Thomas Family at Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth, Wales.

Date: 1879 to 1948
Location: Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales, United Kingdom
Surname/tag: Thomas

This page was created because I had hit a brick wall on my family tree. My Grandad, David Thomas (1875-1948), had a father named David Thomas and for a long time I couldn't identify my Great Grandfather. That was because David Thomas is a popular name in Wales. There were several David Thomas of the same age of my Grandfather whose father was also called David Thomas, and who were also living in the same locality.

I finally broke through this brick wall after my grandfather was described in a newspaper as being the son of a David Thomas of Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth. That information allowed me to do a newspaper search and a census search for Gogerdan Cottages which resulted in a large amount of information, all of which is listed on this page in date order. The 1891 UK Census threw me for a while as the family were suddenly listed at Penglais Road. Then I realised Gogerdan Cottages were, and still are, on Penglais Road, Aberystwyth. It soon became obvious that my descendants lived at 1 Gogerdan Cottages, Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales but there was another family that may cause confusion at number 5. I have added information about that family at the bottom of the page, but they had no children, and as far as I know they are not related to the family at number one.

The following people are connected to 1 Gogerddan Cottages

David Thomas (abt.1850-1923) and his wife Catherine (Jones) Thomas (abt.1856-1930) and their children (they had nine children but only 8 are currently known:

1. David Thomas (1875-1948)
2. John Thomas (abt.1880-1939)
3. James Llewellyn Thomas (1882-)
4. William Thomas (abt.1884-)
5. Jane Thomas (1885-1963)
6. Evan Thomas (1888-1953)
7. Sydney Thomas (1890-1894)
8. Oswald Thomas (1893-1971)

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PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

1878 Auction Sale^[1]
GOGERDDAN COTTAGES, Penglais Road, Aberystwyth.
Mr E Ellis has been favoured with instructions to sell by auction, on Thursday, the 4th of July 1878, at four o'clock in the afternoon, at the Sale Room, 9, Little Darkgate-Street, Aberystwyth, the following desirable leasehold property. Namely:-
All that newly-erected Cottage, being No. 1, Gogerddan Cottages, Penglaise Road, now in the occupation of Mr. W. Green. This house contains parlour, best kitchen, back kitchen, conveniently arranged cellar, W.C., garden, 2 large bedrooms, side entrance where a stable and coach house may be built if necessary. Also a flower garden in front, walled and railed in. There is also a back entrance to the premises, and a fine clear spring of water in the cellar.

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DAVID THOMAS FAMILY AT 1 Gogerdan Cottages, Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales

1881 UK Census^[2]
Gogerddan Cottages, Lower Vainor,
Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales.
David Thomas, Head, Married, 29, Stone Cutter, born Taliesin, Cardiganshire.
Catherine Thomas, Wife, Married, 25, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
David Thomas, Son, Single, 5, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
John Thomas, Son, Single, 1, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.

1882 Aberystwyth Observer^[3]
04 Feb 1882, Page 4.
BIRTHS
Thomas - Jan 27, at 1, Gogerddan Cottages, the wife of David Thomas, stonecutter, of a son.

1888 Aberystwyth Observer^[4]
11 Feb 1888, Page 4.
BIRTHS
Thomas - February 7th, at 1, Gogerddan Cottages, the wife of Mr David Thomas, slate mason, of a son.

1888 Cambrian News^[5]
23 March 1888, Page 5,
BIRTHS
THOMAS. - 19th March Catherine Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, of a son.

1891 UK Census^[6]
Gogerddan Cottages,
Penglais Road, Aberystwyth,
Cardiganshire, Wales
David Thomas, Head, Married, 35, Stone Cutter, born Taliesin, Cardiganshire.
Catherine Thomas, Wife, Married, 35, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
John Thomas, Son, Single, 11, Scholar, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
James Thomas, Son, Single, 9, Scholar, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
William Thomas, Son, Single, 7, Scholar, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Jane Thomas, Daughter, Single, 6, Scholar, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Evan Thomas, Son, Single 3, Scholar, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Sydney Thomas, Son, Single, 6mths, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.

1894 Burial^[7]
Plascrug Cemetary, Aberystwyth.
11 Aug 1894
Sydney Thomas
Grave 1024, Plot 9
Place of death: Gogerddan Cottages

1894 Cambrian News^[8]
14 Dec 1894, Page 8.
PETTY SESSIONS
The ordinary weekly sessions were held at the Town Hall on Wednesday morning, before John Morgan Esq., (in the chair) and Alderman C. M. Williams. - John Lewis, draper, and David Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, were each fined 1s. for allowing the chimney of their dwelling houses to be on fire on December 7th.

