|
| Generation Guide, showing ascendency from my daughters Kim and Rhian to their great great grandparents. Direct line ascendants are shown first, and maiden names of wives used. |
| Youngest generation |
Kimberley Selene Davies and Rhian Jane Davies (Newtown) |
| Parents |
Marian Joyce Wilson and Kenneth Davies (Newtown) |
| Grandparents |
Stanley Wilson and Ceceline Davies (Waenybricks) |
| Great grandparents |
David Swain Wilson (1889 - 1943) and Eliza Davies (1886 - 1967) |
| Great gt grandparents |
William Tills Wilson (1841- 1947) and Jane Swain (1874 - 1945) |
| Great gt gt grandparents |
Elizabeth West (Wilson) (1850-????) and William Tills (1841) |
| Great gt gt grandparents |
George West (1806-????) and Elizabeth West (1850-????) |
|
|
WILLIAM TILLS WILSON 1874-1947 and JANE SWAIN 1866-1945
|
William Tills Wilson worked as a milk carrier in London, where he presumably met his wife Jane Swain. The couple are the grandparents of Mr Stanley Wilson of Waenybricks. They were married on the 13th February 1889.
For many years, it was thought that William Tills Wilson was a Cockney. This misunderstanding occurred as their son, David Swain Wilson was born in the district of Lambeth, sub district of Norwood, London. The couple were residing at 167 Rommany Road, Norwood when he was born on the 12th November 1889.
It was not until the 1901 census for Aberhafesp was available that it was discovered that William was born in Beccles, Suffolk. It is thought that he was the illegitimate son of an Elizabeth Wilson (also West). A William Tills is thought to have been his father. He lived in a nearby village, and mothers tended to use the name of the alleged putative father on their child's birth certificate. More about this later.
The 1891 census shows the couple both aged 24 living at 167, Rommany Road, Lambeth, with son David Swain Wilson, aged 1. An Elizabeth Evans, 16 born in Wales is recorded as living with them.
They moved to Aberhafesp between 1892 and 1896 and lived at Penyglannau in 1901. William and Jane were both aged 34. Their family consisted of David Swain Wilson 11, Roderick Edward Wilson 9, and Dorothy Wilson 4.
They continued to live at Penyglannau until 1925, when they bought Wernfach, Aberhafesp, where this photo of William and Jane was taken..
William, not a farmer by trade, turned his hand to farming at these homes.
He was also a churchwarden at Aberhafesp Church. There is a plaque inside the church bearing the following inscription.
|
To the memory of William Tills Wilson Churchwarden 1897-1947, given by his only daughter Dora Brandrick
|

Daughter Dora Brandrick, nee Wilson
E-mail received from Lyn Fitzgerald, Australia, 19.04.2008, Dora's granddaughter;
I am the Granddaughter of Trevor and Dora Brandrick (nee Wilson) and very much enjoyed reading the articles concerning my forebears and the Newtown my mother Dorothy grew up in. Thank you.
|
Aberhafesp Church
Photo copyright of the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust
(CPAT) and is reproduced here with their kind permission.
To visit their excellent website, and their Churches page in particular,
please visit our link to other websites
His wife Jane was the daughter of Edward and Jane Swain. Details of her family appear further down this page.
Jane died on the 28th May 1945.
|
Obituary County Times Sat 2 June 1945.
Jane Wilson was taken ill suddenly the previous Thursday. She was a native of Aberhafesp and well known and well liked. A member of Aberhafesp Parish Church, a member of the choir, Mothers Union and W.I., she farmed Penyglannau, Aberhafesp for many years and bought Wernfach in 1925. She is survived by her son Roderick and daughter Dora Brandrick. Her son David Swain Wilson died 18 months ago.
The funeral was held at Aberhafesp Church last Wednesday. The service at the house and in Church was conducted by the Rev. A. Ivett.
Chief mourners were Mr W.T. Wilson, Mr 7 Mrs T. Brandrick son in law and daughter, David Brandrick and Stanley Wilson grandsons, Mr & Mrs David Swain, Mr & Mrs Richard Swain, Mr & Mrs Maurice Swain, Roderick, Percy and Edith, nephews and nieces.
