Individual Notes

Note for: Thomas ap Rhys Du, 1440 - Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, p. 7)
"THOMAS AP RYS DU, 6th son of Rys Du, by Gwenllian, his second wife, was born circa 1440, or later, and, upon the division of his father's estate, a large number of farms in the parishes of Llanddeiniol and Llanrhystyd fell to his share, including the Carrog estate (Carrog Farms and Keven Maen Elin). He married a daughter (name not ascertained) of David ap David, of Uwch Aeron, descended from Dinwal. (Meyrick, 134-5, Subsidy Roll 219-68.)"

Individual Notes

Note for: Jenkin ap Thomas, 1475 - 1543 Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, p. 8)
"JENKIN AP THOMAS AP RYS DU, 2d son of Thomas ap Rys Du and verch David, his wife: of the parish of Llanddeiniol, inherited lands in this parish and in Llanrhystyd, and died before 35 Henry VIII. (1543-4). (Subsidy Roll 219-68 and other records), at which time his possessions had passed to his descendants. The name of his wife is not known."

Individual Notes

Note for: Griffith ap Jenkin, 1505 - Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, p. 8)
"GRIFFITH AP JENKIN AP THOMAS, 1st son of Jenkin ap Thomas ap Rys Du, of the parish of Llanddeiniol, held land in this and adjoining parishes which had descended to him from Rys Du. He was born probably circa 1506-8, and, with Jonet, his wife, was living 19 Elizabeth (1577) when they sold to one Hugh Morgan 3 Messuages and certain lands in Llanrhystyd and elsewhere. (Rolls of Feet of Fines, Cardiganshire, 19 Elizabeth, October Sessions.)"

Individual Notes

Note for: Jenkin ap Griffith, 1535 - 1610 Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 8-9)
"JENKIN AP GRIFFITH, 1st son of Griffith ap Jenkin ap Thomas, and Jonet, his wife, of the parish of Llanddeiniol, was a considerable landholder there and in Llanrhystyd, of farms which had belonged to his ancestors, and also seems to have acquired considerable property in Tregaron and Llanddewi Brefi, and possibly in Nantcwnlle, where his son, Hugh Jenkin Griffith afterwards lived. He was the owner of Keven Maen Elin and the Carrog farms in Llanddeiniol and farms on the borders of Llanrhystyd, which lands, some before and some after his decease, passed to his sons. He died after 13 February, 1609, his wife, whose name is unknown, being then alive. (File for 1609, P. R. Carmarthen, Rolls of Feet of Fines, Cardiganshire, 41 Elizabeth, September Sessions and various other records elsewhere cited.)"

Individual Notes

Note for: Hugh Jenkin Griffith, 1556 - Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 9-13)
"HUGH JENKIN GRIFFITH, 1st son of Jenkin Griffith, was born circa 1556. In some records and in his will, he is called Hugh Jenkin. The name of his 1st wife has not been ascertained. His second was Mary Lewis, sister to John Lewis, of Trefeglwys, whose son, Lewis lohn, was one of the bondsmen for his cousin, Jenkin Hugh, 24 January, 1636. They were, with out doubt, the children of Lewis ap Lewis ap David Gwynn, of Mynachdy in Llanbadarn Trefeglwys, descended in the male line from Llewelyn Gardan, of Lyn Aeron, and he from Edwin ap Gronwy. The wife of Lewis ap David Gwynn, was Leuku, daughter of Lewis ap David Lloyd, of Gil y Aeron, ap David, of Gil y Aeron (i.e. Kilian Aeron) ap Philip ap Rys ap Ievan ap Lleweivn ap Kydgan, of Carrog (Llanddeiniol parish). Mary Lewis, was, therefore, a kinswoman to her husband, Hugh Griffith. (Dwnn, I, 16, 31.)

The mother of David Lloyd ap David ap Philip, was daughter to Ievan ap Griffith ap David, of Llwyn David. Her brother, David ap Ievan, was the person who entertained the Earl of Richmond so magnificently at Llwyn David, on his march to Bosworth Field. Mary Lewis was alive 14 October, 1636 and later.

Hugh Jenkin Griffith inherited an ample estate, part of which was situate in the parishes of Llanddeiniol and Llanrhystyd, and had formerly formed a portion of the estates of his ancestor, Kydwgan of Carrog; he acquired other lands by purchase. At the time of his death, in 1636, he was seized of Keven Maen Elyn, in Llanddeiniol, now called Maen-Elin uchaf and isaf, quite large farms, Tir y Cwm, now known by another name, situate between Llanddeiniol and Llanrhystyd, an interest in the lands called Tir Ievan ap Ievan ap Jokin, alias Tir issa Thomas David Griffith, below the hamlet of Gogoyan, in the parish of Llanddewi Brefi, several farms in the parish of Nantcwnlle, and held on lease a small place called Croft Corne Garne.

In 41 Elizabeth (1599), Hugh Jenkin Griffith, with his eldest son, Richard ap Hugh, sold to one Richard ap David ap Rees ap Howell, a property in the parish of Nantcwnlle consisting of one messuage, one garden, one hundred acres of arable land, twenty acres of meadow, forty acres of pasture and forty acres of furze and heath, with the appurtenances thereto belonging, for the consideration of Đ40 silver money. At this time his 1st wife was certainly dead. His 2nd marriage probably took place the following year.

