Selections from The Diary of Thomas Jenkins of Llandeilo
1826 – 1870
(Edited by D. C. Jenkins, Dragon Books, Bala, North Wales,1986)Contents
Introduction
The editor's foreword to the published Diary of Thomas Jenkins of Llandeilo begins with an intriguing overview of his life and his many accomplishments:
The only known portait of Thomas Jenkins, aged 33 "Thomas Jenkins was born at Tycroes, in the parish of Llanedy, Carmarthenshire in May 1813. His grandfather had been curate of Llandeilo-fawr and vicar of Meidrim and Brechfa. His father also was a man of learning but his financial disasters perhaps caused his son to take up a practical occupation – cabinet making. In 1826, puzzled, startled and quite frightened by a supernatural event, Thomas started keeping a diary in which he wrote until a few months before his death. Thomas' family moved to Carmarthen and later back to Llandeilo where Thomas' father had been born.
.... Llandeilo was changing from its medieval shape and a wide road had been driven through its great churchyard, eventually to connect with the new bridge Thomas would help design and build. The Industrial Revolution sparked Thomas' ingenuity and he was determined to miss nothing. He travelled to Bristol to see the Clifton suspension bridge under construction and the steamship Great Britain being built. He walked to Pembroke Dock to see the warships and dockyard. He visited foundries and mines and was fascinated at Queenstown watching the ships carrying the new telegraph cable, which would span the Atlantic. The world was his mind's playground and he revelled in recording tonnages, widths, heights, capacities, temperatures and volumes.
.... In 1843, excited by the growth of science, he founded the Llandeilo Mechanics' Mutual Instructing Institution that met in his house. In his lifetime he built boats, made violins and taught himself how to play one. He recorded the crafting of over 250 coffins with details of their construction, cost and "contents" – names, dates of demise and often the method by which the dearly departed had departed. Each casket was prepared and polished to perfection; Thomas would make all the necessary arrangements, and accompany the deceased on their final journey attending each interment. He fitted a man with an artificial leg, and his love of astronomy found him calculating and installing sundials for the local gentry.
.... During his work on the new stone bridge, he built pile-drivers and pumps from his own design and invented a machine for testing the very stones that would be used.
.... Thomas collected fossils, conducted chemical and electrical experiments and he was a scientific cave explorer. A keen watcher of the skies, he knew the constellations and both Halley's and Rosa's comets are followed in his diary. He made two wax figures which, clothed in Welsh costume, were displayed at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park. He erected public lighting, brought gas and water to the town and was prominent in the lead and zinc mines. Thomas inspected breweries as far away as Birmingham before laying out the South Wales Brewery at Llandeilo. All this in addition to cabinet-making, building, census enumerating and bringing up a family of twelve children!
.... But, it was his love life and the way he travelled which was amazing. He married twice – both of the young ladies had been his servants, and children often arrived during intriguing times – but it was his ardent courtship of Sarah Davies of Aberdauddwr which was the love story of his life. Thomas would undoubtedly have married her, but she died in his arms only 21 years old. He tended her grave even years later – a nineteen-mile uphill pilgrimage.
.... Thomas Jenkins walked! He records a trip on foot from Llandeilo to Carmarthen as taking only two and a half hours and he'd often walk that each day to and from work! Once he carried his daughter on his back at night all the way from Llanelli! Only later in life did he construct a "homomotive carriage with three wheels" and use this heavy iron tricycle for even carrying passengers. He also had premonitions and notes in his diary a death he had dreamt of and an accident, which could have ended in tragedy. He became a Constable of the Leet Court and often acted as a referee or assessor in disputes or valuations of estates.
....His diary was written in two hard-covered exercise books. The first, which takes us to the end of 1854 is written with interest and care and contains most of his sightseeing trips. The second concerned itself more with his mounting family and business commitments. All are absolutely fascinating with names of local people, events and places being recorded for posterity and our enjoyment. The diary ends in December 1870 and the following October Thomas Jenkins died; secure in the knowledge that his family would have the £200 life insurance policy whose payments he had faithfully recorded. Thomas was buried in the upper parish churchyard of the town that he had served so faithfully."(The Diary of Thomas Jenkins of Llandeilo; edited by D. C. Jenkins; Dragon Books; Bala, North Wales; 1986.)
Llandeilo, only seven miles north of Ammanford, is a distinctly different town with a mucher older history, but the wanderings of Thomas Jenkins so often took him to the Amman Valley and the village of Cross Inn, as Ammanford was then called, that his diary can happily be included here. Thomas Jenkins may have spent most of his life in Llandeilo, but he was originally from Tycroes, which is part of today's Ammanford conurbation, giving us an extra reason to include him.