1894 Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser^[9]
29 Dec 1894, Page 2.
ABERYSTWYTH
INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, BAKER STREET
The annual tea and entertainment of the Temperance Society connected with this church took place on Christmas Day. About 250 sat down to tea in the afternoon, the following ladies being in charge of the tables:- Mrs. Parry, Mrs. S. Jones, Misses L. Mills, Hannah Evans, Ann Jones, and Annie Thomas, assisted by the Misses Jones, Lloyd, Davies and Roberts. Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Jones, and the Misses Evans and Davies superintended, and general assistance was rendered by Mr. David Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, and Mr John Davies. Mr. John Evans, solicitor, presided over the entertainment which followed, and a lengthy programme was gone through under the conductorship of Mr. John Wm. Thomas.

1899 Welsh Gazette^[10]
28 Dec 1899, page 6.
THE WAR
DEPARTURE OF LOCAL RESERVISTS
On Wednesday a number of local reservists, who are leaving for the front, were given a hearty send off at the Railway Station. The first to depart was Corporal Bowyer, who proceeded with the morning train to Brecon to join his regiment, the 24th South Wales Borderers. Two others left with the 1.15p.m. train, Mr. David Thomas, a member of the Wrexham Police Force, and son of Mr. David Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, ... A presentation was also made to Mr. David Thomas before his departure from Wrexham. All the men will join their regiment at Brecon, and today (Thursday) they will proceed to Aldershot to complete their preparations for their removal to South Africa next week.

1900 Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser^[11]
06 January 1900, Page 5.
ABERYSTWYTH
LIBERAL CLUB - Mr Griffiths Ellis presided over a competitive meeting at the Liberal Club on Friday evening.... Mr John Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, was awarded the prize for the bass solo.

1901 Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser^[12]
09 March 1901. Page 3
S.W.B's TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE
Lance Corporal Thomas of Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth, who belongs to the gallant South Wales Borderers, writing from what he describes as "Starvation Camp, valley of Death," where he arrived on February 4th, relates some thrilling experiences. About 200 of their men had been surrounded on January 31st, by Boars at Modderfontein. The poor fellows fought like demons for three days and nights, but the Boars, who were about 5,000 strong, took them prisoners after killing eighty and wounding twenty. He was one of a force of about 1,000 men who left Kregersdorp to try and relieve them, but they got into a warm corner themselves and had to retire. The Boars were strongly entrenched. The first day their casualties were slight. They had a day's rest, and on February 2nd got about 300 more men sent out, and the General went to attack the Boers. He was told before they started that he would never beat them with the number of men he had. "The Boers," he continued, "laid a trap for us. My Company and B Company were in the firing line. We got to within a few hundred yards of the Boers, who were on some high kopjes, and they opened a murderous fire on us. We had to lie down, and from seven in the morning until dark we lay there. The Boars all this time were firing at us, and they seemed to pick us out as they liked. It was awful. Fancy lying down on one's stomach from seven in the morning until seven at night under a hot African summer sun. We were fairly baked. We could get no water, and no one could get to our assistance without getting shot. It was pitiful to hear the groans of the men who wanted water. My tongue was swollen up. I could hardly speak, and the poor fellows getting wounded, their cries were something pitiful. Our only hope was darkness. I never felt such a thing in my life. The bullets were flying all round, and I was hit on the top of the helmet and had a splinter of a bullet in my finger. Otherwise I got away all right. when we rose at night to get back, the poor chaps were all fainting and could not retire. I got away for a bit on my stomach. Then I got up and made a run for it. I can tell you that I shall never forget getting back from that death trap. The bullets simply flew around me, and how I escaped I don't know. Then we had to retire about ten miles before reaching camp, with the Boars at our heels, and all night my Company was on outpost duty. We are now at Roodepont Nek. They call this the valley of death. My regiment has lost, all told, this week in the three fights, eighteen killed, forty-five wounded, and about 200 captured. The Boers have got our machine gun, and a good job for Dai Powell that he was sick, or he would have been captured. The machine gun and the men were captured, and Powell belonged to the machine gun section. I don't care how soon we leave this General. We have no faith in him at all, and that is a very bad thing. It has put years on me. I never felt frightened before, but I do now. I was never so near my end. Fancy waiting all day for the end to come. While the papers say the war is all over, here we are defeated three times, with eighteen killed, forty-five wounded, and 200 prisoners out of our own regiment alone.