A copy of the record of the above transaction in the Rolls of Feet of Fines, Cardiganshire. (Bundle 220, 41 Elizabeth, September Sessions) is reproduced:
In the month of March 8, Charles I., Hugh Jenkin Griffith and Jenkin ap Hugh (his son) made a purchase of one messuage, one barn, one garden, forty acres of land, one acre of meadow, twenty acres of pasture, and two acres of woods in Nantcwnlle, from David Jenkin Griffith (brother to Hugh Jenkin Griffith) and Jane, his wife. This was adjacent to his other farm in Nantcwnlle and was intended for his son Jenkin. A copy of the record of the same is herewith reproduced. (Rolls of Feet of Fines, Cardiganshire, Bundle 221, 8 Charles I, March Sessions.)
Hugh Jenkin Griffith died in or about the month of January, 1636-7, and was buried in Nantcwnlle churchyard. His will is as follows:

Extracted from the District Registry of the Probate Di-vorce and Admiralty Division of His Majesty's High Court of Justice at Carmarthen.
In the Name of God Amen the xiiiith day of October, 1636. I Hugh Jenkin of Nantgwnlle within the Archdeaconrie of Cardigan and Diocies of Saint Davids being sick in body but of good and p'fect memorie Laud and Prayzes be to God Doe make and ordayne this my last Will and Testament in maner and forem folowinge first I comend my soule unto Almightie God my Maker and Redeemer and my Body to be buried in Christian buriall Item I doe give and bequeth towards the requremd of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Dds iiiid Item I doe give demise and bequeth unto my sone Jenkin Hugh and to his heires for ever all that one messuage tenement lands situat beinge and leing in the P'ish of Llanddinol within the Countie of Cardigan and there comonly called and knowen by the name of Keven man elyn alias Tyr y skybor a throyn y maes gwyn with every p'tie p'cells and Members thereof together with all papers miniments and writtinge thereunto belonging Item I doe give demise and bequeth unto my now weaded wife Mary Lewis duringe her naturall lyfe all that one messuage tenement and lands called Tir Cerreg fory alias Tir v Cwm leinge and beinge between the P'yshe of Llanrhistid and Llanddynoll and in the Countie of Cardigan with every p'te p'cell and members thereof and after her death to my son John Hugh and to his heires forever Item I doe give demise and bequeth unto my said sone Jenkin Hugh & to his heires forever all my right title and interest in that one messuage tenement and land leinge and beinge in the P'sh of Llanddewybrevy and in the Countie of Cardigan and there commonly caled Tir Jeuan ap Jeuan ap Jokin alias Tyr issa Thomas DD. Griffith Dan Gogoyan with all his right members and apurtenances whatsoever Item I doe give and bequeth unto mv sd sone John Hugh and my daughter Jowan Hugh all and singular my horses, my Kyne, my sheepe, my swyn my gees and all other my poultries whatsoever to be divided between them into tvvo p'tes by just and equall portion Item I doe give and bequeth unto my said sone John Hugh one plate Dis(h) one brassen Candlestick and i j harrowes Item I doe give and bequeth to my said sone John Hugh & my said daughter Jowan Hugh i j brueing pannes Item I doe give and bequeth unto my sd daughter Jowan Hugh one of my best Coffers. one plate dis(h) Candlestick and i j Harrowes Item I doe give and bequeth unto my sd weaded wife Mary Lewis all and singular my corne in my barne and hayard and that towards the mayntayninge of my sd children John Hugh and Jowan Hugh & Jenkin Hugh save only so much seed as will sowe the land where I doe nowe dwell which I doe give and bequeth unto my sd sone Jenkin Hugh The rest and resideu of all and singular my goods chattels both movable and unmovable not formerly by me bequethed I doe hereby give and bequeth unto my sd sone Jenkin Hugh whome I doe hereby nominat and appoint to be my true and lawfull Executor Witnesses p'sent at the makinge publishinge and declaringe of this my last Will and Testament Griffith Thomas, Edward Thomas, Jeuan Griffith Thomas, Griffith Jenkin , Morgan Jenkin , Griffith Hugh , and Griffith Evans and others
Debts due one me the sd Testator Item to Griffith Thomas 6s vjjjd
Item to Hugh Dd-----Xs Xd
Signed testr (**)
Item to Griffith Hugh-XXs Xd
Item the rent of
Croft y Corne garne XXXjjjs jjjj
Proved at Carmarthen 24 January, 1636 .

I certify that the foregoing contains a true copy of the original Will of Hugh Jenkin deceased with which this Copy has been collated.
(Signed)W. MORGAN GRIFFITHS
District Registrar, 10th February 1905
(Carmarthen) .
'A true rigt and p'fect Inventory of all and singular the goods Cat-tles and Chattles of Hugh Jenkin of Nantgwnlle within the Archdea-conrie of Cardigan and Diocese of St. Davids, deceased,' was filed at the time the will was probated, the appraisers being David Hugh, Griffith Hugh and Ievan David Jenkin. It consisted of horses, ewes and lambs, six cows, 2 Oxen and a steer, three yearlings, a yearling heifer, a two year old heifer, 3 calves, swine, Corn and hay, 4 har-rows, 2 brewing pans, platters, Candlesticks and other household and agricultural articles. The whole amounted to Đ33: 4: 4. A good sum for those days, being about equal to Đ500 in our money."

