Welsh Journals

May 6, 1896. BYE-GONES. 331 he returned to Llanidloes to contest the last muoicipal election in November for a seat on the Town Council. Although successful, the worry and excitement did not conduce to the improve¬ ment of his health, and shortly afterwards he visited his parents at Newtown. Whilst there his illness became more serious, and with the excep¬ tion of an occasional rally he gradually sank, the immediate cause of death being blood poison¬ ing. Mr Morgan was the fourth son of Mr Evan Morgan, Elephant Building3, Newtown. He was articled to Messrs Williams, Gittins and Taylor, solicitors, Newtown, and soon after his admission as a solicitor in 1885, he established a Sractice at Llanidloes, and a joint practice at .hayader and Llandrindod. Mr Morgan has on two occasions been elected a member of the Llanidloes Town Council, and in the Council Chamber he energetically associated himself with public business, notably the water supply question. He also acted as clerk to the Water Supply Committee and Scavenging Commitee. He wa3 a Liberal, and during the elections of 1892 and 1895 he acted as sub-agent for Lord Rendel and Mr Humphreys-Owen, M.P. Mr Morgan was a Commissioner of Taxes, held the office of clerk to the Managers of the Llanidloes Intermediate School, and was Registrar of Births and Deaths, and vaccination officer for the district of Llanid¬ loes. He was a faithful member of the English Presbyterian Church, Llanidloes, and in addition to being a superintendent of the Sunday School, he had for several years been one of the teachers. His amiable disposition had endeared him to a large circle of friends, and his untimely death will be greatly deplored. The remains were interred in the Newtown Cemetery on Friday, and the funeral was one of the largest seen in Newtown for many years. iEtexham. On Friday evening, the alarming and saddening news was brought to Wrexham that one of its most popular citizens had died suddenly near Rossett, in the person of Mr Richard William Evans, of Egerton Lodge. Mr Evans had lately taken to cycling, and on Friday afternoon he left Wrexham for Holt on his machine, accompanied by Mr Charles Griffiths, of Charles-street, Wrex¬ ham. The five miles to Holt were 6afely travers¬ ed, and from there they began the ride to Rossett, with the intention, it is stated, of catching a train, and so getting back to Wrexham. Mr Evans complained several times of being tired, and on each occasion Mr Griffiths suggested a rest, which was acted upon. As they were nearing the Griffin Inn, Trevalyn, Mr Evans suddenly fell head fore¬ most over his machine, his face striking the ground, and his feet catching in and suspending his legs from the handle bar. Mr Griffiths dis¬ mounted, and ran to his assistance, and a doctor was summoned, but life was pronounced to be extinct. The body was removed to the Griffin Inn, and afterwards to Wrexham. The members of the Wrexham Borough Band had met in the evening for a social gathering at the Feathers Hotel, but on the reception of the news—Mr EVans being a very warm supporter of the Band —they at once adjourned. Mr Evans was elected Mayor of the borough in 1892, and his Mayoralty was a most popular cne. He was an Alderman for six years, and retired from that post last Novem¬ ber, when he decided to give up public life. He was born and bred in the town, and took particular interest in everything which appertained to its welfare. The Fire Brigade found in him an open- handed supporter, and for years he was a member of that excellent organisation, and retired as a lieutenant. His gifts to the Brigade were many, and amongst them were the admirable doors to the engine house, which are constructed on such a principle that they can be opened wide enough in a few seconds, to permit of the engine and four horses driving out. He took especial pride in the famous Wrexham church bells, which are noted for their tone. He assisted to ring them for years, while he Was also a noted performer on the handbells, giving his services most freely at con¬ certs, &c. One of his most recent acts was to provide a programme for a concert at Holt—no district was outside his ready help—and he and his eldest son took part in it. He was a wine and spirit merchant, and carried on a large business in Chester-street. He was a Conservative and a Churchman. Mrs Evans died last July, deeply regretted, and much sympathy is felt for the young children—three girls and a boy.—No inquest was held. The funeral took place yesterday in the Borough Cemetery, Wrexham, and wa3 very largely attended. MAY 6, 1896. NOTES. OWL SUPERSTITION.-An owl makes ita nest in the tree at the back of Pontfadog School from year to year, and rears up its young ones. This year, unfortunately, the mother-bird was shot before the young ones were ready to leave the nest. My wife, taking compassion on the owlets, had them removed to our house ; meeting a neighbour she informed him of her action, whereupon he stated that he would on no account take an owlet into his house. He assigned the loss of hundreds of pounds in business to the death of a young one in his house. W.A.D. THE EXTRACTS FROM MALLWYD PARISH REGISTER (April 8, 1896).—Every antiquary must feel very grateful to your able correspondent " C.A." for his valuable contribu¬ tions to Bye-Gones ; for nothing can be more serviceable and interesting than a list of the free¬ holders of the last two centuries. With regard to this particular Parish Register, there is no doubt that similar Registers existed in all parishes in North Wales, and it is a great pity that they have not been brought to light. In Sir John