The following selections from over forty years of diary entries were made by genealogist Ellyn Francis for publication in 'Carmarthenshire Life' and later included in her website (www.heritagehunters-wales.co.uk). These diary entries were extracted from a book now sadly out of print and hard to obtain even through local libraries. The italicised comments in brackets are explanatory notes supplied by the editor of the diaries, D. C. Jenkins. There is a separate article on Thomas Jenkins in the 'People' section of this website by Carmarthen-born journalists Byron Rogers, which is as amusing as it is informative.
The Diary begins with a ghost story …
In a remote part of West Wales, in 1826, a thirteen-year-old boy wrote -
"Brynymaen, Cardiganshire: I was induced to commence this diary of the principal events of my life owing to an unaccountable circumstance which happened to me and which I shall relate simply as it happened. I am not prone to superstition although living in, I should think, the most superstitious part of the country. I was always taught by my parents to disbelieve all the stories of ghosts and goblins that are so prevalent a source of terror in many a secluded locality to this day.
.... It was one fine moonlight night in the month of September this year. Having been rambling about the neighbourhood I returned home at 12 o'clock. All had retired to bed. Having lit a candle and placed it in an iron candlestick I went into my room and fastened the door, then placed the candlestick, together with an apple (which I intended eating on going to bed) on a bench which was occasionally used for holding cheese. Sitting on the side of the bed to take off my shoes I could see the light of the candle flashing on the wall. I looked around and to my great surprise there was the candle and candlestick vibrating back and fore with the apple under one edge of it. It then struck me that there must be someone in the room, which I then searched very carefully but unsuccessfully. Feeling my feet cold and having stockings on I went into bed but could not sleep for some time racking my brain as to how the apple could have got under the candlestick. I again felt my feet so warm that I took my stockings off and laid them on the bed. Getting up next morning and making the most diligent search possible the stockings were nowhere to be found, and they were never discovered afterwards."
Highlights from the early years 1829 16 years old Nov 4 Finished reaping the corn Nov 7 do. binding do. ("do." means ditto) Nov 13 do. carrying do. Paid to labourers £7.14.1 1831 18 years old Jan 25 Stuck a knife into my right cheek in cutting up a fat sheep I had killed. 1833 20 years old Nov 29 Agreed with Ann Evans, Cefncoed, as servant at £2.10.0 (She later became his first wife.) Dec 24 Went to Carmarthen. Arrived at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks in every street. Dec 25 Went to bed at 4 a.m., too much noise about the streets to go sooner. Dined at the 'Creselly Arms'. 1835 22 years old Apl 12 The 'George the Third' convict ship was wrecked off the coast of Australia. There were on board at the time 294 persons of whom 134 perished and of these 128 were convicts. May 14 The convict ship 'Neva' bound from Cork to Sydney was lost in Bass Straits, 224 persons chiefly female convicts perished. July 7 Went to Margaret Evans' bidding, gave 2/- (The social custom of bidding helped young people get married on borrowed money. The bride's family solicited pre-wedding repayable donations, and then the happy couple were bound to do the same when their benefactors got engaged.) July 28 Got up at 3 a.m. to earth potatoes. Worked until 7a.m. The weather was very hot. Aug 1 Found 1 oz. coffee on the pavement in King Street. Aug 5 Halley's Comet was first seen at Rome after an absence of 76 years. Aug 11 Fine day – Left (from Carmarthen) for Llandeilo 8 a.m. (on foot) passed through part of six parishes viz: St. Peter's, Abergwili, Llanegwad, Llangathen, Llandyfeisant and Llandeilo. The harvest in a very forward state, wheat carried in several places, barley and oats cut and some in stacks. Arrived at Llandeilo 10:30 a.m. (Carmarthen to Llandeilo is 15 miles, which he walked in 2 ½ hours!) Aug 12 Went to the Fair, several shows. Saw a Giantess, a Hottentot woman, a flaxen-haired negro, 2 serpents, crocodile, alligator, porcupine, lemon-crested cockatoo, sand sloth, jackal, Muscovey cat, American sea-serpent, boa constrictor, etc. Saw a woman raise 300 lbs by her hair. Aug 17 Went to Llandeilo with a cart for mahogany and clock etc. Left Carmarthen at 4 a.m. Returned at 6 p.m. Aug 31 Got severe cold last night. Sept 1 Much worse, took 1/2 oz salts and senna. Sept 2 Very bad headache, took 4 gr. Calomel. Sept 3 Took 14 gr. Jalap this morning. Sept 4 Much better. Oct. 10 9 p.m. Halley's comet is now visible about 2 degrees north of the most northward star of the pointers – constellation ursa major. Oct 20 Went to Thomas Jones' wedding and to the bidding in the evening. Gave 2/6. Nov 17 Made picture frame 4 ft 7 ins by 3 ft 9 ins sight moulding 6 by 5. 