Joseph Williams (1782 - 1848)

Born 1782 in Haroldston West, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Husband of Margaret (Thomas) Williams — married 26 May 1806 in Walwynn Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Descendants

Died 7 Mar 1848 at about age 66 in Wales, United Kingdom

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Keith Rees [send private message]

Biography

Ann Williams Possible daughter of Joseph and Margaret

It is highly possible that Joseph and Margaret are the parents of Ann Williams, baptised in 1821 at Haroldston St Issells (Modern district of; Merlins Bridge Haverfordwest, also known by the locals as Haroldston East) Pembrokeshire. This location is not to be confused with Haroldston West. Ann was baptised in 1821, and is listed as the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Williams. If Ann is the daughter of Joseph and Margaret, then she would have been aged twelve years old, at the baptism.

There is also a marriage of an Ann Williams to William Cozens at Walton West parish church in 1844. Her father was listed as Joseph Williams a labourer, and Ann's address was given as Beaconing House. This location is close to Cocket were Joseph (her father) lived. Cocket is situated in the old parish of Walton West. There is a place called "Beacon" in the neighbouring parish of Walwyns Castle, now the parish of Tiers Cross. Beacon is situated on a hill just above the quarry at Bolton Hill, and had at least one cottage stood in this area until (about the 1930's)

1851 Ann and William Cozens are living at Dobbin Dish Hasguard Pembrokeshire. They have four of their children living at the address. Margaret aged 13, she is listed as being born in Walton (West) her younger sister Rebecca is aged 7 and was born in St Ishmaels parish. Next we have the two boys, John aged 5 and was born 1846 at Hasguard, his younger brother Thomas was also born in Hasguard in 1849, and is aged just two.

The 1861 census is missing and it is likely that the family lived in the Hasguard area this time.

The 1871 census for Hubberston (Milford Have) Pembrokeshire, Has Ann listed as a widow. Two of her children are living at that address with her, they are Thomas and lists his profession as ships carpenter. His sister Letitia who was born in Hasguard parish, and puts her date of birth as 1852.

Clue to Margaret's identity

The 1841 census for Walton West has a Margaret Williams aged 3 = 1838, living at Joseph Williams house at Cocket Walton West. The 1841 does not state the relationship of people at that address. But is likely she is his granddaughter, and possibly the daughter of Ann.

Conclusion

Margaret Cozens, and Margaret Williams, both born 1838 at Walton West, may be one and the same person. And Margaret's mother married William Cozens, some six years later.

I myself am confident that Ann is the daughter of Joseph, but am not too sure on the baptism, when Ann was aged 12.

The reason why Ann was baptised at Haroldston St Issells (East)

Joseph worked as a collier, and could have travelled to work in the coalfields of Pembrokeshire, so it is possible that he worked and lived in the Merlins Bridge area, and worked in one of the many mines, in either of the adjoining parishes of Johnston or Freystrop.

It is also possible that Margaret was baptised at the age of twelve, that is not an uncommon practice in the area.

Perhaps someone out there has the answer to this enigma, if so get back. written by Keith Rees 31 march 2016

Buried at Walton West, Pembroke, Wales.

LDS Information

LDS Baptism: 1 May 1953

LDS Endowment: 23 Aug 1955

Sources