ANN HAMER

Ann Hamer, David's sister was born c1845 at Talgarth Mill and as I have already wriiten, brought up with David by her Grandparents at Bryndderwen where she lived until at least 1901.  The spelling of her name varies from Ann to Anne depending on which document you are look at.  She married John Griffiths in the Qtr of Oct-Nov-Dec in the District of Newtown, probably at Trefeglwys.  Source: BMD Marriage Index Vol: 11b, page 397.

On the 1881 census she was aged 36, listed as niece and farmers wife, her husband John aged 39, listed as nephew-in-law and Farmer's Assistant.  At that time they had, two children William aged 8 and Hannah Ann aged 6.  William Evans, Ann's uncle was head of the family the household had two servants. Source: RGH/5482

The 1891 census lists John Griffiths as head of the family and Farmer.  Ann aged 46, as Farmers Wife, William aged 18, Hannah Anne aged 16 and since the last census Ann had given birth to another son Edward who was aged 9.  One of the questions on this census asked which language they spoke. They answered both for all of them.Source: RG12/4590

John Griffiths died 2nd January, 1898 aged 58 years, and is buried at St Michaels.  Source: MR/MI/60 On the 1901 census Ann aged 56 is shown as mother and widow.  Her son Edward aged 19, is Head of the family, which must have been a heavy responsibility for some one so young.   At this time, I have no further information on the Griffiths.

OBITUARIES

The following Obituary published in the Montgomery Express on 7th December 1920, page 4, column 7, for David Hamer.  My thanks to Margaret of Powys.gov.uk for finding and sending me a photocopy.

 

CAERSWS

 

The death of Mr. David Hamer, Moat Farm, Caersws, occurred on Thursday, November 18th.  The deceased gentleman had been in indifferent health for some years past, but was able to go about his usual duties until within a fortnight of his death.  The end came after suffering with much fortitude and patience.  The following Monday, a large number of relatives and friends came to pay their last tribute of respect to one highly esteemed by all who knew him.  The Rev Richard Morgan, of Trefeglwys, and the Rev J. Fisher Griffiths, Caersws, officiated at the house.  Then the cortge wended its way towards Carno Church.  The Vicar the Rev M Richards and the Revs J. Fisher Griffiths and John Williams, M.C., Carno took part in church and at the graveside.  Mr. Hamer was a faithful member and class leader in the Wesleyan Church, Caersws, and also in Carno Wesleyan Church, for may years previous to his removal to Moat Farm, about two years ago.  he also served the public, as a member of the Board of Guardians.  Of a retiring and unassuming disposition, he nevertheless, spoke and worked with a purpose whenever the necessity arose to do so.  He leaves a widow, five sons and six daughters to mourn the loss of a worthy husband and wise councillor and faithful father.

 

Montgomeryshire Express Tuesday 24th May 1927

 

The obituary for Sarah Hamer appeared in the above paper and reads:

 

"WE REGRET to record the death of Mrs. David Hamer, 16 New Road, widow of the late Mr. David Hamer, Moat Farm, and formerly of Tymawr, at the age of 77.  Deceased had been in ill-health for some time, and passed away on Saturday evening week.  She had resided in the town for the last four years, after the death of her husband.  Deceased was a member of the Welsh C.M. Chapel, and was highly respected and well known.  She is survived by five sons and four daughters.  The funeral, a private one, took place on Wednesday afternoon, interment being made at Carno parish church.  The Rev. W.R. Jones officiated at the house, and the Revs. J. Williams and W.R. Jones at the grave."

 

The obituary then lists the mourners.  The bearers were Messrs. J. Morris, J. Evans, J. Francis and D. Evans.

 

My thanks to Mal for sending a photocopy of the above obituary.  The information in the obituary shows where members of the family lived in 1927.  It also shows that Sarah was survived by five sons and four daughters whereas her husband's obituary stated that he was surivived by five sons and six daughters.

 

Border Counties Advertizer 13th April 1949

 

HAMER - On April 8th, at 51 Roft Street, Oswestry, Sarah, beloved wife of William Hamer, in her 77th year.

Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer 20/4/1949 

 

MRS. W. HAMER, OSWESTRY

 

The death of Mrs. Sarah Hamer, wife of Mr. W. Hamer, 51 Roft Street, Oswestry, occurred at her home on April 9th, at the age of 76 years.  A daughter of the late Mr.  & Mrs. R. Jones, Mynffordd, Carno, she married Mr. Hamer 53 years ago.  She came to Oswestry half-a-century ago and associated herself with the activities of Seion Welsh Presbyterian Church, of which she was a member up to the time of her death.  For many years, Mrs. Hamer was a member of Oswestry Welsh Society, and identified herself with the temperance movement and missionary work of the church. She leaves a husband, four sons and four daughters to mourn her loss.

 

The funeral took place at Oswestry on Tuesday week, and the officiating ministers were the Rev. S.E. Morris and the Rev. J. Price Williams.  The burial in the grounds of Seion Church was preceded by a service at Seion church, and the organist was Mrs. G.T. Williams.  The article then goes on to list the mourners, bearers and floral tributes too many to list. Note:  There is a discrepancy between the date of death in the notice and that of the funeral report.

 

FUNERAL OF MR. W. HAMER - Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer 30/11/1960

 

The funeral of Mr. William Hamer aged 90 of 51 Roft Street Oswestry whose death was reported in last Saturday's issue, took place on Friday.  Services at Oswald Road Presbyterian Church and Sion Churchyard where conducted by Rev. J. Price Williams, Mr. H. Stoddart was the organist.  Mourners and wreaths too many to mention.  Bearers were Messrs. D.H. Harris, H. Stokes, D. Edwards and J. Davies.  I only mention this as D.H. Harris was my dad.  Donations were given to Oswald Road Church.

My thanks to the staff of Oswestry library for finding and sending the last two obituaries.

HAMER FAMILY PAGE 1811 - 1970

 

 

 

My paternal direct Line

 

1.  James Hamer c1707 - 1785

 

2.  David Hamer 1739/40 - 11th May 1828

 

3.  Thomas Hamer c1780 - 23rd May 1858

 

4.  David Hamer c1811 - 11th January 1848

 

5.  David Hamer 31st March 1848 - 18th November 1920

 

6.  William Hamer 15th February 1870 - 18th November 1960

 

7.  Margaret Ann Hamer born 6th November 1899 my grandmother

 

 

 

I have continued the Hamer family on this second page starting with David Hamer who was the son of Thomas and Ursula.  It was easier from David's birth to build a picture or story of the family as a lot of the family history is of public record.  By the time we get through to David's son also called David there were family members who either remembered or knew the family.  This means that I could build a more thorough picture without just relying on recorded facts and figures.

 

 

DAVID HAMER c1811-11th January 1848

 

 

I now know that David was the eldest son of Thomas and Ursula.  He was born about 1811 possibly brought up in Trefeglwys.  David worked as a Miller living at Talgarth Mill Trefeglwys.  On the 17th November 1840, David married Hannah Evans of Bryndderwen, Trefeglwys by Licence.  David aged 28, when he married and Hannah aged 25, witnesses were William Evans and Giles Mills.  At this time I do not know if William Evans was Hannah's brother or father.  The Evans's of Bryndderwen will be covered on their own page.  

 

The first record I had of any children being born was in 1845 when their daughter Ann was born.  It seemed to me inconceivable that they did not have any children between 1840 and 1845.  I since discovered that David and Hannah had a daughter Sarah born c1842 and on the 1851 census, Sarah was living with Thomas and Ursula Hamer.  Both David and Hannah appear on the 1841 census at Talgarth Mill with no family.  Source: HO 107/1436/10.   

 

In 1847, their third daughter Hannah was born and on the 31st March 1848, their son David was born, as far as I am aware all four children were born at Talgarth Mill.  David's birth certificate shows that he was.  Questions rose from the information I have.  Why did Sarah live with Thomas and Ursula Hamer her paternal grandparents?  Why did Ann, Hannah and David stay with their maternal grandparents after their mother died? 

