Dinas in 1901. Sampson was now an auctioneer with an Estate Agent, and Ellen Jones still a domestic servant with them.  

John was the third son of William and Rebecca Michell. He was born around 1833 in Mary Tavy and lived in Blackdown, Mary Tavy with his parents, and siblings William 13, Sampson 10,  and Thomas 1, in 1841.

 By 1851, the family consisting of parents William 45 and Rebecca 45, William 24, Sampson 20, John 18, James 14 all lead miners, and scholars Thomas Henry 11, Joseph 8 and Henry 5, had moved to live in mid Wales. Their home was Penparc, Llanfihangel.

1861 found John, 28 living with his parents at Cwmystwyth House, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn and was employed as a Master Miller. Brother William and Sarah, his wife had moved to live in Cwrt, Sampson had married Sarah and were living in Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel.  Thomas Henry 21 was an Estate Clerk, Joseph 18 and Henry 15 were both lead miners.  

By 1851, the family consisting of parents William 45 and Rebecca 45, William 24, Sampson 20, John 18, James 14 all lead miners, and scholars Thomas Henry 11, Joseph 8 and Henry 5 had moved to live in mid Wales. Their home was Penparc, Llanfihangel  

 Thomas Henry  was the fourth son of William and Rebecca Michell. He was born around 1831 in Mary Tavy and lived in Blackdown, Mary Tavy with his parents, and siblings William 13, Sampson, John 8, and James 4, in 1841.

By 1851, the family consisting of parents William 45 and Rebecca 45, William 24, Sampson 20, John 18, James 14 all lead miners, and scholars Thomas Henry 11, Joseph 8 and Henry 5 had moved to live in mid Wales. Their home was Penparc, Llanfihangel. 

1861 found William and Rebecca at Cwmystwyth House, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. He was still an agent with the mine and the couple were aged 55 and 56 respectively. Son William and Sarah, his wife had moved to live in Cwrt, Sampson had married Sarah now 32 from Llanfihangel, and were living in Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel. John was 28 and employed as a Master Miller, Thomas Henry 21 was an Estate Clerk, Joseph 18 and Henry 15 were both lead miners. Jane Jones 17, born locally was their house servant.

In 1871, Thomas Henry 31 is recorded as a widower, working as a land agent living at Minera Cottage, Minera, with housekeeper Margaret Rimmer 55 of Chester.

Thomas Henry 41 was an Estate Agent in 1881, still living at Minera Cottages. His niece Elizabeth Michell 17 brother William's daughter,  worked as domestic waitress. His housekeeper was Mary Nicholas 30 of Ruabon.

He was in the same employment ten years later in 1891 with Elizabeth E.R. 26 described as his daughter, sister in law Ellen 51, a widow living on her own means from Llanfihangel, and  Sarah 19 a domestic servant from Wrexham.

Thomas Henry 61 is a Land Agent, Auctioneer in 1901, at Minera Cottages with Elizabeth E.R. 36 and general servant Charlotte Williams 22 of Llanarmon.

Joseph was the fifth son of William and Rebecca Michell. He was born around 1843 in Mary Tavy. In 1851, the family consisted of parents William 45 and Rebecca 45, William 24, Sampson 20, John 18, James 14 all lead miners, and scholars Thomas Henry 11, Joseph 8 and Henry 5. Their home was Penparc, Llanfihangel. 

1861 found William and Rebecca at Cwmystwyth House, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. 

Son William and Sarah, his wife had moved to live in Cwrt, Sampson had married Sarah now 32 from Llanfihangel, and were living in Gate Cottage, Llanfihangel. John was 28 and employed as a Master Miller, Thomas Henry 21 was an Estate Clerk, Joseph 18 and Henry 15 were both lead miners. Jane Jones 17, born locally was their house servant.

Joseph married Sarah born in 1841 at Hope Flintshire. The couple had moved around with Joseph's work as can be seen by the birthplaces of their children. Elizabeth Anne was born on the 11th February 1864 at Bantry, County Cork, Ireland, Sarah Ellen on the 5th July 1866 at Talybont Cardiganshire, Rebecca Jane on the 26th June 1869 at Llanidloes Montgomeryshire and William Edward on 31st August 1870 at Prestatyn. In 1871, Joseph 28 was a lead miner and he, wife Sarah 30 and children, lived at Cwrt, Llanfihangel. Elizabeth Anne was 7, Sarah Ellen 5, Rebecca Jane 2 and William Edward 7 months. 

