Above; the grave's inscription

Ken Davies beside the grave of his
Great, great, great, great grandparents
Sampson and Betty Michell

Gravestones at the rear of the Church

CHILDREN  OF  
WILLIAM  AND  REBECCA  MICHELL

WILLIAM  MICHELL b 14th November 1826
and SARAH BANDS

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

Hafod Church, Cwmystwyth. Photo courtesy of Angella Streluk.

  THE  CAMBRIAN  NEWS  AND  WELSH  FARMERS'  GAZETTE MARCH 23 1894 DEVIL'S BRIDGE   FUNERAL OF CAPTAIN MICHELL

The funeral of Captain William Michell of Cwmydion, formerly of Cwmystwyth, who died on Thursday, the first day of March, took place on the following Tuesday, when a large number of friends and relatives came together to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed.

Many beautiful wreaths were sent for the sad occasion. The internment was made at Eglwys Newydd. The funeral procession was one of the largest ever witnessed in the neighbourhood, over thirty carriages followed the cortege.

The Rev J.P. Evans, vicar of Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn officiated at the house and the Rv J.C. Owen, Eglwys Newydd at the grave. Captain Michell was in his 67th year, and was well known in connection with the mining industry in North Cardiganshire.

On the following Sunday, the Rev Mr Thomas, vicar of Abersydan, a personal friend of the deceased, preached a funeral sermon at Llantrisant Church. The reverend gentleman took as his text, the last verse of the XVI Psalm.   

  THE  CAMBRIAN  NEWS  AND  WELSH FARMER'S  GAZETTE October 11th 1895

MICHELL - October 1st at 5 North Road, Mrs (Sarah) Mitchell, Hafod Newydd, Pontrhydygroes, aged 67 years.

IN LOVING MEMORY of 
WILLIAM MICHELL of CWMYDION.  Born November 14 1826.
Died 1st March 1894. 
Also of SARAH MICHELL Beloved wife of the above  who died 1st October 1895  Aged 67 years.  He giveth his beloved sleep. 

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.

 

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 aged 29 on the 16th April, 1885, 2 months after the birth of his youngest child, John Trevethan.

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.

Beatrice Sarah Michell  

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 Frederick 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.

 

Alfred Jenkins 1896 - 1981 and Sidney J Jenkins 1897 - ?

Alf Jenkins joined the Liverpool Regiment during the Great War. Alf was then transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps. Here is a photograph which he had sent home, he was in a field hospital where an amputation was going to take place.   On the back of the photo is written "Operating Theatre.   Amputation below knee.   Staff:  4 Doctors, 2 Sisters, One Orderly.   Richborough Military Hospital, Kent", and the date.   I can't make it out, it's either 1917 or 1919 - more likely to be 1917 I would think.

Frederick Edward Jenkins 1899 - 1958

Alf Jenkins

Gravestone of Isaac and Sarah Jenkins at Ysbyty Cynfyn In dear memory of Isaac Jenkins Talwr View, Ponterwyd Died March 1st 1922 aged 53. Sarah, his wife Died November 17th 1931 aged 73.   Too good in life to be forgotten in death.

The font at Hafod Church was donated to Ysbyty Cynfyn Church by Alfred and Frederick Jenkins in memory of their parents, Sarah (nee Claridge, formerly Michell) and Isaac Jenkins.   At some time, after Alfred's death, the vicar decided to move the font from Ysbyty Cynfyn to Hafod Church.

Thomas Henry Michell  1883 - 1967 - mentioned as a young man in Jim Michell's letter to Sarah Jenkins nee Michell

Thomas with wife Blodwen Christmas 1966

Thomas and Blodwen's children Sarah, Priscilla and Tom Junior, and John

  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.

WILLIAM BANDS MICHELL & MARY ANN DANIEL Son of Sampson and Sarah 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.      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.

