Thomas Griffiths

Thomas Griffiths (b. c1785/86, d. bef 1851) may have been the Thomas Griffiths who was born on 14 Apr 1785 in Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales.

The only census entry for Thomas was in 1841, which listed him as living at Bronhelem, Bettws Leiki, Cardiganshire. However, from his children's baptismal records we gain further insight into the places the family lived.

Thomas married Eleanor Evans, daughter of Roderick Evans and Margaret Davies and baptized on 30 Nov 1790 in Llandewi Brefi. They were married on 17 Oct 1810 in Llanddewi Brefi parrish. They had the following children:

Jane (b. c1813)

Winifred (Gwenifred) (bap. 20 Dec 1813, Gwynfil, Cardiganshire)

Elizabeth (bap. 3 Apr 1816, Cefn Coed, Cardiganshire)

Thomas (bap. 2 Dec 1818, Cefn Coed)

Mary (bap. 9 Jun 1821, Cefn Coed)

Roderick (bap. 26 Nov 1823, Cefn Coed)

Griffith (bap. 13 Mar 1826, Glandyffryn, Lampeter, Cardiganshire)

Martha (bap. 28 Dec 1828, Cefn Coed)

Rodrick (bap. 15 Sep 1834, Llygaddyffryn, Cardiganshire)

Jane (b. c1834/36)

[Note: While the family was in Glandyffryn, three year old Roderick died in May 1826, a few months after the birth of his brother Griffith.]

According to the 1841 census, Thomas was a cattle drover by trade, and would have traveled across the country driving cattle to grazing spots and onto the market.

Thomas died at the age of 60 on 13 Jan 1845 in Rhos, Cardiganshire. Rhos is likely Rhos Bettws, since Thomas and his family lived at Bronhelem (Bron-yr-helm) which is right next to Rhos Bettws.

His wife Eleanor lived a long life, many years as a widow. By 1851, she was living at Tan-y-gouallt, Llanddewi Brefi with her son Thomas, who like his father was a drover. In 1861 Eleanor's residence was just listed as Gorwydd, Llanddewi Brefi. Her son Roderick, whose employment was listed as laborer, was living with her at the time. In 1871, the octogenarian Eleanor was listed as a pauper living at Bridge End, Gorwydd. Her unmarried daughter Jane resided with her and was employed as a dressmaker. Eleanor joined her husband in death at the age of 85 in Jan/Feb/Mar 1875.