Bearer were Messers T. Benbow, Fachwen, Edward Nutting, Glanrhyd, J. Mostyn and Davies, Thimble Hall.
|
William Tills Wilson died on the 1st July 1947, aged 71.
|
Montgomeryshire Express 12 July 1947
WILSON. The relatives of the late Mr William T. Wilson, Wernfach, Aberhafesp wish to thank all those who sent flowers and attended the funeral. Also all those who sent letters of sympathy and especially ther neighbours who were so kind and helpful during his short illness.
|
|
In Loving Memory of
Jane, beloved wife of W.T. Wilson, Wernfach Aberhafesp
who died May 28 1945 Aged 79 years
Peace, Perfect Peace
Also of the above W.T. Wilson who died July 1st 1947 Aged 81 years
At Rest
|
|
|
|
DAVID SWAIN WILSON 1889-1943 and ELIZA DAVIES 1886-1967 (son of William Tills Wilson and Jane Swain)
|
David Swain Wilson was born on the 12th November 1889 when his parents were residing at 167 Rommany Road, Norwood and his birth was registered at Lambeth, London.
The 1891 census shows David living at 167, Rommany Road, Lambeth, with his parents. The family moved to Aberhafesp between 1892 and 1896 and lived at Penyglannau in 1901. David's parents William and Jane, were both aged 34. Their family consisted of David 11, Roderick Edward Wilson 9, and Dorothy Wilson 4.

David Swain Wilson - Montgomeryshire Yeomanry.
David Swain Wilson was first posted to the Montgomery Yeomenry. He enlisted on the 8th September 1914. He served 4 years and 132 days, and was described as 5' 9.5" tall, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. He served in France during the Great War. The Montgomeryshire Yoemenry later became part of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was wounded in the War and later discharged on the 17th January 1919, being no longer fit for War Sevice.

The wedding of David Swain Wilson and Eliza Davies at Aberhafesp Church on the 8th October 1919. Witnesses to the wedding were David Swain and Esther Catherine Davies..
In 1921, the estate of Glanhafren was sold. Two of the lots for sale were Middle Scafell and Upper Scafell or Waenybricks. Middle Scafell, famous for the field of blessing, was where son Satnaley William Wilson was born. David Swain Wilson and Eliza Wilson nee Davies worked there for Eliza's brother, Uncle Pryce Davies
Much of their life stories have been recorded by their son Stan, and were published in The Newtonian, the magazine of Newtown History Group. The articles have been reproduced with their permission, and appear in full in the fext link, NEWTOWN (YSGAFELL) NOSTALGIA.
Part is reproduced here;
|
Upper Scafell or Waenybricks, Lot 8, in the sale of Glanhafren properties, described as a freehold small farm, was brick built and slated, containing a barn and bay, stable for three horses, cow house for five cattle, wain house, piggery and yearling shed. The sitting tenant, Mr Richard Lloyd was issued with a notice to quit, and my parents moved to their new home in 1923. Mr Lloyd moved to be a tenant at Upper Rhydfelen.
|
During these difficult times, mother kept the farm going with her produce, selling eggs, butter and boilers, or old hens which had gone past laying age. They would however make wonderful broth, and were sold for 1/6 each (7.5p). She would take two at a time to town, then come back home to dress another two. When I was old enough, I delivered these boilers to people who had ordered them. Mother's produce would pay for hen food, coal and lamp oil.
Monies made by father through farming were saved to pay for buildings, repairs, corn and fertiliser. Generally, everything he worked for, in a way, went back into the ground to repay what was taken out of it.
Our first tractor was a David Brown, purchased from Neal’s Garage, Llanidloes Road. We had been on a long waiting list as tractor supplies were limited. New tractor cultivating implements were therefore required to undertake the work. Petrol was difficult to obtain, but farmers were allowed an additional amount due to the nature of their work.
My father died in 1943, leaving my mother and I to farm our 60 acres.
|
|
OBITUARY NOTICE, Montgomeryshire Express and Radnorshire Times 18 September 1943
The death took place suddenly on Tuesday ofMr David Swain Wilson, Wainybricks, Llanllwchaiarn age 53. Son of Mr and Mrs Wilson, Wernfach, Aberhafesp, Mr Wilson had lived the whole of his life in the neighbourhood. Farming Penyglannau, Aberhafesp before moving to Wainybricks many years ago. As a member of the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry, which later became part of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Mr Wilson served in France throughout the last war, when he was wounded and subsequently discharged.
He is survived by his widow, one son, on brother, Mr Roderick Wilson and one sister, Mrs Dora Brandrick. The funeral took place yesterday, Friday.
|
| Following my father's death, we requested the services of land girls and Prisoners of War. The land girls worked in groups, although some worked individually and were I believe, based in Welshpool. They were mostly employed by us to plant and later pick potatoes, and were paid directly by us.