CWM YSTWYTH LEAD MINES

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. John and Dorothy Michell 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. John and Dorothy in later life 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. Beatrice Helena Michell was born in 1912, and was the eldest of Gordon's sisters.   She 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. Tribute to Mrs Elizabeth Evans (formerly Williams nee Jenkins) Mrs Evans is Dorothy Michell's mother who is the wife of  John Trevethan Michell Elizabeth Jenkins was born in 1854 to John and Dorothy Jenkins.   They lived in the Ponterwyd area of Ceredigion.   She married Thomas Williams (1854-1885).   They had two children, Isaac and Dorothy.   Dorothy (1881-1954) married John Trevethan Michell (1885-1954) in December 1909.   They had four children.     Thomas and Elizabeth Williams lived at Talwrn View, Ponterwyd - known locally as Ty'r Gof.   When Dr John Morgans of Pontrhydygroes wanted to set up a weekly surgery in Ponterwyd in 1884, he used the parlour at Ty'r Gof.   Elizabeth Williams remarried, to William Evans of Penybont, Ponterwyd, and the surgery moved with her to Penybont.   The surgery remained at Penybont until the early 2000s, when the practice, now based at Llanilar, stopped holding surgeries other than at Llanilar.   Penybont is still lived in by one of Mrs Evans' granddaughters.   William Evans was an Elder of Ponterwyd's chapel, and visiting preachers would stay at Penybont for the weekend.   These would be visiting preachers from other parts of Wales, as well as students at the Theological College in Aberystwyth. Here is a fitting tribute to Mrs Elizabeth Evans, which was entered in the Ponterwyd Eisteddfod in 1926   Eisteddfod Gadeiriol Ponterwyd Awst 11eg 1926 Beirniad Y Parchedig J. Dyfnallt Owen, Caerfyrddin Penillion Coffa ; Y Ddiweddar Mrs Elizabeth Evans, Penybont, Ponterwyd. Ffugenw ; "Cyfaill Calon" Bonterwyd annwyl, megaist brif Enwogion Cymru ar dy fron, Ac nid y lleiaf yn eu rhif Oedd Mrs Evans ; hanes hon Sy'n gwlwm tynu a'th hanes di Yng nghol y bryniau, - dyma'r man - Yn swn y Rheidiol ganwyd hi, A'i hoes a dreuliodd ar ei glan Yn siriol fel ei hewyn gwyn, Sy'n llifo'n fendith ar ei thaith; Atgofion erys uwch y glyn O'i bywyd hithau'n llawn o waith. Hanes swynol fel y Rheidiol Wenodd yn yr ardal gu, Rhannu cysur garai'n siriol, Da i bawb mewn angen bu; Byth ni throai grwydryn ymaith Heb roi iddo ymborth hael, Rhoddodd gymwynasau gamwaith Hen eu gofyn i rai gwael. Cristion ydoedd yn goleuo Llwybrau moes fel seren dlos Sion uwch ei bedd sy'n wylo Dagrau serch fel gwith y nos; Achos Iesu yn yr ardal Garai'n fyw na'i chartref glan, Hael gyfrannu wnaeth i'w gynnal, Gyda'i chalon fawr an dan. Trist yw'r Ysgol Sul mewn dagrau, Fel y lloer tan gymyl du, Wedi colli yn ei hangau Un o berlau'i hefgni ffuddlon, Erys ffrwythau'i hegni ffyddlon, Tra y sugnis llaeth ei bron Yn gofadail ddeil atgofion Byw o'i llafur hoff yn hon. Gweini wnaeth ar weision Iesu, Drwy ei hoes yn llon ei bryd, Dyma'r gwaith oedd yn ei garu Bennydd yn ei chartref clyd; Cofia'r gweision fel fy hunan Am ei lletygarwch rhad, Treulio'i bywyd wnaeth yn gyfan Er ein cysur a'n mwynhad. Cododd allor yn ei chalon I ofalu na chaem gam, Bu'n garedig ac yn dirion Inni lawer tro fel mam; Pan gyrhaeddem weithiau'n wlybion Ar ein taith, caem groeso llawn, Gyda bwyd a "dillad sychion"  I'n cynhesu'n ddedwydd iawn. Fel ei Cheidwad Iesu graslon, Carai wneud daioni gry', Drws agored i dylodion Plwyf yr ardal oedd ei thy; Rhannu iddynt Gyda'i phriod Oedd yn wledd i'w chalon bur, Bu ei chartre'n "fan cyfarfod" I drueiniaid yn eu cur. Rhoes ei chartref annwyl hefyd Yn "feddygfa" hoff i'r fro, Cafodd llawer yno iechyd Gan y meddyg yn ei dro; Rhoddai hithau falm cysuron Cydymdeimlad pur yn llon, Brofai weithiau yn well moddion I ddiddanu ysig fron. Codi purdeb a dirwestiaeth I anrhydedd oedd ei gwaith, Ac fe gerfiodd goffadwriaeth Fendigedig ar ei thaith; Plant yr ardal yn "Gobeithlu" Geidw'r pharch ar wyrdd o hyd, Rhoddodd oreu'i hoes i'w dysgu I fyw'n lan mewn anial fyd. Clywid hi yn canu hymnau Yn y "Cwrdd" yn frwd a pher, Yna gwelid ar ei gruddiau Ddagrau gloywon fel y ser; Ar adenydd llawer Emyn 'Hedodd fry a'i bron yn dan, Heddiw ar yr euraidd delyn Chwery rhain yng ngwlad y Gan. Cododd allor ar ei haelwyd I aberthu rhin a moes, Gwraig a mam oedd well ni chafwyd Yn byw crefydd drwy ei hoes; Llosgai'i chalon fawr mewn cariad Wrth wasgaru'r pur a'r hardd, Perarogla ei chymeriad Trwy y fro fel rhosyn gardd. Fel y Rheidiol wrth oresgyn Creigiau'n ennill nerth o hyd Ac yn canu yn y dyffryn Wedi concro rhain i gyd. Creigiau bywyd blin a'i groesau Oresgynnodd Hithau'n gref, Ac yn nyffryn "cysgod angau"  Canai goncwest gras y nef. Tyfodd yn anwylyd ardal Mewn daioni hyd ei harch, Erys hiraeth serch i sisial Nad a'm ango'i gwaith mewn parch; Deulu annwyl ni raid wylo Wrth ei llech yn oer y glyn, Mae cysgodau'r bedd yn cilio O flaen gwawr ei bywyd gwyn. "Cyfaill Calon"