1836 23 years old Jany 5 Made a coffin for a still-born child of Daniel Jones, Cwm-y-nant. Went at 9:30 to Llanllwch to bury it June 17 3L – x ae (Mysterious secret code means that that Ann Evans, his servant was three months – 'lives' – pregnant.) June 22 Made a coffin for Daniel Jones, Cwm-y-nant's wife. Elm 33 ft June 24 Closed the coffin at 4 p.m. and attended the funeral to Llanllwch. Dec 6 Total received for work this year – £15.7.1/2. Paid £13.14.91/2 1837 24 years old Jany 30 Found a silver sixpence opposite the Town Jail. Feb 4 Sold a violin to William Jones, Tailor, for a silver watch. May 18 Saw a tapeworm with Mr. Williams, Druggist, which measured 27 ft. June 11 Went to see Carreg Cennen Castle together with two of Mr. Williams the Druggist's young men. Got a candle and lantern at the farm to see the cave which is under the castle and it is about 195 ft long and has a fine spring of clean water near the further extremity. Returned by Mr. Lawford's house. Went to see his collection of stuffed birds. June 30 Took a cart to Llandeilo with the mahogany for J. Williams, the Druggist's new shop. Aug 7 Mary (his illegitimate daughter born last October) was vaccinated. (It seems by his diary entries that Mary was 'put out to nurse' and her mother, Ann, remained as a servant elsewhere.) Sep 8 A poor woman, from near Llandybie, killed by a cart in Bridge Street. Dec 22 Left Carmarthen at 4 ½ p.m. Walked to Llandeilo. Very dark night, the road wet after last night's rain. Dec 30 Made 260 picture frames this year. 1839 26 years old June 26 Went to Golden Grove to work. July 7 Having now some prospect of being able to maintain a wife, and having determined that that the wife should be Ann, I got the banns published this morning in Betws Lleucu Church for the first time. Paid 1/- July 20 Walked from Cwmamman to Capel Betws, 36 miles. Heavy rain all the way. July 21 Banns published the third time. Slept at Capel Betws. July 23 Walked to Llandeilo. Aug 20 Married to Ann at 8 a.m. by the Revd. John Lewis at Betws Lleucu Church. Paid 5/- Sep 9 Arrived at Swansea 8 a.m. Went to bathe in the sea. Left Swansea at 3 p.m. with David Davies. Walked through Llangyfelach, Cross Inn and Llandybie. Home at 12 midnight. (At the end of December, Thomas Jenkins rents a house in Llandeilo from Mr. Caleb Jones for 3/- a week and on the last day of 1839, Ann and Thomas actually sleep in their "own" house together. However, they were forced to move in February on the day Thomas found a sixpence outside the 'Cawdor Arms'. They rented three rooms from Mr. Jones, Saddler, on the day that Queen Victoria married to Prince Albert. Thomas catches the influenza and Ann is recorded as being "three lives" on February 16th.)
Caves, Castles, Rebecca Riots, Leeches and Scarlet Fever 1840 27 years old Mar 8 Went to Carreg Cennen Castle with Ann. At 1 p.m. as Mr. Williams, Surgeon of Glancennen's wife and daughter were returning from church in a phaeton, the horse took fright in Bridge Street and ran with them over the parapet of the bridge. Mrs. Williams died on the spot. Miss Williams died about 1 ½ hours at The Crown and the boy who was driving them was taken up senseless. The horse was killed on the spot and the phaeton dashed to pieces. The height of the fall is about 35 ft. (This bridge was about 250 feet further down the hill from the present one but was extremely narrow with no room for a pedestrian to pass a carriage.) June 5 Took a cart to Carmarthen for mahogany and returned to Llandeilo in the evening. Heavy rain all the way. June 6 George was born at 8:15 p.m. being 20 weeks and 1 day or 142 clear days. Aug 27 Went to Golden Grove to work. Aug 28 Had 60 ft. of birds eye maple veneer from Bristol. Oct 25 Sat up with Mr. Jones, Saddler. He is dying. (They are now renting 3 rooms from him at £9 a year) Oct 26 Mr. Jones died at 4 ½ p.m. Oct 27 Made an oak coffin for him Oct 28 Attended the funeral to Hermon this evening. Heavy rain. 1841 28 years old Mar 9 Went to see Paxton's Tower. It is a triangle of 36 ft. with a small round tower at each angle, with 119 steps to the top. (Built by Sir William Paxton, M.P. in 1807 as a way of being remembered and as almost a shrine to Lord Nelson who dined there. A stained glass window of Nelson was taken from the tower and is at the Carmarthen Museum.) Apr 1 Made