1901 UK Census^[13]
1 Gogerddan Cottage
Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire
David Thomas, Head, Married, 48, Mason, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Catherine Thomas, Wife, Married, 45, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
William Thomas, Son, Single, 17, Blacksmith, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Jane J Thomas, Daughter, Single, 15, Dressmaker, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Evan Thomas, Son, 13, Scholar, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Oswald Thomas, Son, 8, Scholar, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.

1906 Cambrian News^[14]
15 June 1906, Page 8.
MARRIAGE
A pretty wedding was solemnised on Saturday, June 2nd, at the English Congregational Chapel, Wade-Street, Lichfield, of Mr John Thomas, second son of Mr and Mrs David Thomas, 1 Gogerddan Cottages, Penglaise-road, Aberystwyth. to Miss Annie Griffiths, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Griffiths, Dyffryn Paith. The bride, who was given away by her brother Mr David Griffiths, was attired in a blue dress and hat to match and carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Miss Mary Griffiths, sister of the bride and Miss Jennie Thomas, sister of the bridegroom. ... The best man was Mr. Evan Thomas (brother of the bridegroom). After the wedding a reception was held at Queen Street, Lichfield. The following is a list of presents:- ... Mr David Griffiths, brother ...; Miss Mary Griffiths, sister ...; Miss Sarah Griffiths, sister ...; Mr Willie Thomas, ...; Miss Jennie Thomas, sister, ...; Mr and Master Evan and Oswald Thomas, ...; Mrs and Miss Davies, Queen Street, aunt and cousin, ...; Miss Davies, cousin, ...; Mrs Hughes, Penralit, aunt, ...; Mr and Mrs Evans, Goginan, uncle and aunt, ...; Miss Hughes, aunt, ...; Miss Griffiths, aunt, ....

1911 UK Census^[15]
1 Gogerddan Cottage
Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire
David Thomas, Head, 58, Slate Mason at Slate Works, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Catherine Thomas, Wife, 55, Married 35 years, 9 children, 7 still living, 2 have died, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Evan Thomas, Son, 23, Single, Plumber at Painter and Plumbers, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Jane Jones Thomas, Daughter, 25, Single, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Oswald Thomas, Son, 18, Single, Clerk for Railway Company, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.

1915 Welsh Gazette^[16]
Thursday 22 July 1915, page 8.
Marriage. - A marriage was solemnized on Saturday morning at Baker-street Welsh Congregational Chapel between Mr. Evan Thomas, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, and Miss Annie James, daughter of Mrs. James and the late Mr. John James, Llettyspence, Cwn Merfyn. The officiating minister was the Rev. J. Lewis Williams, M.A., B.Sc., pastor. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. John James, while Mr. Evans T. Roberts, grocer, Cambrian-street, performed the duties of best man, and the Misses Hariet J. James (sister of the bride) and Miss Jennie Thomas (sister of the bridegroom) acted as bridesmaids. The wedding breakfast was partaken of at the bridegroom's home, Gogerddan Cottages. The newly married couple afterwards left for Lampeter, where the honeymoon is being spent.

1921 UK Census^[17]
1 Gogerddan Cottage
Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire
David Thomas, Head, 68yrs 11mths, Married, born Taleasin, Cardiganshire, Gardener on own account
Catherine Thomas, Wife, 65yrs 4mths, Married, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, House Duty.
Jane Jones Thomas, Daughter, 36yrs 2mths, Single, born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, House duty

1922 Welsh Gazette^[18]
14 September 1922.
ABERYSTWYTH - PERSONAL
We regret to state that two well-known townsmen, Mr. Joseph Jones, formerly caretaker for many years of the University College, and Mr. David Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, were taken suddenly ill at the end of last week. Both, we are glad to state, are much improved by this time, and their many friends wish them a speedy recovery. Mr. Jones is a deacon at the Tabernacle C.M. Church, and Mr. Thomas is the senior deacon at the Welsh Congregational Church, Baker-street.