Individual Notes

Note for: Griffith Hugh Jenkin Griffith, ABT 1601 - ABT DEC 1670 Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 13-15)
"GRIFFITH HUGH JENKIN GRIFFITH, 3d son of Hugh Jenkin Griffith, and called in various documents and records, Griffith Hugh Jenkin and Griffith Hugh, was born circa 1601; died in the parish of Nantcwnlle, in or about the month of December, 1670, and was buried in Nantcwnlle Churchyard.

Upon his arrival at the age of twenty-one years his father gave him sufficient money to purchase and stock a farm, and, he accordingly, in April, 20 James I. (1622) secured from David ap Jevan David and Matilda, his wife, a property in Nantcwnlle, consisting of one Messuage, forty acres of arable land, eight acres of meadow, thirty acres of pasture, ten acres of woodland and twenty acres of furze and heath. And he paid to the said David and Matilda, therefor, Đ40 in silver money.

A copy of this transaction in the Rolls of Feet of Fines for Cardiganshire (Bundle 220, 20 James I., April Sessions) is reproduced.

Subsequently Griffith Hugh acquired other farms on the borders of Nantcwnlle and Trevilan parishes, and, apparently, partly within the latter-as his son John Griffith, who inherited and lived upon these lands is described in the Letters of Administration upon his estate, as of Trevilan. He also had land in Llanddewi Brefi parish. He married Margaret ----, who predeceased him. His will is as follows:
Extracted from the District Registry of the Probate Di-vorce and Admiralty Division of His Majesty's High Court of Justice at Carmarthen.

In the Name of God Amen the twelth day of August In the yeare of Our Lord God 1670 I Griffith Hugh of the P'ish of Nantgwnlle within the Cond of Cardigan & within the Diocesse of Snt Davids being sicke in body but of good & perfect memory laude & praise be given to the Allmightie God my maker & redeemer doe hereby make this to be my last will & testament & doe revoake all former Wills in maner & forme following Imprimis I doe comend my soule to the hands of the Allmighty god, & my body to be bur-ied in Xtian buriall. Item I doe give & bequeth towards the Kathedrall church of Saint Dds 4d. Item I doe give & bequeth to my yonger daughter Jane Griffith towards her mariadge portion the full sume of Sixe & twenty pounds thirteen shillings and fourepence to be paid in the space of foure years in foure severall payments by my executor hereafter named Item I give & bequeth unto my yonger sonne David Griffith and that one tene-ment of lands called Tyn y Parke situate laing & being in the P'ish of Nantgwnlle within the Cond. of Card. in as lardge & ample maner as one David Morgan now under tenant holdeth the same together with all exempts estates muniments & writing whatsoever there unto belonging and likewise I bequeth Tenne pounds more in ready money of England to David Griffith my said sonne to bee paid by my Executor upon demand Lastly I doe give & bequeth unto my eldest sonne & heire, John Griffith all the rest & reasidue of my goodes. Katells & chattles both moveable & (im) moveable whome I constitute & apoint to by my sole Executor & see my funerall expences paid & satisfied. In wittnes whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seale even the day above said.
Sealed & delivered in the sight & presence of
Gr: Jenkin
John Hugh
Richard Jenkin .Jen. Hugh .The Testator's mke.
X
Proved 15 December, 1670.

I certify that the foregoing contains a true copy of the original will of Griffith Hugh deceased with which this copy has been collated. (Signed) W. Morgan Griffiths, District Registrar, 10 February, 1905.
An Inventory of "the goods Cattells and Chattells moveable and immoveable of Griffith Hugh of the P'ish of Nantgwnlle within the Archdeaconery of Card," was taken by Gr. Jenkin, John David and Morgan Jenkin. The principal items were: 5 Milk Kine, 2 steers, 5 small beasts, 35 sheep and 3 horses."

Individual Notes

Note for: John Griffith, 1635 - 1681 Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, p. 17)
"JOHN GRIFFITH, 2d son and heir of Griffith Hugh was born in the parish of Nantcwnlle, Cardiganshire, circa 1635. He was a bondsman for his fafher, Griffith Hugh, and for his brother, David Griffith, Executors of the will of his elder brother, Hugh Griffith, 21 October, 1663, being then described as of the parish of Nantcwnlle, yeoman. (File of 1663, P. R. Carmarthen). By the will of his father, Griffith Hugh, dated 12 August, 1670; proved 15 December, 1670 (File of 1670, P. R. Carmarthen) he is named as heir, and residuary legatee of the personal estate, and appointed sole executor of the will. In the Bond filed by him at the time of the granting of Letters Testamentary on this estate, he is styled as of Nantcwnlle ("Nantgunlle") gentleman. (File of 1670, P. R. Carmarthen.)
He inherited a very considerable estate near the conjunction of the ancient bounds of the parishes of Nantcwnlle, Trevilan and Llanddewi Brevi, and in Llanfihangel Ystrad. A portion of his property probably lay in Trevilan, to which place he apparently removed his residence after 1674, or, at least died there in 1681.
So far as can be ascertained he owned Cae Riced and land adjoin-ing Gwastad and Ty'n y Park and Cae Madock and also a tract of 300 acres of land and 11 tenements in Nantcwnlle and Llanfihangel Ystrad, and the property now called Allt Hugh Shon, most of which passed, finally, into the possession of his eldest son, Hugh John, of Nantcwnlle.
John Griffith married Gwenllian David, who was living after 1681, and he died intestate prior to 3 May, 1681, leaving to survive him, a widow, the said Gwenllian, and minor sons, to whom his freehold es-tate descended share and share alike, as tenants in common. Letters of Administration upon his personal estate were granted to his widow, the said Gwenllian David, 3 May, 1681, he being then described as John Griffith ap Hugh. (File for 1681, P. R. Carmarthen.)"