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.

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.

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. KD.

I am very grateful to researcher Jacquie in Canada for supplying the following information on young William and his family, James' son. KD

I'm not related but I found this family on the 1920 census in North Versailles, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania:

William H Mitchell, head, 34, born Pennsylvania, parents born England, foreman for Westinghouse
Lettie B Mitchell, wife, 31, born Pennsylvania, parents born Pennyslvania
Curtice Mitchell, son, 8, born Pennsylvania, parents born Pennyslvania
Ruth Mitchell, daughter, 4 months, born Pennsylvania, parents born Pennyslvania

The family is still in North Versailles, Allegheny County in 1930:

William Michell, head, 44, married at 22, born Pennsylvania, parents born England, production clerk for air brake company
Lettie Michell, wife, 41, married at 19, born Pennsylvania, parents born Pennsylvania
Curtis F Michell, son, 19, born Pennsylvania, parents born Pennsylvania, salesman - barbeques
Ruth P Michell, daughter, 10, born Pennsylvania, parents born Pennsylvania

There is a WWI draft registration card for William Harry Michell who was born 11 Aug 1885 and has a next of kin as Lettie Bell Michell. They were still living in East McKeesport when he registered in 1918. His occupation is foreman for Westinghouse Air Brake Co.

There is also a WWII draft registration from 1942 for William Harry Michell who was born 11 Aug 1885 in Irwin, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He and Lettie were still living in North Versailles and he was still employed by Westinghouse Air Brake Co.  Lettie is listed as the person who will always know his address.

The Social Security Death Index indicates William died Jun 1972 and his last residence was in North Versailles, Allegheny County.  There is also a Lettie Michell who was born 4 Dec 1888 and died Jan 1973 with a last residence listed as North Versailles, Allegheny County. There is an entry for Curtis Michell who was born 26 Feb 1911 and died Feb 1993 with a last residence in North Versailles, Allegheny County. Even though Curtis appears to have died in 1993 there was a telephone listing in his name until at least 2002 so perhaps there are family members still living there.

Ann was the fifth 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.

Annie Michell married William Edwards, a schoolmaster in Cwmystwyth.

Annie Michell who married Michael Edwards click here to read about the Edwards family

Tim's great grandfather Michael Edwards who was a schoolteacher in Cwmystwyth.

Annie is 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 sixth child of William and Sarah Michell. She 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  where Annie 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 seventh 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 not 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.

Thomas Henry was the tenth 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.

Edna was the eleventh child of William and Sarah Michell.

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

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  AND  REBECCA  MICHELL

SAMPSON  MICHELL  1830 - 1910

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  AND  REBECCA  MICHELL

JOHN  MICHELL b 1833

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  AND  REBECCA  MICHELL

JAMES  MICHELL b 1837

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  AND  REBECCA  MICHELL

THOMAS HENRY  MICHELL b 1840

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  AND  REBECCA  MICHELL

JOSEPH  MICHELL
b 1843

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  AND  REBECCA  MICHELL

HENRY  MICHELL b 1846