Notes from the First [and Second] Report [s] of the Commissioners for Inquiring Into the State of Large Towns and Populous Districts
The Merthyr Tydfil area was said to be open, airy and well exposed to the sun. The temperatures are cooler and it is quite rainy and damp. Despite having 18 iron-furnaces at Dowlais, the Merthyr Tydfil area was said to not be a smoky place due to the high quality coal being used. However, the area was said to be in a sad state of neglect.
It was said that "with the exception of some little care in the main streets all else is in a miserable condition." The poorer inhabitants would throw all slops and refuse into the open gutters in front of their houses.
The town was not well planned, which contributed to lack of drainage, leaving stagnant pools of water on the roads along with the piles of refuse. That said, being a hilly area, rain would purge the areas where the pitch of the road was favorable.
In Dowlais, there were regulations about removing ashes before the doors in Dowlais, The Dowlais Iron Company would remove the ashes, but each house was to pay one penny per week for this service, a payment that was usually docked from wages, given most inhabitants worked for the company.
Bathrooms were scarce leading to the areas being a "complete network of filth" with the accompanying stench. About 40 to as many as 100 people would share a bathroom, usually that was in a neglected state. There was not much bathroom privacy among the poorer class, and many females suffered constipation in efforts to avoid exposure. With the lack of facilities, cinder heaps and river-sides would have to make due for many. Many children who started school had to be taught how to use the toilets at school, since it was such a rarity.
The conditions made most immune to modesty, and workmen were accustomed to stripping down after work and being washed and rubbed down by the females of the house.
Water supply was poor as well, with only a few enjoying water piped in, with most relying on pump wells, many of which that were contaminated by the run off from the filthy streets. Some 20 families would use the same well, many paying around 1 shilling 6 pence per quarter. During the dry months, many pumps would run dry and the poor would beg the tradesmen for water. Many would have to walk a mile and wait 3 to 4 hours through the night to wait their turn at a spigot.
Many cottages were erected by speculators looking to benefit from the influx of people to work at the iron works. Most cottages were only two rooms, a lower and upper room, the upper for the family to sleep. The rooms were usually about 8' x 10' up to 8' x 12', and were said to be very poorly ventilated. There were generally around three beds to sleep around 5 to 6 people. However four beds with up to 10 people was not unheard of. They were made from quarrystone and were stone-tiled. With an abundance of coal, the cottages were well warmed. In stark contrast to outside the home, Dowlais homes tended to be neat and tidy on the inside.
Rent for the cottages was from 6 to 8 shillings per month, or 3 pounds 18s. to 5p. 4s. per year. This was a high rent at the time, especially considering the conditions. For a better cottage with a kitchen, pantry and ground floor bedroom would cost from 8 to 13s. per month. Monthly wages for workers were 12s. for Labourers, 14s. for Miners and Masons, 17s. for Colliers, and 20s. for Puddlers and Firemen. Many families would take on lodgers to help with the costs.
Sunday, March 01, 2020
Sunday, October 02, 2016
Williams Surname Profiler from 1881 Great Britain Census
There was no doubt that our Williams surname was Welsh, but it was quite surprising to see how concentrated in Wales the Williams families were in 1881. By 1998, the Williams, had spread out more, but the Welsh origin remains quite evident. Williams, like the US, remains the third most common surname in the UK, making it even more challenging for us Williams genealogists. Thankfully, we love a good challenge.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Edward Williams (1825)
Edward Williams (b. c1825, d. bef 1911) was the son of a John Williams and was born in Dowlais, Glamorganshire.
Growing up in Dowlais, it comes as no surprise that Edward worked as an iron puddler at the local ironworks, which supplied iron to the ever expanding railways around the world. At the time the Dowlais Ironworks employed about 6,000 people. As a puddler a chief position in the iron making process, Edward would have been one of the highest paid ironworks employee. That said, he likely still only made a mere 20 shillings a month. This would be about $725/month in 2020 dollars, or only about $8,700 a year. With almost half of that amount going to renting a small cottage, there would have been very little left for all of the other necessities. It is no wonder his son, David, ultimately sought out a better life for the family in America.
On 3 December 1849, Edward's marriage to Harriet Thomas, daughter of John Thomas, at the High Street Chapel was registered. As of 1851, Edward and Harriett lived at 132 Well Street with their daughter Hannah and son David. By 1861, the family lived at 49 Castle Street, with the addition of another daughter, Harriet. In 1871, the family was still at 49 Castle Street, but Hannah was gone, presumably married.
Sometime before 1881, Edward's wife, Harriet, had died and only Edward and daughter, Harriet, were left at the 49 Castle Street home. By 1901, Edward moved in with his daughter Harriet and son-in-law William Hope, who lived at 187 Glandwr Terrace in Ystradyfodwg.