Individual Notes

Note for: Griffith John Griffith, 1668 - 1711 Index

Event:
     Type:   MARR
     Date:   ABT 1695
     Place:   Llanddewi Brefi, Cardiganshire, South Wales

Individual Note:
     (Pedigree, Glynn, pp. 19-22)
"GRIFFITH JOHN GRIFFITH, 3d son of John Griffith ap Hugh, was born near the conjunction of the ancient bounds of the parishes of Nantcwnlle, Llanddewi Brefi and Trevilan, Cardiganshire, circa 1666-7, but was not baptized until April, 1674.

According fo the Welsh custom (Modo Wallico) he is variously described as Griffith John, Grffith Johns (Shones) and Griffith Jones (various Wills, Appraisements, etc., Carmarthen). He was entitled to a one-third undivided interest in his father's free-hold land.

On 25 May, 1705, he was one of the appraisers of the personal effects of his kinsman, William Evans of Llanddewi Bref1 (File for 1705, P. R. Carmarthen), and was one of the Executors and also one of the beneficiaries in trust, under the will of his father-in-law, Jenkin Jones, of Koedmawr in the parish of Llanddewi Brefi, dated 28th May, 1705.

He married Margaret, daughter of Jenkin Jones, above named, (Will of J. J. File for 1708, P. R. Carmarthen) and soon after went to live adjacent to his father-in-law, and subsequently at Tregaron. He is described as "gentleman" and also as "yeoman" in various documents.

Jenkin Jones is first found as a freeholder in the parish of Llanddewi Brefi, 16 Charles II. (Subsidy Roll 263-44-Pennarth Hundred Cardiganshire. Public Record Office, London) and his name appears as witness to the will of William Griffith of Llanddewi Brefi (not of this family) dated 20 July, 1704; proved 12 November, 1705. (File for 1705, P. R. Carmarthen).

The Will of Jenkin Jones "of Koedmawr in the County of Cardigan and of ye Parish of Llanddewi Brevi in ye County aforesayd," is dated 28 May, 1705, wherein he doth give and devise, among other things," unto William Jenkins and Griffith Jones (Johns) my two sons-in-law those two houses in the Village of Caron "unto me belonging and also a great old hall in ye village now in possession of Bartholomew Evans and Margaret Johns, and also two gardens thereunto be-longing, to have and to hold ye same unto you and their heires, until an absolute sale be made thereof towards ye paymnt of my debts, not wthout ye consent of my brother John Jones." He gives to his son Evan, of Llanddewi Brefi, who was also his heir at law in tail male, Đ5.

The Inventory of Jenkin Jones' personal estate, appraised by John Jon. Howell and David John, is dated 30 May, 1705, which latter is clearly a clerical error for 1708, as the will is endorsed by the Registrar as proved 1708, and is in the file for that year. (File for 1708 Carmarthen Registry). A second endorsement on the will, in very false Latin and signed by the then Registrar (Thomas Powell), states in substance, that on 3 August, 1715, supplementary Letters Testamentary, were issued to William Jenkin, the surviving Executor, the other Executor named in the will (Griffith John), having been proved dead some time before. There is an indication that there was some litigation in the matter, and from the documents in the case it seems certain that Griffith John died circa 1711, which agrees with the family statement.

Griffith John removed to Tregaron (Caron) before his father-in-law's death and resided, for a time at least, in one of the houses mentioned in the will, and there is no doubt whatever that the Margaret Johns mentioned as being the tenant of one of these houses, was his wife and the daughter of Jenkin Jones, for we find in the Tregaron Register, that Angharad (i.e. Margaret), daughter of Griffith John of Caron, was baptized there, 8 October, 1704 (Tregaron Parish Register).

The will of Jenkin Jones of Koedmawr seems to prove conclusively that the wife of Griffith John was alive 28 May, 1705.

There is no record of her burial to be found at Tregaron nor, in deed, of her husband, who died circa 1711, so that they probably, Ieft Tregaron and returned to Llanddewi Brefi or Nantcwnlle, as several records indicate, just prior to Griffith John's decease. According to the family narrative she died about the same time as her husband.