1923 Welsh Gazette^[19]
Thursday 27 Dec 1923, page 8.
OBITUARY
Mr. David Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages.
We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr. David Thomas, No. 1, Gogerddan Cottages, which took place on Sunday night. He had been in failing health for the past fifteen months, but was about until a fortnight ago, when he caught a chill. He took to his bed, and gradually weakened until he passed peacefully away at the age of seventy-one. Mr. Thomas, who was a native of Taliesin, spent his boyhood at Talybont. He was for some time at Jasper House School, Aberystwyth, and it was one of the regrets of his life that he did not take fuller advantage of the educational facilities placed in his way. At an early age he was apprenticed to Messsrs. Ellis and Owen, monumental works, Aberystwyth, and on completing his apprenticeship went to England, where he worked at Hull, Liverpool, Leeds, and London. Returning to his native country, he settled at Aberystwyth, where he had lived for the past forty-nine years, suring the greater part of which he had been employed at the slate and monumental works owned by Alderman Peter Jones.
Mr David Thomas was a man of outstanding character, in which there was a strong vein of originality. he came under the influence of a strong religious and temperance revival which swept over the town some forty years ago. Soon after, he became a member of the Welsh Congregational Church, Baker-Street, and continued a loyal and jealous supporter of the cause there until his death. He was not an educated man in the strict sense of the term, but he had, by his keen, critical observation and his wide reading, acquired a deep culture, particularly in the fields of theology and biblical history. His knowledge in these directions was recognised by men of erudition, such as the late Rev. Job Miles, Sir Edward Anwyl, and Mr. David Samuel, with each of whom he enjoyed a close, personal friendship. He will long be remembered for his faithful service at the Welsh Congregational Church. Twenty-nine years ago he was elected to the diaconate, and at the time of his death was the senior deacon. Not only was he the leader in the absence of the pastor, of the various church meetings by reason of age, but also in virtue of his qualities as a speaker and a worker. A man of unblemished character, he always spoke with an earnestness and a sincerity which carried conviction. He was, perhaps, at his best conducting a class of young people in the Sunday School, and he di an infinite amount of good in this sphere. Men and women who now occupy prominent positions in the world have frequently been heard to express with gratitude their indebtedness to Mr. David Thomas for good advice and direction, and for the opening of eye and mind, received under his tuition in their early days. Always on the side of the weak and oppressed, he had a great admiration for the work of the Salvation Army. He might appear gruff and abrupt at times, but underneath there beat a warm and tender heart, ever ready to respond to a kind word or deed, and ever ready to do a kind act to those less fortunate than himself. For forty years he had been a staunch temperance advocate, and was one of the leading members of the local lodge of the L.O.G.T. when that organisation flourished in the town. Above all he was a true Christian. No one ever doubted his conversion, and once having put his hand to the plough he never turned back.
Mr Thomas had been married for forty-eight years, and he is survived by Mrs Thomas and six sons and one daughter, with whom deep sympathy is felt. The names of the children are Police-sergeant David Thomas, Colwyn Bay; Mr. John Thomas, London; Miss Jennie Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages; Mr. William Thomas, Treherbert; Mr. Evan Thomas, Northgate Street; and Councillor Oswald Thomas, Portmadoc.
The funeral took place on Thursday morning, when interment was made at the cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Peter Price and the Rev. D. Talmon Jones were the officiating ministers.

1924 Welsh Gazette^[20]
Thursday 12 June 1924, page 8.
TALYBONT
Death in Liverpool
The death occurred in Liverpool on Thursday, where he had resided for many years, of Mr Thomas Thomas, a native of Talybont. Deceased, who was seventy-seven years of age, had been a seaman all his life. He leaves a widow, and is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Williams, of Abertillery. He was a brother of the late Mr. David Thomas, 1 Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth. The funeral took place at Anfield cemetery on Saturday.

1939 UK Register^[21]
1 Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth,
Cardiganshire, Wales.
Peter Mackintosh, Male, born 19 Apr 1918, Single, Student.
Jane Thomas, Female, born 29 Apr 1885, Single, Unpaid household duties.

1948 Welsh Gazette^[22]
26 Feb 1948, page 8.
ABERYSTWYTH
Death. - The death occurred at Colwyn Bay on February 13, of ex-Police Sergeant David Thomas, at the age of 72. He was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth. He served with the S.W. Borderers in the Boer War, and with the R.W.F. in the first Great War. He had been stationed at Wrexham, Llanddulas and Colwyn Bay. The funeral took place at Colwyn Bay on Tuesday of last week. The chief mourners were: Mrs. C Thomas, widow; Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Underwood, daughters; Mr. Evan Thomas, Aberystwyth, Mr. W. Thomas, Treherbert, Mr. J. Thomas, London, Mr. Oswald Thomas, Portmadoc, brothers; and Mr. R. T. Williams, Bow Street, cousin. Miss J. Thomas, sister, was unable to be present.