Mr. Caleb Jones' coffin covered with velvet 5 yds. Apr 4 Peter and self went to see Cilrychen Cave which was discovered Dec 13, 1823. Took a seat in the Methodist Chapel. Apr 6 Attended Mr. Caleb Jones' funeral at 4 p.m. The Oddfellows of the Ap Tewder Lodge attended to the number of 70, dressed in black sashes and hat-bands. Apr 24 Went at 6 p.m. together with David Davies, Peter Jenkins and John the Mason to Cilrychen Cave. I took a pistol and Peter brought his clarinet.Spent 3 ½ hours inside. The total length including all the branches is 301 yds. We returned at 12 night. May 1 Went at 6 p.m. together with Dd. Davies, Peter Jenkins, Philip Griffiths and Wm. Williams 'Rose and Crown' to see the Llygad Llwchwr Cave. The entrance is about 10 ft above where the river leaves the rock. We entered at 8 p.m., the entrance is narrow and rather dangerous. After proceeding 51 ft. I tied the end of a ball of twine to a stalactite pillar, there being so many windings and passages. We then proceeded to a stalactite pillar 5 ft. long from the floor to the roof and 3 ft. in circumference. Each having a candle we passed through several narrow passages 'til we came to the river. The cave here is about 30ft. from the water to the roof, the river is about 15 ft. wide. Not being able to proceed further we returned after having gone through all the different passages that I could find. We came out at 1 a.m. The distance from the entrance to the water is 567 ft. Arrived home at 3 a.m. June 7 This day a census of the population of the United Kingdom was taken. I enumerated the Rhosmaen and New Inn districts containing 55 inhabited houses, 8 uninhabitable and 2 building. 106 males, 124 females. The population of Llandeilo amounted to 1345 – 132 more females than males. Received £1.1.0. July 21 Left, together with Dd. Davies, at 12 p.m. through Llangyfelach to Swansea where we arrived at 8 p.m. July 22 Slept at Wm. Jones, Strand. Left at 9 a.m. in the 'County of Pembroke' steamer. Got very sick. Saw St. Donat's castle, the Steep and Flat Holms and light ship. Anchored in King's road at 6 p.m. Got to Bristol at 8 p.m. July 23 Slept at Dd. Rees's, Ballast master, Coronation Place, Back Street. Got up at 6 a.m. July 24 Slept at ditto. Left Bristol at 9 a.m. and walked through Brislington to Keynsham – too late for train. Walked on through Saisford. Got to Bath at 2 p.m. Went to Norfolk Crescent, from there to Stanhope Street, by Walcot churchyard to the Circus then to Catherine Place, St. Vincent's Crescent, Queen's Square, Queen's Parade through Milson Street, Bond Street, by the Infirmary through the Arcade. From there to the railway station. Got to Bristol in 20 minutes – 12 miles. July 25 Slept at ditto. Went in the morning to Clifton and St. Vincent's rocks to see the piers for the new suspension bridge. The roadway is to be 230 ft. above high-water mark. The piers are 70 ft. high. There is now an iron bar 3 inches diameter and 800 ft. long stretched across with a basket sliding by ropes along it. The distance between the piers is 630 ft. Estimated cost when complete £57,000. In returning we went to see the iron steamship 'Great Britain' now building, the total length of which is 325 ft., width 51 ft., depth of hold 33 ft. Burden 3,600 tons, 1,000 horsepower. There are to be 360 beds for passengers and 6 masts. (In July 1970 the 'Great Britain', first screw-propelled, iron-hulled Atlantic liner, returned in triumph to her home port of Bristol, having been towed on a pontoon from the Falkiand Islands where she had lain beached for many years.) Went to St. Mary's Redcliffe church at 5 p.m. where the old sexton showed us a tower where there is a fine peal of ten bells. Saw the rib of an animal 6 ft. 10ins. long, said to have belonged to the Dun Cow killed by Guy, Earl of Warwick. It appears to me more likely the rib of a whale than any other animal. Went to St. Peter's church to hear the service at 6 p.m. July 26 Went to Bedminster with Mr. Buxton. Fine view of Bristol and Clifton. Reckoned 21 churches. Bought some mahogany, hair-seating, plate-glass and turning tools. July 27 Went to see the Cathedral church. Left at 1 p.m. in the 'County of Pembroke' steamer. Passed Cook's Folly, a tower about 1 mile below the suspension bridge, built by a person of the name of Cook to preserve his son from his fate predicted by an astrologer at his birth, but it availed him not. Hence it was. called Cook's Folly. Passed the 'Phoenix steamer with her engines disabled. Attempted to take her passengers on board but found the sea too rough. She was obliged to put back to Bristol before the wind. Stayed on deck until I got thoroughly wetted with the spray. Went below and got very ill. Wind