Edwin Jones

Edwin was born in Ruddlan in 1844. In 1881 he was Landlord of the Brondanw Arms in Llanfrothen (also farmer of 15 acres) living there with his wife Catherine (Kate) and their children Isaac (b.c1871), Robert (b.c1874) & John Charles (b.c1875) all born in Ffestiniog where presumably they had previously lived. For some unknown reason daughter Jane (b. 1878) is not shown as living there.

By 1891 they had moved to Penymeini, Penrhyndeudraeth. Edwin had joined the FR staff working on the PW, his wife was working as an engine cleaner and John as a engine greaser. By then they had another son Edwin R (b.1882).

Ten years later they had moved to Bryn Meurig, Penrhyndeudraeth, just below Quarry Lane crossing. Catherine had died; Edwin was still working on the PW and Edwin R was now employed by the FR as a fitter. Jane was still at home with no occupation so presumably looking after the house for her father & brother.

In 1911 John Charles was married, living at 3 Church Place, Penrhyndeudraeth and working for the FR as a shunting guard. Father Edwin & Jane were still at Bryn Meurig. Edwin R had left to join the Merchant Navy which ended in tragedy when he was killed, being torpedoed off the coast of Sunderland May 30 1918. Edwin senior became too old and ill to work on the PW and was given the job of crossing gatekeeper, presumably at Quarry Lane, Minffordd, a job previously held by Job Williams. He died on 18th February 1917 age 71.

After 25 years service Edwin was presented with a Waltham watch. This was kept in the family and presented back to the FR, being put on display at the WHHR museum in September 2009.