Edward spoke both English and Welsh.
49 Castle Street was across the street from Capel Hermon. Source
. View of Castle Street in 1935. Source
Growing up in Dowlais, it comes as no surprise that Edward worked as an iron puddler at the local ironworks, which supplied iron to the ever expanding railways around the world. At the time the Dowlais Ironworks employed about 6,000 people. As a puddler a chief position in the iron making process, Edward would have been one of the highest paid ironworks employee. That said, he likely still only made a mere 20 shillings a month. This would be about $725/month in 2020 dollars, or only about $8,700 a year. With almost half of that amount going to renting a small cottage, there would have been very little left for all of the other necessities. It is no wonder his son, David, ultimately sought out a better life for the family in America.
On 3 December 1849, Edward's marriage to Harriet Thomas, daughter of John Thomas, at the High Street Chapel was registered. As of 1851, Edward and Harriett lived at 132 Well Street with their daughter Hannah and son David. By 1861, the family lived at 49 Castle Street, with the addition of another daughter, Harriet. In 1871, the family was still at 49 Castle Street, but Hannah was gone, presumably married.
Sometime before 1881, Edward's wife, Harriet, had died and only Edward and daughter, Harriet, were left at the 49 Castle Street home. By 1901, Edward moved in with his daughter Harriet and son-in-law William Hope, who lived at 187 Glandwr Terrace in Ystradyfodwg.
Edward spoke both English and Welsh.
. View of Castle Street in 1935. SourceMonday, June 09, 2014
Margaret Williams Gerwig Schnupp (1887/89)
Margaret Williams Gerwig (b. Aug 1887) was born to David Thomas WIlliams and Mary Jenkins in Pittsburgh, PA. She married Albert Gerwig in 1908, and was living at 904 Bingham St in 1910.
In 1920, there was an Albert Gerwig born the same year as Margaret's husband, but was married to a Catherine. Since there is no sign of Margaret, it may be strong evidence that Margaret had died before 1920, and Catherine was his second wife. That said there is no death record for Margaret that has yet been found.
Margaret died at 7pm on 18 Feb 1932 of an acute hemorrhage and pancreatitis while at the Homeopathic Hospital in Ward 7 of Pittsburgh. At the time of her death she was married to Alfred Schnupp. She was laid to rest at the South Side Cemetery on 21 Feb 1932.
In 1920, there was an Albert Gerwig born the same year as Margaret's husband, but was married to a Catherine. Since there is no sign of Margaret, it may be strong evidence that Margaret had died before 1920, and Catherine was his second wife. That said there is no death record for Margaret that has yet been found.
Margaret died at 7pm on 18 Feb 1932 of an acute hemorrhage and pancreatitis while at the Homeopathic Hospital in Ward 7 of Pittsburgh. At the time of her death she was married to Alfred Schnupp. She was laid to rest at the South Side Cemetery on 21 Feb 1932.
Edward Williams (1875)
Edward Williams (b. 18 Sep 1875, d. 7 Feb 1924) was born to David Williams and Mary Jenkins in Dowlais, Wales. [Note: 1920 Census lists Edward as "John E"]
Edward married May UNKNOWN (b. c1881) in 1908. Mae's parents were also from Wales.
Edward and May had the following children:
May Williams (b. 1901)
Catherine Williams (b. 1904)
Edward Williams (b. 1914)
In 1910, Edward worked as a shipper, and then later as a night watchman and constable at the Pittsburgh Diamond Market House through the Bureau of City Property,1009 Carson W, and at Smithfield and Carson .
In 1910, Edward and his family lived at 1208 Arkansas Ave in Dormont. From at least 1919 to 1922, he was living at 2130/2139 Vodeli St in Dormont. In 1922, a Gordon C Grace was living at the same home. In 1923, he moved to 1804 Broadway Ave, where he would live the rest if his life.
In Feb 1924, Edward died of cirrhosis of the liver and chronic intestinal nephritis at the age of 48. On 9 Feb 1924, Edward was laid to rest at the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.
Edward married May UNKNOWN (b. c1881) in 1908. Mae's parents were also from Wales.
Edward and May had the following children:
May Williams (b. 1901)
Catherine Williams (b. 1904)
Edward Williams (b. 1914)
In 1910, Edward worked as a shipper, and then later as a night watchman and constable at the Pittsburgh Diamond Market House through the Bureau of City Property,1009 Carson W, and at Smithfield and Carson .
In 1910, Edward and his family lived at 1208 Arkansas Ave in Dormont. From at least 1919 to 1922, he was living at 2130/2139 Vodeli St in Dormont. In 1922, a Gordon C Grace was living at the same home. In 1923, he moved to 1804 Broadway Ave, where he would live the rest if his life.