ahead, washing the decks. July 28 Arrived at Swansea at 12.30 this morning and slept at W. Jones's. Left at 11.30 a.m. Walked through Llangyfelach to Wm. Owen's where we took tea. Got to Llandeilo at 8 p.m. ` 1842 29 years old Feb 4 Thomas Peter was killed at 8 o'clock this evening by Dd. Rees' wagon crushing him between the wheel and the wall near the Market House. He died instantly. Feb 5 Made a coffin for him of elm £1 Feb 7 Attended the funeral at 3 p.m. June 3 Went to Maerdy to clean and oil-polish a dining table for the Misses Peel. Dec 7 Went with Mr. Thomas, T.M. in his gig to Cross Inn. Walked from there to The Raven Inn to value shop fittings. Finished at 9 p.m. When I left the night very dark and foggy. Met 5 drunken fellows on the Black Mountain who were very insulting. Got home at 11 p.m. Dec 25 Sarah was born at 11 minutes past 6 p.m. 1843 30 years old Feb 18 Very stormy with hard frost, the wind un-roofed part of my workshop. Aprl 17 Mr. Price's body was found in the river near Dryslwyn, having been drowned in crossing on horseback opposite his house, Llwyn Mendy, the 4th of April. July 9 A detachment of the 4th Light Dragoons arrived here having been sent for owing to people breaking down the turnpike gates in the neighbourhood under the name of Rebeccaites. (These troops were quartered at the Cawdor Arms Hotel and were later replaced by the 41st, a foot regiment, who used the old vicarage as a barracks. For nearly two years during the Rebecca Riots, Llandeilo became a military post.) July 10 Father came here in a phaeton with Mr. H. Williams and returned in the evening. (Very cryptic comment filled with secrets – Thomas' father was noted as a champion of the oppressed and Hugh Williams of Carmarthen was a leader of the Rebecca Riots. These increased in strength in the next five weeks and the Walk Gatehouse at Llandeilo was destroyed.) Aug 6 Ann bought a gold ring of Christian Moser for 7/6d and the old one which was broken. Aug 9 The Walk Gate and house was taken down to the ground by the Rebeccaites with soldiers billeted at The White Hart and Walk on both sides, so much for soldier vigilance. Aug 19 Went to Carreg Cennen Cave, from there to the cave at Palebryna on the hillside about ½ mile higher up than Llygad Llwchwr. Went in about 300 ft. together with B. Morgan and E.J.Griffiths. Found it very low and dirty excepting one place where it was very spacious. From there to Llygad Llwchwr Cave, borrowed kettle and cups at Cwrt-bryn-y-beirdd, made a fire and took tea before going in. Spent about 4 hours inside. Having taken a pistol with me, the report it made rivalled the loudest thunder. Got home at dusk. Aug 29 Went, together with B. Morgan, Wm. Griffiths, Dd. Davies and Phillip Griffiths to Cilrychen Cave. From there to the cave at Pant-y-llyn where, 30 years ago, from 14 to 24 human skeletons were found in quarrying for limestone. It now extends only 30 ft having been quarried off. Aug 30 Ann (his wife) walked to Carmarthen having received a letter from my step-mother that father was expected to die. (This is the only time he mentions his step-mother.) Aug 31 Father breathed his last at Pensarn 3 o'clock a.m. in his 69th year. Walked to Carmarthen this evening. Sep 3 Sunday. Left Carmarthen with poor father's remains, together with Hugh Williams and bearers in two boats. Arrived in St. Ishmael at 5 ½ p.m., father having expressed a wish to be buried there. (He had written a poem 'The Sailor's Grave' about Hugh Williams' brother who wanted to be buried near the sea. 31 years later, Hugh would be buried alongside his brother and his dear friend, Thomas Jenkins' Senior.) Sep 12 Went to Llygad Llwchwr Cave with B. Morgan, E.J. and W. Griffiths, Wm. Jones and Wm. Davies. Having taken a rope ladder with us we entered at 9 a.m. and having crossed the river inside we discovered two branches where no human being had been before. In one there is a plank of stalactite extending from the roof to the floor, which, when struck with a hammer, emits as a fine and loud a noise as one of the largest bells in Llandeilo steeple, from which we christened it the Bell Cavern. Came out at 3 p.m. and took tea near the entrance. Arrived home at 7 p.m. highly gratified with our day's discovery. Sep 27 Made a pump for the intended Llandeilo new bridge, 7 ft long, 5 " bore and 12" stroke. Sep 30 Made a working model of a hydraulic servo pump and presented it to the Mechanic's Mutual Instructing Institution. Oct 9 Made a coffin for Daniel Walter Lewis, a child 11 days old, his mother, Ellen Thomas, having been confined at Dd. Harris, the Bookbinder's. Dec 25 Went to Carreg Cennen Castle today with Peter Jenkins and David the Cooper. Found 3 Roman coins in the earth beneath the rock on the south side of the castle. 