The record in the family is that the children of Griffith John, after their father's decease, went to live with their uncle, or uncles, their father's brothers. It appears, however, that John Griffith, and his sister Mauld. were, for a time, placed with a distant relative, one Morgan Thomas, of the parish of Llanddewi Brefi, probably before their parents' decease, for the purpose of learning farming and dairy work, after the Welsh custom in those days, which was to send children from home at an early age, in order that, being under discipline, they might better learn whatever occupation they intended to follow, and also become more self-reliant. This Morgan Thomas was a mernber of the Society of Friends, and it was, doubtless, on this account, that we find John Griffith in membership with Friends immediately after his arrival in Pennsylvania, although his brothers, William and Griffith, David John and other kinsman, were allied to the Baptist's Church, to the tenets of which they had been educated after their fa-ther's decease.

Morgan Thomas died 1712, and his will, dated 17th of 10 month, 1708, was proved 25 June, 1712. (File for 1712, P. R. Carrnarthen). He leaves small bequests to John Griffith and Mauld Griffith.

After Morgan Thomas died John Griffith appears to have lived with his uncle, either with his great uncle David Griffith, of Ty'n y Park (The Park Farm), or with his father's brothers, Hugh John and David John. The several farms of these persons were adjacent, and the situation of the valley in which they arc situate produces the peculiar phenomenon mentioned by John Griffith's grandson, viz: that thev lived 'in a valley, where daylight appeared as a reflection on the Western mountains.'

The younger brothers undoubtedly lived with Hugh John and David John, adjacent to the Nonconformist Chapel of their kinsman, Rev. David Edwards, and William Griffith was one of the appraisers of the estate of Rev. David Edwards, 24 December, 1716; with his uncle. Hugh John who was also one of the witnesses to the Will. (See Additional particulars under Notes on John Griffith, William Griffith and Griffith Griffiths)."

Individual Notes

Note for: Margaret Jones, ABT 1660 - 1711 Index

Event:
     Type:   MARR
     Date:   ABT 1695
     Place:   Llanddewi Brefi, Cardiganshire, South Wales

Individual Notes

Note for: William Griffith, - 1790 Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 23-26)
"WILLIAM GRIFFITH, 1st son of Griffith John Griffith, was born near the conjunction of the ancient boundaries of the parishes of Nantcwnlle, Llanddewi Brefi and Trevilan, in the County of Cardigan, South Wales. (see authorities cited supra). He removed to Pennsvlvania with his brothers John and Griffith, and ultimately set-tled in Township of Easttown or Eastown, in Chester County, where he died in or about the month of February, 1790. He was a planter, and, it is stated, a member of the Baptist Church. His wife's name not ascertained. Like his brother, Griffith and possibly also John, he re-sided with his unc1e Hugh John after his father's decease, about 1711, and, with Hugh John his name appears in relation to the settlement of the estate of the Rev. David Edwards, a relative and neighbor, and a Non-conformist minister, who died in 1716 (see supra). The will of William Griffith is as follows:

Be it remembered that I William Griffith of the Township of Estown In the County of Chester & State of Pennsylvania, Being weak in Body But of Sound Disposeing Mind & Memory, and Calling to mind the Uncertainty of Life and of my Continuancy here, Do Make & Ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner & form following:-Imprimis, I Order all my Just Debts, & funeral Charges, to be paid & Discharged. - Item I give and Bequeath to my beloved wife Margret, her choice of One Cow, & my Best Bed, Bedding & furniture, my pots, kettles, & my Brass ware, all my pewter Dishes & plates, spoons, Trenchers, Linens, Napkins, & other Necessary Articles, she may be in need of, Immediately after my decease and for her to dispose, as she pleases at her decease. -Item. I Order & Impower my Executors, hereafter named, that as soon as Convenient, after my decease, to Sell, Convey & Transfer my plantation & Tract of Land, whereon I now Liveth, Situated In the Township aforesaid, Containing One Hun-dred Acres, or thereabouts, be the same more or less, On public Sale, to the Best Advantage, as well as all the residue & remainder of my Estate, what-soever, Belonging to me, not herein Bequeathed or applied, & the monies thence arising (after payments of my Debts & Charges) I dispose of in the following manner -Item I give & bequeath to my Son William Griffith the Sum of Ten pounds. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann, wife of John Edwards, the sum of Ten pounds. -Item, whereas I gave my Obligation to John Taylor, Merchant, for a Considerable Sum of money, for & in Behalf of my son John Griffith, which my Said Son Received, for his own use & the said obligation, being still in force,against me, which Excras. is to pay and Discharge; And I further give & Bequeath unto my said Son John Griffith the Sum of Two pounds. -Item, In case either of my sons, William or John Griffith, should Bring any accompts, or de-mands, against my Estate, In that case, I do Order my Executors hereafter named, to Bring my accounts, that I have, against them, In order for a Set-tlement with them, or Either of them; and on Condition that they do Omit & bring no accounts against my Estate, I do likewise Order my Executors to Remit and Relinquish my Accounts, against them. -Item I give & Be-queath to, my Son David Griffith, the Sum of Twenty-five pounds. -Item I give and Bequeath my daughter Sarah, wife of Daniel McKachen, the sum of Twenty-five pounds; Item I give & bequeath to my grandson Ap-solem Griffith, my daughter Ann's Son, the Sum of Ten pounds. -All the above Legacies to be paid in good, Lawfull Currency of Pennsyla. In One year after the Sale of my plantation, above mentioned. -Item, I give & bequeath to my grandson Benjamin Griffth son of John Griffith, the Sum of five pounds, Also the Sum of five pouds to my grandson Griffith McKachen Son of Dan'l McKachen, Both said Sums to be put upon Inter-est, for their use, & to be paid them, at the age of Twenty One years, respectively. -Item, the remainder of my Estate (After payments of all my debts, Charges, & Legacies above mentioned) I order my Executors hereaf-ter named, to put out upon Lone, & the Interest accrueing thereon, to be paid yearly to my wife, giving power to my Exc'rs., In case, the said Inter-est should prove Insufficient, for her support, to make use of the principal, to supply her with Every reasonable & Necessary want, during her Life.-Item, whereas I purpose, that, my wife is to Live, with my daughter Sarah, wife of Dan'l McKachen after my decease, & for their kindness & good care toward their mother, during of Life, I do Order, my Executors, that Immediately after the death of my wife, they Do, Remit, forgive, & deliver up gratis, unto the Said Daniel Mc.Kachen, two obligations amounting to the Sum of Twenty Eight pounds, principal due to me, from the said Dan'l Mc.Kachen, nevertheless, still giving and Retaining, Discressionary pow-ers to my Executors, that if the see reasonable Occation, and cause, that they may remove, & take my wife, & put her in such places as may be the most suitable, & In Case of her Removal, my Will is, and I order, that the Said Bonds above mentioned, are to be Recovered from the Said Dan'l Mc.Kachen,-all money in remainder & reversion in Every Respect, Be-longing to my Estate, after the death of my wife, I give and Bequeath amongst my Sons & Daughters above named, & to Every grandchield I have, that will be alive at the time of Settlement, to be Equally Divided Between them, Share & share alike, & to be paid to them or to their guardians authorised, or that will Engage in Behalf of the Minor's to Re-ceive their several Legacies &c payable in One year after my wife's decease.-Item. I give & devise to Daniel McKachen & to his heirs, the priviledge of a private path way four feet wide to a Spring head of water, at the Root of a popler tree, upon my Land, above described, Being a few perches, from the Land of the said Daniel Mc.Kachen, with the priviledge of making use of Said water, & Liberty to pass, & repass, to & from at all times.-And Lastly I Constitute & appoint my nephew Dan Griffith of East Nantmill & my Friend Daniel Cornog of Willistown, Executors of this my last Will & Testament by me made ordaining & declaring this Only to be my Last Will & Testament. In witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this Twenty-third day of May, Ano Dome, One thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty five.-1785.
his
William M. Griffith (SEAL)
mark

Signed, Sealed, published & declared by the Testator, as his Last Will & Testament In the presence of us
Joshua Smedley Affirmed
Caleb Smedley
Joshua Evans Affirmed
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Chester County, ss:
Register's Office
February 4th, 1905

I, David G. Byerly, Register for the Probate of Wills and Granting Letters of Administration, &c., in and for the County of Chester, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and accurate copy of the last Will and Testament of William Griffith, late of the Township of Easttown, deceased, which was duly Probated Feb. 6, 1790, and Letters Testamentary granted unto Dan Griffith and Daniel Cornog, recorded in Will Book 8, page 409 as the same remains on file and of Record in this office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal, at West Chester, the date above.
DAVID G. BYERLY,
Register of Wills.
Pr. W. E. Wocdward, Dep. Reg."

Individual Notes

Note for: John Griffith, ABT 1696 - 1774 Index

Individual Note:
(Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 26-27)
"JOHN GRIFFITH, 2d son of Griffith John Griffith (authorities cited supra) was born near the conjunction of the parishes of Nantcwnlle, Llanddewi Brefi and Trivilan, in the County of Cardigan, South Wales, and removed to Pennsylvania with his brothers, William and Griffith, after December, 1716. He settled, first, in the Township of Newtown, Chester County, where he was taxed in 1722; died in the township of East Nantmeal, in or about the month of October, 1774. He early allied himself with the Society of Friends and became promi-nent among them. In 1750 he removed to Wilmington, Delaware, from Goshen, and, 1754, he returned to Goshen.

John Griffith married, 8 month 31, 1734, being then of Uwchlan, Chester County, Mary, daughter of Samuel and Margaret John, of the same place. She was born 12 month, 19, 1709-10. (For marriage certificate and will of John Griffith, see Appendix.)"