In Feb 1924, Edward died of cirrhosis of the liver and chronic intestinal nephritis at the age of 48. On 9 Feb 1924, Edward was laid to rest at the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.
Edward's widow May, who is also listed as Mary in some places, was living with son Edward at 1637 Ruthford St in 1930. She was working as a maid and he was working as a stock boy at a paint store.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
William Williams (1878)
William Williams (b. c1878. 4 May 1918) was born to David Williams and Mary Jenkins in Dowlais, Glamorganshire, Wales.
In 1910, William was living with his father, brother Evan and his sister-in-law Catherine at 94 S. 15th St. Like his brother Evan, he was working as a truck driver for an undertaking firm.
William died19 in May 1918 of pulmonary tuberculosis after being hospitalized for 5 months and 23 days. He was laid to rest at the South Side Cemetery on 7 May.
In 1910, William was living with his father, brother Evan and his sister-in-law Catherine at 94 S. 15th St. Like his brother Evan, he was working as a truck driver for an undertaking firm.
William died19 in May 1918 of pulmonary tuberculosis after being hospitalized for 5 months and 23 days. He was laid to rest at the South Side Cemetery on 7 May.
Harriett Williams (1883)
Harriett Williams (13 Apr 1883 - 26 Sep 1927) was born to David Thomas Williams and Mary Jenkins in Stockton, Durham, England. The family lived in Stockton briefly on their way from moving from Wales to the United States.Harriett never married and lived with her parents and siblings. In 1920, Harriett was living with her dad, and brothers David, Thomas and Ivor at 1211 Bingham St. She was listed in the 1920 census as not being employed.
Harriett died at the young age of 44 years old on 26 Sep 1927.
Harriett's Obituary:
On Monday, Sept. 26, 1927, at 4:30 p.m. Harriett Williams, daughter of the late David T. and Mary Jenkins Williams, at the residence of her brother, Thomas Williams, 1910 Wrights Way, Southside. Funeral services on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. Friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Ivor Williams (1886)
Ivor Williams (b. 16 Mar 1886, 16 Mar 1943) was born to David Williams and Mary Jenkins in Pittsburgh, PA. Ivor was 5'5" tall with blue eyes and black hair. According to his draft registration, he had a scar from an abdominal operation.
As of 1918, Ivor was living with some of his siblings at 1209 Bingham St.
Sometime between 1920 and 1930, Ivor married Jennie Potts, possibly the daughter or Robert and Nettie Potts, and became stepfather to her children:
Joseph Platz Anthony Platz
John Platz
Marie Platz
Victor Platz
William Platz
Margaret Platz
In1930 Ivor worked at P&LERR, and lived with his family at 40 20th St.
In 1940 Ivor and his family lived at 1925 Carson St, a rental home, near his brother Thomas on Wrights Way, and was working odd jobs. He had been living in this home since at least 1935. According to the 1940 census, Ivor only had a third grade education, while his wife Jennie went up to two years of high school. Their rent in 1940 was $23 per month the equivalent of just over $380 in 2014 dollars.
Ivor lived at the Carson St address until his death in 1943.
Ivor's Obituary:
On Tuesday, March 16, 1943 at 4:55 p.m., Ivor Williams, husband of Jennie Potts, of 1925 Carson St., father of Joseph, Anthony, John, Marie, Victor, William and Margaret Platz; brother of Evan and Thomas Williams. Friends received at Colligan Bros. Funeral Home, 800 Carson St., South Side. Funeral services on Saturday March 20 at 2 p.m. Friends invited
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Evan Leo Williams (1880)
Evan Leo Williams (b. 18 Sep 1880, d. 16 Dec 1954) was born to David Williams and Mary Jenkins in Dowlais, Glamorganshire, Wales. As a boy he moved with his family to Pittsburgh, PA.
Evan married Catherine L. Coyne, daughter of Irish immigrants, in about 1907 in Pittsburgh.
In 1910, Evan and Catherine lived at 94 S. Fifteenth St (property highlighted below) along with his father David and brother William. He was working as a truck driver for an undertaking firm. He likely worked for neighbor Louis Kimmell, who was a funeral director at 51 S. Fourteenth St, which is located right behind where Evan and family was living.
Evan remained employed as a driver and lived at this home at the S. Fifteenth home at least through 1915. In 1912, his brother Thomas, who was working as a plumber, was living with Evan and his family. His father, David had moved to live with his daughter, Evan's sister, Margaret Gerwig. By 1914, his father David returned to live with them. His brother William was listed as living there in 1914 as well, but it is unclear whether he had been living there the whole time.
From 1917 to 1918, Evan and his family were living at 303 Greenfield Ave.