1844 31 years old Mar 27 Thomas Davies, Draper, Manchester House, died of disease of the heart in leaving the Methodist Chapel. He dropped on the street and died instantly, aged 30 at 9 p.m. Mar 28 Made his coffin, oak, covered black, wood and labour £1.7.0 Mar 30 Attended his funeral to Taliaris Church. Apl 4 Went to Mr. Lawford's, Carreg Cennen, to get some looking-glasses silvered. Apl 19 Stayed up last night making a coffin for Ed. James' little girl. Apl 25 Set a sun-dial in the churchyard. Wood for post and labour 18/- Apl 26 Went to Edwinsford to compare the dial there with the one I had set up and found it 4 ½ " after. Apl 27 To Golden Grove. Found the dial there 5" before Edwinsford dial lat. 52 deg. 6 mins. Golden Grove 51 deg. 32 mins July 18 Left with Joseph Williams at 4 a.m. Breakfast at Aunt Price, Carmarthen. Walked through St. Clears, Llanddowror and got to Tenby at 9 p.m. 30 miles. Took tea at the 'Ring O'Bells' pd. –/8d. July 19 Slept at the 'Three Mariners'. Horrid. Had no soap to wash with. Paid for bed – 4/d (He continues his holiday by walking to Pembroke, Milford Haven, Cardigan, New Quay, up to Aberystwyth to see the Devil's Bridge.) July 26 Went with the guide to see the bridge, which is one arch of 29ft. span and 120 ft. above the stream of the Munach. It extends from rock to rock over the old bridge, which is attributed to His Satanic Majesty, but in reality built by the monks of Strata Florida 750 years ago. (He continues on foot to Strata Florida and then to Lampeter returning home the next day.) Sept 3 Made three coffins for S. Stephen, the Smith's children. Two having died on Sunday and one today of scarlet fever. Aged 9, 6 and 3 years. Wood and labour £1.8.0 Sept 9 Made a coracle that may be taken to pieces and made up again for Llygad Llwchwr Cave. Cost 10/6d Sept 10 Went together with B. Morgan, Dd. Lewis, John Thomas, Walter Jones, Puddicomb and Owen Jones to Llygad Llwchwr. Entered the cavern at 8:30 a.m. and after turning to the left at right angles to the main branch and getting down over the rock by the rope-ladder over the stream, we made up the coracle and proceeded down the stream over very deep pools through several magnificent caverns where man never dared to go. Came out to daylight at 1:30 p.m. Oct 21 Illumination and fireworks in honour of Lord Dynevor having been married 50 years. Nov 8 Suffered great pain from a bit of cast-iron getting into my eye in turning a pair of sugar-mill rollers for Mr. Gravell. Walter Jones attended and applied leeches to allay the inflammation, the first time I ever had them applied – they did a vast deal of good. Dec 2 Laid down 4" of oak planking on 12" square bearing beams for the south abutment of the new bridge. Dec 3 The foundation stone was laid this evening at 3:15 p.m. 4 lbs of beef and 1 pint of ale and ½ oz of tobacco given to each workman to the number of 40. Dec 25 George (Thomas Jenkins' son) went with Edward Price to the park and returned shivering. Dec 26 At 12 noon my poor boy went to bed very ill with scarlet fever. Dec 27 George worse, sent for Walter Jones, Surgeon. Dec 28 Worse. Red pustules began to appear. Dec 29 Still worse. Sent for Dr. Prothero who ordered his head to be shaved and bathed with cold salt water and leeches applied to his temples. Continued bathing his heading from 2 p.m. til ------ Dec 30 6 a.m. Inflamation reduced. Swallowing difficult. Continued bathing his throat with hot flannels 'til 5 p.m. I went to bed at 8 p.m. Dec 31 Got up at 2 a.m. Due to me this day £123.7.5. I owe £121.11.11 ½. Balance in my favour £1.15.5 ½ 1845 32 years old Jany 3 It pleased God for some wise end to relieve my dear boy from his suffering at 11 ½ p.m. I shall never see his like again. God grant that I may become resigned. Jany 4 Peter made his coffin of inch oak, covered with grey cloth Jany 7 The remains of my dear boy were laid in earth at 4 p.m. near Uncle Thomas Lott's grave in the upper churchyard. Aged 4 years and 6 months yesterday. (Thomas Lott was the chemist and druggist of Llandeilo 1776 – 1816.) Sarah was taken ill in scarlet fever last Saturday the 4th. (Sarah recovers 11 days later.) Aug 29 Went at 6 a.m. up to see the Beacons and Llyn-y-fan. Spent the day on the mountain. The lake is full of fish and said to be 260 yards deep. Aug 30 Left Blaen-sawdde on foot at 6 a.m. Home at 10 a.m. Crickets, Premonitions, Birth, Death and Romance 1846 33 years old Feby 8 Went with David Davies to Middleton Hall to see the gardens. Took tea at the gardener's. Feby 20 Drew the elliptic line for the new bridge, full size, Span 145 ft, Raise 38 ft. Mar 15 Went with B. Morgan to see Tregib House and