 

David and Hannah had a tragic life.  On the 11th January 1848, David died of Typhus Fever at the age of 36, at Talgarth Mill.  His death registered by John Ashton who was present at the death at Talgarth Mill.  This was 11 weeks before his son David was born. There is a discrepancy between the date of death on David's death certificate and that of the Memorial Inscription.  The death certificate shows he died on the 11th January, 1848 and the Memorial Inscription shows David's death as the 8th of January, 1848. 

 

TIMELINE - Public Health Act 1948 introduced whereby the election of local Public Health Boards would oversee the supply of water, sewerage, drainage, cleansing and paving.  This extended to all landowners and ratepayers at that time.  Board members had to live within a seven-mile radius. The Public Health Act ruled that every new house had to have a 'water closet, privy or ash pit'.  This Act was brought in due to a Cholera epidemic how many other deaths did it prevent?

 

Hannah died on the 9th February, 1849 at Bryndderwen, aged 33.  The reason for her death was 'declined' and not certified.  Her death registered by William Evans and at the time of her death she had gone back home to her parents with her children.  Again, there is a discrepancy between the death certificate and the Memorial Inscription; on the death certificate, her age shown as 33 while the MI shows her age as 35.  The romantic in me would like to think that she died of a broken heart.  None of us can imagine what it was like to lose her husband, when she had two little girls and a baby due.  The last twelve months of her life must have been filled with despair and heartache.  

 

On the 12th February, 1850 tragedy struck again for the Hamer/Evans family when 3 year old Hannah died.  All three of them are buried in a family grave at St Michaels Parish Church, Trefeglwys.  Also buried with them is Margaret Evans who died 27th August 1792, aged four.  Margaret was the daughter of David and Sarah Evans of Redhouse Trefeglwys and Ursula's sister.  Memorial Inscriptions (MR/MI/60) published by Montgomeryshire Genealogical Society.

 

Note - The Ashton's, Meddins and Mills where well known families in the Trefeglwys area.

 

Ann and David were brought up by their grandparents, William and Hannah Evans at Bryndderwen.  Both appear on the 1851, 1861 census as living with their grandparents at Bryndderwen .  So my Gt Gt Grandfather David never met his father because he died before he was born, his mother died when he was 11 months old and sister Hannah died when he was 2.  For someone who had such a tragic start in life David Hamer as we will see went onto become a very successful man.

 

David married Sarah Evans of Oerle on the 18th March, 1871 they married at The Parish Church Trefeglwys by Licence.  Both David and Sarah's fathers where listed as Farmers; however, David's father was a Miller so again we have a discrepancy. Witnesses were Thomas Evans and Hannah Jones. Their children all lived in the Parish up until 1898. 

 

This notice appeared in the Montgomery Express 21st March 1871, page 5, column 5 BMD section.

 

Marriages

 

18th inst., at Trefeglwys Church, by the Rev. R. Jones, vicar, Mr. David Hamer, of Brynderwin, to Sarah Evans, daughter of the late Mr. Evans, Oerle, Trefeglwys.

 

Note how Bryndderwen is spelt with one’d’ and an 'i'. Thank you to Margaret of Powys.gov.uk for researching and sending me a copy of the above notice.

 

The 1871 Census for Wales shows that Margaret Evans was 'Head' of her family, occupation given as Farmer.  The farm Oerle had 89 acres, employed two men, and one boy. The household then Sarah Hamer - Daughter (M) (21), David Hamer - Son-in-Law (M) (23), Mary G Evans - Granddaughter (11), William H Evans - Grandson (1), Richard Gething - Grandson (6), John Evans - Servant (Unmarried) (50), David Jones - Farm Servant (22) and Thomas Evans - Farm Servant (13).  Notice here Mary G Evans was Mary Gething Evans and I believe when she moved back with her parents simply became Mary Gething.  Her brother shown as Richard Gething.  William who was my Gt Grandfather listed as William H Evans and this is how he appears on early documents, but not on his birth certificate. The Evans's of Oerle I will cover on a separate page.   Source: RG10/5910.