Evan apparently was illiterate as he just marked "X" for his name on his World War I draft registration card. According to the same draft card, Evan was of short, stout build and had blue eyes and black hair. As of September 1918, he was working as a machinist helper at the National Tube Company Continental Works on Second Ave in Pittsburgh. E An HJ Williams was listed as a student living at the same address in 1818.
Evan died at the age of 74 from a superior mesenteric thrombosis with gangrene of the small intestines. There are three veins that carry blood from the intestines to the liver via the hepatic portal vein the blood clot caused death of tissue which led to the gangrene. This could have occurred from an abdominal injury, genetic clotting disorder, infection , appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcerated colitis, pacreatitis, chron disease, cancer somewhere in the digestive system, scarring of the liver from some sort of toxin or drinking of alcohol. He spent 16 hours at Mercy Hospital before he died. He was laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery on 20 Dec 1954. His wife was likely an Irish Catholic, but it is unknown what faith Evan was.
Evan's Obituary:
On Thursday, Dec. 16, 1954 of 873 Whiteside Rd., Evan L. husband of the late Catherine Coyne Williams; beloved father of Gilbert L. Williams and Mrs. Francis R. Butler; also survived by six grandchildren. Friends received at the Jay A. McCaffery Memorial Home, 200 S. Craig St . (opposite St. Paul's Cathedral). Notice of time later.
Evan married Catherine L. Coyne, daughter of Irish immigrants, in about 1907 in Pittsburgh.
Evan and Catherine had the following children:
Gilbert L. b. 1911
Mary Williams b. 1 Jan 1915, d. 4 Jan 1915, (died of convulsions buried at Calvary Cemetery)
Mary Williams b. 1 Jan 1915, d. 4 Jan 1915, (died of convulsions buried at Calvary Cemetery)
Catherine b. 21 Nov 1918, d. 11 Jan 1978
In 1910, Evan and Catherine lived at 94 S. Fifteenth St (property highlighted below) along with his father David and brother William. He was working as a truck driver for an undertaking firm. He likely worked for neighbor Louis Kimmell, who was a funeral director at 51 S. Fourteenth St, which is located right behind where Evan and family was living.
Evan remained employed as a driver and lived at this home at the S. Fifteenth home at least through 1915. In 1912, his brother Thomas, who was working as a plumber, was living with Evan and his family. His father, David had moved to live with his daughter, Evan's sister, Margaret Gerwig. By 1914, his father David returned to live with them. His brother William was listed as living there in 1914 as well, but it is unclear whether he had been living there the whole time.
Evan apparently was illiterate as he just marked "X" for his name on his World War I draft registration card. According to the same draft card, Evan was of short, stout build and had blue eyes and black hair. As of September 1918, he was working as a machinist helper at the National Tube Company Continental Works on Second Ave in Pittsburgh. E An HJ Williams was listed as a student living at the same address in 1818.
By 1919, he and his family were likely living at 337 Greenfield Ave. Sometime between 1919 and 1920, Evan moved to a home that he purchased at 4209 Winterburn Ave. In 1930 the home was valued at $3800, about $53,000 in 2014 dollars. At the time, Evan was working as a crane operator at a steel works.
According to Evan's World War II draft registration, Evan was 5'8" and only 165 lbs, then with gray hair. He must have had an issue with his left thumb, as it is listed as a distinguishing characteristic on the draft card. He was still working on Second Ave at Jones & Laughlin Company steel mill. As of 1940, Evan, then a widower, lived with his son-in-law and daughter at 4210 Haldane St. According to the 1940 census, Evan was educated up to the 6th grade, worked 30 weeks in 1939 and worked an average of 32 hours per week. His salary for 1939 was about $900, meaning he made about $0.94/hr, or about $15.64/hr in 2014 dollars. By April 1942, Evan was still living with his son-in-law and daughter at 3506 Frazier St.
Evan died at the age of 74 from a superior mesenteric thrombosis with gangrene of the small intestines. There are three veins that carry blood from the intestines to the liver via the hepatic portal vein the blood clot caused death of tissue which led to the gangrene. This could have occurred from an abdominal injury, genetic clotting disorder, infection , appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcerated colitis, pacreatitis, chron disease, cancer somewhere in the digestive system, scarring of the liver from some sort of toxin or drinking of alcohol. He spent 16 hours at Mercy Hospital before he died. He was laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery on 20 Dec 1954. His wife was likely an Irish Catholic, but it is unknown what faith Evan was.
Evan's Obituary:
On Thursday, Dec. 16, 1954 of 873 Whiteside Rd., Evan L. husband of the late Catherine Coyne Williams; beloved father of Gilbert L. Williams and Mrs. Francis R. Butler; also survived by six grandchildren. Friends received at the Jay A. McCaffery Memorial Home, 200 S. Craig St . (opposite St. Paul's Cathedral). Notice of time later.
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