gardens. Thence to hear the Revd. D. Griffiths at the Unitarian Chapel. From there to Llygad Llwchwr and from there to Glynhir. Saw a snake in the wood near the waterfall. Tallest waterfall in Carmarthenshire. Took tea at Cross Inn and returned to Llandeilo through Llandybie. Sept 1 A cricket began chirping in the kitchen, being the first I have heard in the same house as myself. Sep 2 Dreamt that the chain of the crane broke and came down with a rattling noise and, starting from sleep, Ann asked me what was the matter, when I told. This evening the chain did break and ran over the pulley with the same noise as I heard in my dream. Three or four of us had a narrow escape. Oct 10 The remains of John Cleaver's little boy were thrown up by the flood near Llanarthney, after having been in the river two months. Oct 22 Very high flood. Part of the centre carried off. There were five men on it at the time and they were precipitated with the falling timbers into the flood. Two were taken out immediately one got up by a rope over the parapet of the old bridge, and two were carried by the river on some of the timbers to Cilsan where they got out much exhausted. Nov 11 The old bridge having been damaged by the late flood and cracked through, went with William Williams to Cilgwyn where we purchased 1,000ft. beech timber for making a coffer-dam around the damaged pier. Dec 16 Made a coffin for a still-born male child of Edmund Parry, Watchmaker and Sarah, Morgan Pendry's servant. Buried him on the hill above the well in the lower churchyard. 1847 34 years old Dec 31 Made a coffin for George Hughes' little girl, aged 14 weeks. Miss Sarah Davies came to see us last night from Aberdauddwr. (Very significant entry as future events will prove to be extremely interesting.) 1848 35 years old Jany 1 Morning fine, frost evening, rain and thaw. Ann was put to bed at 3 p.m. attended by Dr. Rees and gave birth to a boy at 9 ½ p.m. Jany 2 Sunday. Went at Ann's request to Doulaugleision, she having promised Mrs. Davies that I should dine there today, Sarah having been sent there yesterday. Returned at 4 p.m. Soon after I returned my poor Ann was attacked with severe pains in the right leg. Sent for Drs. Prothero and Rees to attend her, at 10 p.m. pain less severe. Jany 3 Ann very ill. Jany 4 Same. Jany 5 Worse. Jany 6 After a night of intense suffering my dear Ann left me at 10 ½ a.m. alone in the world. Jany 8 I was taken very ill with the influenza. Jany 9 Worse. Jany 10 No better. Little James very unwell. I was obliged to nurse him all day, he would go to no one else. The remains of my dear girl were laid in the same grave as our little George. I was not resigned to his death 'til now I've lost his dear mother. I was too ill to follow her to her last resting place Jany 11 No better. Put the poor baby out to wet-nurse at Rhosmaen with Jane at 2/6d per week. Jany 12 A little better, but exhausted in body and mind. Obliged to nurse poor James every day, he will not leave me for a moment. Jany 14: Today, thank God, I am able to commence work again. Jany 21 Sarah brought home from Dolau very unwell. Jany 22 She was very ill last night but better today, and I trust that I feel grateful to the Almighty. Paid Dd. Gwilliam burial fees 5/-, to nurse for attending Ann 14/-, Surgeons' bill £3.2.2 Burial £4.1.2 Jany 27 Sent set of tea-things to Miss S. Davies which Ann had exchanged for some which she had bought. The centering was lowered from under the arch of the new bridge today. Jany 30 Sunday. 9 p.m. The centre was carried off by the flood and thrown down in a mass. Went to Rhosmaen to see my poor motherless baby Feb 3 I was taken very ill in the pleurisy. Took a Drover's powder. Feb 4 Very bad. Applied a mustard poultice. Feb 5 Better. Feb 6 Had a very bad night Feb 7 Better. Made a coffin for Mary Morgan aged 6 years and 7 months. Mar 16: I have been foolish enough today to lose 2 hours seeing a fox let before the hounds at Gurrey-fach gate and followed them to the old mill in the park. It was the first foxhunt I ever went to see and I am pretty sure it will be the last. Paid Hester Davies for 22 weeks service £0.16.6 Apr 19 Suffered from toothache for the first time in my life June 15 The electric fluid [i.e., lightening] struck an oak near Llandyfeisant Church and split it to the roots, driving the bark off all around June 29 Mother-in-law left, gave her some of poor Ann's clothes July 14 Went to Llygad Llwchwr Cave together with the Revd. John Lewis, Messrs. D. Lewis, R. W. Lewis, H. Bundy and J. Roberts. Left coracle inside. Entered 10 a.m. Out 4 p.m. Thermometer in shade outside 68 deg. Water 49 deg. Quantity of water discharged per minute 450 ft – 28,325 lbs – 12 tons 11 cwts. 12 lb – 45 hogsheads. Holywell discharges 84 hogsheads per minute. Nov 12 Sunday. Dreamed last night that I was called to Dynevor to make a coffin for a female, and having made it I thought it was too small, and at 2 p.m. today I was desired by Dr. Prothero to go over and measure the remains of Mrs. Catherine Powell, aged 56, who died suddenly at 1 p.m. Nov 13 Stayed up last night and commenced making a shell at 12 ½ a.m. Took it to Dynevor at 5 a.m. Attended the inquest. Verdict – Died by the visitation of God. Agreed with Jane Thomas to stay another year. (Later, Thomas has an illegitimate child with Jane, his servant.) 