There were Italian, German and Polish POWs stationed at Glandulas. Farmers signed an agreement when employing them, not to fraternise with the POWs, nor let them handle guns, nor be allowed out late at night. They lodged on the farms, and were “paid” for their services, although the money went to the Government. They had to be shown how to sow seeds.
Eliza moved to lived at 9 Old Church Street, Newtown in April 1949, and later moved to St Elmo, Newtown.
|
|
OBITUARY NOTICE; County Times 28th October 1967
The funeral of Mrs Eliza Wilson, St Elmo, formerly of Waenybricks took place at Aberhafesp Parish Church on Wednesday week. The Rector of Newtown, Rev Cledwyn Owen officiated, assisted by the curate Rev S.V. Gange, organist was Miss Betty Jones, Bella Vista. Bearers;- David Wilson (grandson), David Brandrick (nephew), Eric Swain and E. Lloyd (cousins).
Chief mourners;- Mr and Mrs S. Wislon, D. Wilson (grandson), Marian Wilson (granddaughter) Mr & Mrs W. Ashton (brother in law and sister), Mr T. Brandrick (brother in law), Mr W. Corfield, Mr & Mrs J. Jerman, Mr D. Brandrick, Mr N. Davies (nephews and niece in law), Mrs E. Pilot, Mrs M. Jerman, Mrs H. Andrew, Mr & Mrs S.C. Howman, Mr D. Jones (nephew in law and niece), Mr E. Swain, Mr 7 Mrs E. Lloyd (cousins) and other close relatives.
Floral tributes;
With fondest love to mother, Stanley and Cissie; With love to our Gran, David and Marian; To our dear sister, Agnes and Will; In Loving Memory Mary and family, Cloddiau; In Loving Memory of Auntie Eliza, Sue and Cyril, Wellington; With all our love, Hilda, Eric and Jim; In Loving Memory, David, Joan and Jane; Treasured Memories of Auntie Eliza, Fred and Anne; All my love, Shirley; In kind remembrance, Mrs Gertie Davies; In Loving Memory, Ted and Betty, Aston Piggott; From Pryce, Jean and Diedre
|
| County Times, Saturday 21 October 1967.The family of the late Mrs Eliza Wilson, St Elmo, Newtown wish to thank all relatives and friends for the kindness and sympathy shown to them in their bereavement, for attendance at the funeral and for the floral tributes and donations received. Special thanks to the Doctors, Matron and staff of Newtown and Shrewsbury Hospitals, also Sister Lloyd Jones. |
|
|
STANLEY WILLIAM WILSON and CECELINE DAVIES son of David Swain Wilson and Eliza Jane Davies
|
Stan was born in Middle Scafell, Newtown and moved to Waenybricks when young.
He was educated at Penygloddfa School and left to join his father on the farm at 14. Following his father's death in 1943, he ran the farm with his mother. Article about his life on the farm were published by the Newtonian Magazine, and appear in full in the next link on the left hand side - Newtown (Ysgafell) Nostalgia.
|
He married Ceceline Davies in 1944 from Adfa and they continued to farm Waenybricks before Stan's retirement, when they moved to live at Broadlands, Newtown. They had four children, David Pryce Wilson, Peter and Diane twins who died very young in 1954, and Marian.
|
 |
Ceceline Davies was the daughter of Sarah Elizabeth Davies.She lived in Coedmadoc, Adfa before moving to be cared for by her mother's sister Edith Louisa who married Ted Ashton when she was about 13, after the death of her mother.
 |
Left, Ceceline with her mother Sarah Elizabeth Davies, brother George on the left and another youngster.Below, with George, youngster and adult whose name is unknown. |
After leaving school, she worked at Walkmill, Newtown, for another aunt, Mrs Bowen and when aged 15, worked at The Cross Guns, Newtown for 12 months, before taking up duties at Homestay, near Newtown Hospital, and later for R. & S. Morgans, who ran a draper's shop.
During the war years, she joined the ATS and was based in Swansea, situated near the University Sports Ground. She returned to Newtown in 1944 and assisted her husband at Waenybricks.They moved to Broadlands in 1970 and she worked at Penygloddfa School, Newtown for several years. She also worked at Doris Mills' sweet shop in Broad Street.
She loved outside gardening and became a member of the Gardening Club.