Joseph and Sarah's other children were Mary Selina born on 18th December 1872 in Llanfihangel as were the rest of the children. Margaret born 4th December 1874, Joseph John born 6th October 1876, Emily Sophia born 8th September 1878, Adelaide Gertrude born December 1881, Bertrum Sampson Michell born 12th September 1882 and Thomas in1890 at Oswestry.

In 1881, the family lived at Bwlchgwynt. Joseph was 38 and a lead mine agent, Sarah 40, Elizabeth A. 17, Sarah E. 14, Rebekah J. 12, William E.10, Mary Selina 8, Margaret M. 6, Joseph J. 4, Emily S 2, and Adeline G. 3 months. 

The book 'The Mines of Shropshire and Montgomeryshire with Cheshire and Staffordshire' mentions Jos Michell was the Chief Agent of Llangynog mines during 1884 -85. Mining was then suspened and reopened in 1895 - Ochrygraig and Graigddu. 

Joseph 48 and Sarah 49 were living at Shryn Road, Oswestry in 1891. He was a general labourer. Daughter Sarah 24 was a dressmaker, William 20 an apprentice joiner, Margaretta 16 a general domestic servant, Joseph J 14 was an accountant's office boy, Emily was 12, Adeline 10, Bertram 8 and Thomas 10 months old.

I cannot locate Joseph and his family in the 1901 censuses of England and Wales, but son Bertram 18 was living with a brother in law, Ernest Pardoe 24, wife Margretta 26 and son Ernest 4. There is no mention of Bertram's wife. Their address was Victoria Avenue, Glovers Road, Aston, Warwickshire.  

Henry was the sixth son of William and Rebecca Michell. He was born around 1846 in Ysbyty Ystwyth. In 1851, the family consisted of parents William 45 and Rebecca 45, William 24, Sampson 20, John 18, James 14 all lead miners, and scholars Thomas Henry 11, Joseph 8 and Henry 5. Their home was Penparc, Llanfihangel  

 1861 found William and Sarah at Cwmystwyth House, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. Henry 15 and his brother Joseph, were both lead miners. They lived at Penparc, Llanfihangel. Johnwas 28 and was a Master Miller, Thomas Henry an Estate Clerk.

In 1871, Henry 26, was living at Pier Street with his wife Margaret 22, born in Llwynbrain.  He was a Hotel Proprietor. They had a 4 year old daughter Rebecca E.D.R. 4, born in Cwmystwyth. Mary Davies 25 of Llanilar was a domestic servant. 

In 1881 the family were back in Ysbyty Ystwyth. Henry 35 was a Lead Mine Agent, Margaret was 32, Rebecca 14 and they had a further two childre, both born when the couplle lived in Aberystwyth - Margaretta C. W. 9 and Henry J. 4. 

Ten years on, they had moved to Glamorgan, and living at Ynys Wen Terrace, Ystrad y fodwg. Henry 45, was now a Colliery Contractor, noted Coal m. Margaret was 42,  Margaretta 18 was a pupil teacher in an elementary school, Henry J. 15 was a collier haulier, coal m., Daughter Beatrice R was a new family member aged 8, as was Godfrey 6, both born in Yspyty Ystwyth. Rebecca Lizzie 24 was married to John George 24 of Cemmaes, Montgomery, and was a colliery hitcher.

In 1901, Margaret 51 was a widow, living at 37 Maesyffrwd Terrace, Ystradyfodwg. Margretta 28 was now a school teacher, Beatrice was 18, Godfrey 16 was an underground coal miner, and William Pritchard 22 boarded with them.

Daughter Rebecca 31 and her husband John George 32 were living at 32 Maesyffrwd Terrace. He was still a colliery hitcher. They had three children, all born in Treorchy. Gertrude M. was 9, William J 4, and Sarah B 2. They were living next door to Henry J Michell and his family.