Individual Notes

Note for: Griffith Griffiths, ABT 1698 - 16 OCT 1760 Index

Event:
     Type:   MARR
     Date:   1722
     Place:   East Nantmeal, Chester Co., PA

Individual Note:
     (Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 32-37)
"GRIFFITH GRIFFITHS, 3d son of Griffith John Griffith (signed statement by John, grandson of John Griffith, G. G.'s brother), was born on a farm near the conjunction of the ancient bounds of the parishes of Nantcwnlle, Llanddewi Brefi and Trivilan, of which his family had been freeholders for several generations.
As already stated, his parents lived for a time in the adjacent town of Tregaron, and, after the father's death, the children resided with their uncle, Hugh John, whose lands, a part of the family estates, were situate partly in Nantcwnlle, and on the borders of Llanddewi Brefi. These lands, of which Cae Riced probably formed a part, adjoin Ty'n y Park, then the property of David Griffith, the great uncle of Griffith Griffiths and Cae Maddock, a farm belonging to Rev. David Edwards, the Nonconformist Minister, and were adjacent to Aber Meurig, also the property of the latter, and to other lands of Hugh John, a part of which, in Nantcwnlle but bordering on and perhaps then extending into what is now the Chapelry of Bettws Leiki, then Llanddewi Brefi, is still called Allt Hugh Shon, i.e. Hugh John's or Hugh Jones' Grove.

The peculiar situation of Hugh Johns' residence, and, indeed, of a considerable part of the family lands here, in a narrow valley, with high hills on the east, explains the statement of John Griffith, son of John, and nephew to Griffith Griffiths, who speaks of the family home "in Cardiganshire in a valley where daylight first appeared as a reflection on the western mountains," visible through the passes to the West.
Adjacent to Hugh John and David Griffith of Ty'n y Park (The Park Farm) resided, as noted above, Rev. David Edwards, the first Nonconformist (Baptist) minister in this neighborhood. He was a man of considerable education and held large landed interests here. He first established a Meeting House for Baptists at a cottage on his Aber Meurig farm, but later erected a Chapel at Bettws Leiki. He died in 1716. The family of Griffith Griffiths were not only related to, but intimate with Rev. David Edwards, Hugh John being one of the witnesses to his will, dated 18 July, 1716; proved I9 November, 1716, and his (Hugh John's) nephew William Griffith (brother to Griffith Griffiths), appearing as assisting him in connection with the setlement of the estate, 24 December, 1716. (File for 1716 P. R. Carmarthen).

The early affiliation of Griffith Griffiths and his brother, William, with the Baptists is thus explained, whilst the brother John, brought up, as stated, by a Quaker, early attached himself to the Society of Friends in which he continued a member during the remainder of his lif

A Welsh Bible, now in the possession of Foster C. Griffith of Trenton, New Jersey, and formerly the property of Griffith Griffiths, and which contains a number of family records, bears the autograph, under date of 1710, of one Richard William ("his hand and pen, God save Queen Ann and all her men,") who is presumed to have been the original owner, and from whom doubtless, Griffith Griffiths obtained it. This Richard William has been positively identified, by his signa-ture attached as a witness to the will of Rees Evan, of Llanddewi Brefi, dated 17 February, 1704; proved 23 March, 1704, (File for 1704, P. R. Carmarthen), as a neighbor of the Griffith family, and a follower of Rev. David Edwards, who, doubtless, caused the distribution of these Bibles in this neighborhood.

The tradition in the family is that about the year 1715, when Griffith was about sixteen or seventeen years old, his uncle sent him one day with a tithe of wool to the "Parish Priest" (i.e. the Vicar) and that a dispute arising, either regarding the correctness of the tithe, or per-haps, because of some argument regarding Griffith's nonconformity, the Vicar threw the bags, or one of them, at his (Griffiths') head, whereupon Griffiths promptly struck him, and to escape the consequences, more especially it is said, his uncle's wrath, fled the county, was joined by his brothers, and sailed for Pennsylvania.

The "Parish Priest" mentioned was the Vicar of Llanddewi Brefi. That such an assault upon the Vicar by young Griffiths actually took place at this time is unquestionably confirmed by a tradition to that effect still current amongst the oldest inhabitants in this neighborhood.

Elijah Griffiths, his grandson, who was born 1769, in his "Histori-cal Biography of the Griffiths Family," says that "Griffith Griffiths emigrated to this country from Wales, it is supposed about 1715, when a youth of 16 or 17 years of age, also his two brothers, William and John Griffiths, who all settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania." The date of emigration, however, was after February, 1716 (old style).

Griffith Griffiths settled first in Newtown Township, where he be-came a taxpayer in 1724.
At this time Griffith Griffiths was a member of the Great Valley Baptist Church, the congregation of which was composed partly of persons from the neighborhood of his home in Wales. In 1726, however, "the following persons broke off from the Great Valley Church on account of their change of sentiments concerning the Sabbath: Philip Davis (David), Lewis Williams, Richard Edwards, Griffy Grif-fiths; and the next year (1727) William James. These five with their families removed to French Creek in the aforesaid year." "Here (French Creek) is a meeting house, 30 feet by 22 feet, built in 1726 on a lot of one acre, the gift of David Rogers. This Congregation came to be called Seventh Day Baptists."

Griffith Griffiths married, 1722, Gwen, daughter of Evan Thomas, and she was living 1770. (Will Book B., Vol. 2, 31 West Chester, Pa.)