She died on the 12th March 1986 aged 65.
|
Ceceline Davies |
| Parents |
Sarah Elizabeth Davies
Evan Davies |
| Grandparents |
Elizabeth Davies, Pant y Celyn, Adfa |
| Great grandparents |
|
 |
Left, Elizabeth Davies, grandmother to Ceceline Davies. Below her gravestone in Adfa , where she is buried with her daughter Sarah Elizabeth

|
By 1901, Elizabeth Davies 47, Ceceline's grandmother was widowed, and working as a housekeeper for Thomas Morgans 50, of Rhosydd, Llanwyddelan. Her children Mary Jane 14, James 7. Alice 9 and Edith Louisa 3, all born in Castle Caereinion were living with her.
|
Daughter Edith Louisa Ashton lived at Trawsgelli when Ceceline Davies went to live with them when she was about 13 when her mother died in 1933. Edith died on the 4th December 1974. Her husband Edward Ashton, or Ted was born around 1894.
Edward's grandfather, Edward Ashton was farming Trawsgelli in 1891 and was widowed. Living with him then were his son Edward, 26 who Edith's husband's father. Ten years earlier, grandfather Edward was farming 76 acres at Trawsgelli, with sons Edward 16 and Richard Ashton 14.
The 1901 census for Trawsgelli shows Edward Ashton 61, widower there with housekeeper Margaret Evans 32 of Trefeglwys, Edward Ashton 7, born in Llanwyddelan, and John Thomas 18 a worker also from Llanwyddelan.
|
Edward Ashton born around 1894, died on the 7th May 1972. The County Times dated 13th May 1972, has a long obituary column about him, which is summarised here; He farmed Trawsgelli all his life, and moved to live with his son Mr Eric Ashton on 1952. He had an interest in music and was a keen soloist. Member of Adfa Presbyterian Church and later the Llansantffraid Welsh Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife Mrs E.L. Ashton and the couple celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in 1970. He is survived by two sons, Mr R. Ashton (Wolverhampton), Mr Eric Ashton (Llansantffraid) and a daughter, Mrs T. E. Williams (Llansantffraid), grandchildren Mr &Mrs G. Ashton (Pant), Mr & B. Williams (Oswestry), Mr & Mrs R. Hitch (Llansantffraid), Clive and John Ashton (Trederwen), Rita and Peter and Trudy Ashton (Wolverhampton); graet grandchildren Sian Hitch, Sharon Ashton, Justin Williams.
|
|
|
|
|
RODERICK EDWARD WILSON 1892 - 1946 (son of William Tills Wilson and Jane Swain)
|
The family moved to Aberhafesp from London between 1892 and 1896 and lived at Penyglannau in 1901. Roderick's parents William and Jane, were both aged 34. Their family consisted of David 11, Roderick Edward Wilson 9, and Dorothy Wilson 4.
 |
He left Aberhafesp for America in 1912 and served with the Canadian Army in France during the Great War. He was also a member of the Royal Observer Corps. He was a kindly, knowledgeable man. |
It is thought that when abroad, he married a widow, although his obituary notice in the paper states he was unmarried.
He died at Ty'r Afon on the 26th June 1946, his sister Dora's home. He is buried at Llanllwchaiairn Church.
|
Mourners at Roderick Edward Wilson's funeral were Mr W.T. Wilson, Mr & Mrs T. Brandrick, brother in law and sister, Mrs Wilson and Mr Stan Wilson Waenybricks, aunt and nephew, Mrs Edith Swain, David Swain, Newtown, Richard Swain, Pentre, Rod Swain, cousins, Mrs Swain, Hollybush, aunt.
Bearers were T. Benbow, Fachwen, T. Nutting, Glanrhyd, A. Davies, Thimble Hall, S. Evans, The Lodge.
Wreaths; Dad, Dora, Trev; All at Waenybricks; Ron, Dorothy and David; Edie; All at Hollybush; Dave, Maggie and the boys; Mrs Rees; Morfy and Dorothy; Stan and Sybil; All at Ty'n Celyn, Aberhafesp; Mrs Woosnam, Aberhafesp Hall; Mary, 12 Bridge Street; Royal Observer Corps; Mr and Mrs Owen and family, The Dingle; All at Bwlchyffridd P.O.; J. Mostyn and family; Mr and Mrs Brinley Harris, Hillcrest, Dolfor Road; All at Fairfields; Mr and Mrs Rees and Mrs Humphreys and family, Plantation Farm; Mr and Mrs Astley, Dingle Cottage.
|
|
|