1849 36 years old Jany 1 Fine frost. Went to Aberdauddwr at 7 a.m. Spent a very happy day, one of the happiest I have had for a long time in the charming society of Miss S Davies. Jany 10 Sent a letter to Sarah Davies. Jany 26 Received an answer from S.D. Jany 27 Sent letter S.D. Jany 31 Received letter S.D. Kind. Feby 1 Do. (shorthand for ditto) cx Feby 17 Received letter S.D. Feby 20 Returned answer. Mar 26 Sent letter S.D. Apl 5 Received an answer. Apl 6 Good Friday. Hired a horse and a gig at the 'Castle' and went with B. Morgan by Llanwrda to Caio. From there over the hills to Maes-yr-haidd to see Henry Harris the Astrologer of Cwrt-y-cadno. He is in a decline, can't live many weeks. Went by Bronnant and Dolaucothi to the old Roman mines at Ogof-caio, then to Aberdauddwr (where Sarah Davies lives) where we had tea and enjoyed the evening very much Apl 9 Sent letter S.D. Went together with T.T. Williams and B. Morgan by Cennen Tower to Trichrug to collect fossils. (This tower, north of Carreg Cennen Castle, was blown up in the 1960's to make a milk stand. Just a little rubble remains.) Very cold day. Apl 29 Made a machine for grinding chocolate. Sent letter SD. May 2 Received letter SD. Took Peter to paint Edwinsford bridge. Walked on from there over the hills to Aberdauddwr. May 3 Slept at do. Left at 9 a.m. SD came to send me some distance. Heard the cuckoo, first time this year. May 14 Sent letter and books to SD. (Letters continue back and forth Aug 4 Received letter from SD. Her brother died in America, aged 27 Aug 8 Had one of my teeth extracted being the first symptom of old age. (The almost daily love letters continue….) Dec 21 Made a homomotive carriage with three wheels. 1850 37 years old Jan 29 Sent letter to SD. Fitted up a mahogany seat and front to water-closet at Tregib £3.16.0 Mar 23 Left in 'car' at 6 p.m. for Carmarthen. Storm of snow and hail in my face all the way. (Cryptic reference to Jane Thomas follows this entry Apl 24 Arrived at Aberdauddwr at 9 p.m. Found Miss Davies very unwell. Returned to Pumpsaint. Apl 25 Slept at do. Left at 9 a.m. and walked to see Miss Davies. Heavy rain without ceasing all day. Left at 7 p.m. and returned to Pumpsaint Apl 26 Called up at 12 last night, ran to Aberdauddwr, Miss D expecting she should die. Sat up by her side. Sent for Dr. Prothero at 2 a.m. Spent a sad day expecting his arrival from 8 a.m. 'til 7 p.m. when he came. Apl 27 Left Aberdauddwr at 5 a.m. in car. May 1 Left at 5 a.m. with Dr. Prothero in dog cart. Got to Aberdauddwr by 8 a.m. Found Miss D. still very ill. Home at 12 noon. May 2 Accompanied Mr. R.W. Lewis to Cennen Tower where Mr. T.T. Williams joined us. Went along the Black Mountain range by Llwchwr lakes to the lately discovered cavern near the lime quarries. Found fine specimens of various coloured ochres in the junction of lime and millstone grit. May 5 Miss SD's brother came for Dr. Prothero. May 25 Received letter from SD. Left at 7 p.m. in velocipede. Got to Pumpsaint at 11 p.m. May 26 Sunday. Slept at and took breakfast at Pumpsaint. Walked to Aberdauddwr at 9 a.m. Carried Miss D. down stairs. May 27 Slept at do. Took Miss D in my arms to the garden. She has not been out before for the past 5 weeks. May 28 Slept at do. Left at 6. Took breakfast at Llanwrda. Home at 10 a.m. Roads very wet. At 4 p.m. Lewis Davies came to Dr. Prothero, she having commenced throwing up blood at 9 a.m. May 29 Dr. Prothero went up. Lewis came for medicine. Went to lecture on Phreno-mesmerism by Davey and Jackson. June 3 Received letter and sent answer SD. June 5 Went with Dr. Prothero for Miss Davies at Aberdauddwr. She and her mother returned with us in his carriage. June 7 Sat up 'til 4 a.m. Miss Davies could get no sleep. She spent a very anxious night, not having slept the two previous nights. June 10 Took SD in phaeton 3 miles on Carmarthen Road. June 21 Sent 100 postage stamps to Evan Jones, Cardiff in payment for the 'Gymraes' for Miss Davies. June 24 Took Miss Davies over Cilsan Bridge in phaeton. July 13 Jane went to Froodvale. Returned on the 16th. Aug 13