He died on his plantation in the Township of East Nantmeal before 16 October, 1760. His will is as follows:

       Be it Remembred this Twenty Ninth Day of March Anno Domini One Thousand Seven hundred forty Eight that I Griffith Griffiths being sick and weak of Body but of Sound Mind and memory thanks be given unto God, therefore I Do hereby make this my Last Will and Testament Revoking and Annuling all other Wills heretofore by me made Ratifying and Confirming this to be my last will and Testament and no other. I first Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it Hopeing in & by the Mercies and Sufferings of our B. Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ to be Everlastingly saved and my Body to be buried in a Decent and Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executors hereinafter mentioned. And as to what Worldly Estate God has been pleased to bless me with in this life after my Just Debts and funeral Charges is paid, I Give and Bequeath in the following manner and Form.
Imprimis. My Will is I Give and Bequeath unto my Eldest Son Able Griffiths the Sum of half a Crown viz. two Shillings and Six pence Current mony of pensilvania to be paid him by my Executors after my Decease. My Will is I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Evan Griffiths the Sum of half a Crown, viz. Two Shillings and Six pence Current money of Pensilvania to be paid unto him by my Executors after my Decease.
My Will is I Give and bequeath unto my Children William Griffiths, Dan Griffiths, Amos Griffiths, Levi Griffiths, and Rebecca Griffiths, after the above Legacies is paid and my Wifes Dowrey taken out that then my whole Estate to be equally devided Between them Share and Share alike. And I nominate and appoint my Brother John Griffiths and David Stephens to be Guardians Over my Minor Children until they come to ye Age the Law allows them to chuse their own Guardians.
My Will is I give and bequeath Unto my Dear and well beloved Wife Gwin Griffiths One Third part of all my Personal Estate to her and her Heirs Forever, and One Third part of my real Estate during Life: and her featherbed and furniture and the walnut chest of drawers, and her Side saddle and the best bridle, and the priveledge of the best Room in my dwelling house during Life, but if she the said Gwin Grifiths my wife shall after my Decease cheange her condition of Widowhood for that of marriage That then she shall have only, her thirds as the Law allows and nothing more (Except she marry with the consent and approbation of the above said Guardians. Then shall she have all the above said Legacies as mentioned and priviledged) But if she marry contrary to the approbation of the above said Guardians Then shall she be Discharged from her Executorship and my Son William Griffiths shall be only and sole Executor of this my last will & Testament. It is my Will and I Do hereby nominate and appoint my dear & welbeloved Wife Gwin Griffiths and my Son William Griffiths to be my Executrix and Executor to this my last Will and Testament and the better to enable them my Executors to take care and bring up my minor Children till they come to Age I give and bequeath into the hands of my Executors all my Whole Estate both Real and Personal (Excepting the two above Legacies beqeathed to my two Sons Abel and Evan which I would have paid them in One year after my Decease.) until such minors come to age, and then as they Come to age in course that is William, Dan, Amos, Levi and Rebecca shall have their Legacies, or Children part paid to them out of my Estate by my Executors. And it is my Will that my Executors Consent to be aided and assisted by the above said Guardians taking their Advice and Consent in all things Relating to their Executorship. Now This is my Last Will and Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal The Day and year first above written.

    GRIFFITH GRIFFITHS (Seal)
Signed Sealed pronounced and Declared in the Presence of us.
Thomas Atherton Affd. 7 Nov. 1700.
Samuel John

Know ye and be it Remembered that I Griffith Griffiths of East Nant-meal in Chester County and Province of Pensilvania yeoman, have made a will on the twenty ninth Day of March 1748; But my Circomstances and Inclination being now Something Difering in some respects from what it was then wherefore I think fit to make this addition or Codicil to be anext to the said will in no wise revokeing or Disanuling any part thereof; Except Such alteration as Shall be herein mentioned-first it is my will that my Son Dan Griffiths shall be one of my Executors joyntly with his Mother Gwin Griffith: in the room of his Brother Wm Griffiths mentioned in the said will. And as Concerning my Son Amos Griffith that now lives with his Uncle David John, under Some expectation of reward &c, it is my will Concerning him and if the said David John shall give to my Son Amos answeral or aquivalent to ye Share of one of my younger Children then if so I give him only two shilings and Six pence-as for my son Abel Grifiths I remit or forgive him a Debt thats Due from him to me for a heifer or Cow it is my will also that none of the afore mentioned Legacies (except them due to Abel & Evan) Shall be paid until the full term of four years after the Date of this Codicil. In Wittness whereof I have To these present writing Set my hand and Seal this third Day of July Ano Dom one Thousand Seven hundred and fifty four-

GRIFFITH GRIFFITHS (Seal)
Signed Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of
his
William X Rogers
mark
David Stephens.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Chester County, ss:
Register's Office
February 4th 1905

       I, David G. Byerly, Register for the Probate of Wills and Granting Letters of Administration, &c., in and for the County of Chester, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and accurate copy of the last Will and Testament of Griffith Griffiths late of the Township East Nantmeal, deceased, which was duly Probated Oct. 16, 1760, and Letters Testamentary granted unto Daniel Griffiths Gwin Griffiths having renounced, recorded in Will Book D. Vol. 4, Page 278 as the same remains on file and of Record in this office.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal, at West Chester, the date above.
    (Signed) DAVID G. BYERLY
Register of Wills.
Pr. W. E. Woodward, Dep. Reg."

Individual Notes

Note for: Gwen Thomas, - Index

Event:
     Type:   MARR
     Date:   1722
     Place:   East Nantmeal, Chester Co., PA