England and Wales Probate Index 1963^[23]
Death Date: 25 March 1963,
Probate Date: 26 Jun 1963, Residence Town: Aberystwyth.
Jane Thomas otherwise known as Jane Jones Thomas of 1 Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire spinster died 25 March 1963 at St. Lawrence Hospital, Chepstow, Monmouthshire Probate Carmarthen 26 June to Catherine Mary Burton married woman and Harold Parting Bott Solicitor. Effects £2064 3s.

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Different Family

My David Thomas family live at number one. There was a different David Thomas family at number 5, which, as far as I know, are not related to one another. The information I have about them is as follows,

5 Gogerddan Cottage Aberystwyth,Cardiganshire, Wales

1911 UK Census^[24]
5 Gogerddan Cottage, Aberystwyth,
Cardiganshire, Wales.
David Thomas, Head, Aged 39, Married, Gardener. Born Llanbadarn, Cardiganshire.
Mary M Thomas, Wife, Aged 48, Married 17 years. No children. Born Ystydy, Cardiganshire.

1923 Welsh Gazette^[25]
27 September 1923.
Petty Sessions, Page 8
The magistrates present at the weekly Petty Sessions on Wednesday were the Mayor (Capt. E. Llewellin), Messrs. T. W. Powell, John Evans, Thomas Owen, and Dr. T. D. Harries...
David Thomas, 5, Gogerddan Cottages, was summoned by Thomas Williams, rate collector, for refusing to pay £4 15s. 10d. poor rate, £2 13s. 2d. district rate, and 12s. 10d. water rates. - Defendant pleaded that he was out of work and could not pay. - The case was adjourned for a month.

1923 Welsh Gazette^[26]
15 November 1923.
Petty Sessions, Page 8
The magistrates present on Wednesday were Messrs. Peter Jones, Edwin Morris, John Watkins, Daniel Thomas, Thomas Owen, and Dr. Harries.
Mr. Gordon Davies, solicitor, applied on behalf of Dr. Harries for an ejectment order against Mrs. D. Thomas, 5, Gogerddan Cottages. - Giving evidence, Dr. Harries said it was a monthly tenancy, and rent owing amounted to £8 4s. 9d. - Mr. Gordon Davies intimated that the tenant had undertaken to leave the premises in three weeks. - An order for possession in twenty-one days was made.

Sources

1. ↑ Aberystwyth Observer 22 June 1878, Page 5
2. ↑ 1881 UK Census, Gogerddan Cottages, Lower Vainor, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales.
3. ↑ Aberystwyth Observer, 04 Feb 1882, Page 4.
4. ↑ Aberystwyth Observer, 11 Feb 1888, Page 4.
5. ↑ Cambrian News, 23 March 1888. Page 5, Births.
6. ↑ 1891 UK Census, Gogerddan Cottages, Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales
7. ↑ Parish Burial, Plascrug Cemetary, Aberystwyth. 11 Aug 1894, Grave 1024, Plot 9.
8. ↑ Cambrian News, 14 Dec 1894, Page 8.
9. ↑ Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser, 29 Dec 1894, Page 2.
10. ↑ Welsh Gazette, 28 Dec 1899, page 6.
11. ↑ Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser, 06 January 1900, Page 5.
12. ↑ Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser. 09 March 1901. Page 3.
13. ↑ 1901 UK Census, 1 Gogerddan Cottage Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales.
14. ↑ Cambrian News, 15 June 1906, Page 8.
15. ↑ 1911 UK Census, 1 Gogerddan Cottage Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales.
16. ↑ Welsh Gazette, 22 July 1915, page 8.
17. ↑ 1921 UK Census, 1 Gogerddan Cottage Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales.
18. ↑ Welsh Gazette, 14 September 1922. Petty Sessions, Page 8,
19. ↑ Welsh Gazette, 27 Dec 1923, page 8.
20. ↑ Welsh Gazette, 12 June 1924, page 8.
21. ↑ 1939 UK Register, 1 Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales.
22. ↑ Welsh Gazette, 26 Feb 1948, page 8.
23. ↑ England and Wales Probate Index 1858-2019, Death Date: 25 March 1963, Probate Date: 26 Jun 1963, Residence Town: Aberystwyth.
24. ↑ 1911 UK Census, 5 Gogerddan Cottage Aberystwyth,Cardiganshire, Wales.
25. ↑ Welsh Gazette, 27 September 1923. Petty Sessions, Page 8,
26. ↑ Welsh Gazette, 15 November 1923. Petty Sessions, Page 8,

Information about the Thomas Family who lived at Gogerddan Cottages, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales between 1879 and 1948.