 

What the 1871 census does not show is that David and Sarah had another daughter her name was Hannah Urcilla born mid to later September and died aged 7 weeks on 11th November 1871.  Hannah is buried at the Old Gleiniant Cemetery at Trefeglwys.  MR/MI/56 Montgomeryshire Genealogical Society.

 

The 1881 Census for Wales lists David as the 'Head' of Oerle (M) (33) his wife Sarah (32) and the following children; William H Evans - Son (11), Margaret Hamer - Daughter (8), David R (Roger) Hamer - Son (7), Hannah Hamer - Daughter (3), Thomas Hamer -Son (2), Sarah Hamer (11 months) and two farm servants John Evans (59) and Griffith Davies (14).  William had also had his name at that time transcribed as William H. Evans Hamer.  At this time David and Sarah's family was growing quickly with seven children.  David's  occupation then, Farmer of 70 acres. Source: RGH/5482.

 

The 1891 Census for Wales lists David as the 'Head' (43) occupation Farmer then living at Oerle with Sarah his wife (41).  Source: RG12/4590. 

 

The family had grown considerably as well as Margaret, David R, Hannah, and Thomas another six children had been born; Evan (12), Sarah (11), Ann (10), John (9), Richard (8), Elizabeth (6) and Mary (3).  William had left home and was not living with his parents on this census although his address was given as Rhosyrhaidd in 1896 when he married Sarah Jones. When David and Sarah moved to Rhosyrhaidd is unclear but it was during the period of 1891-1896.

 

In 1889, Sarah had another baby Henry Maldwyn born early September 1889.  Henry died aged 6 weeks on 18th October 1889.  There was more heartache for David and Sarah when their son John died at the age of 10 on the 17th March 1892.  Both Henry and John are buried together at the Old Gleiniant Cemetery, Trefeglwys.  They are in the grave next to their sister Hannah Urcilla.   MR/MI/56 Montgomeryshire Genealogical Society. 

 

DAVID AND SARAH HAMER (nee EVANS)

 

 

 

 

The above photograph of David and Sarah was probably taken early 1900's, my thanks to Megan for sending me this photograph.

 

The 1901 census lists David, aged 53, occupation then Farmer, and his wife Sarah, aged 51 and five of their children Sarah, Maggie, Evan, Annie, Richard and Mary living at Rhosyrhaidd, Carno.  Source: RG 13/5194. 

 

Oerle had been given to David, Thomas, Sarah and Elizabeth to run.  My understanding from another member of the Hamer family is that this was a management role.

David and Sarah moved to Ty Mawr about 1915 then they moved to Moat Farm Llandinam.  I believe that David was a J.P. and that he was very much involved with his local church.  On the 18th November 1920, David died, aged 72 and is buried in Carno Church with his wife Sarah who died on 14th May 1927.

 

The slate Headstone reads:  In loving Memory of David Hamer, the Moat Llandinam, who died November Nov 18th 1920, Aged 72 Years. "A voice we loved is still." Also, Sarah, his wife, who died May 14th, 1927, aged 77 years. "I know that my redeemer liveth."  Source: MR/MI/40 Montgomeryshire Genealogical Society.

 

See right hand column for David Hamer obituary. The Board of Guardians relate to the Workhouses in Caersws, Newtown and Llanidloes Union.  There is a very good website maintained by Oxford University and lists surviving records.  http://workhouses.org.uk  click on Wales.  My thanks to Margaret for this information.

 

Probate for David's will granted to his wife Sarah and his son Thomas on 4th January 1921 both living at The Moat.  The only person not mentioned in David's Will was his son Evan and I understand Evan had been provided for during David’s lifetime when he helped him financially to buy a farm.

 

WILLIAM AND SARAH HAMER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Hamer was born on the 15th February 1870 at Oerley (Oerle), Trefeglwys.  There was no father registered on his birth certificate although we do know that David Hamer was his father.  His mother Sarah Evans registered his birth on the 19th March 1870.  William's mother and father married on the 18th March, 1871.

 

The 1891 census list William as a "Farm boy" and as single.  That particular page is all in Welsh and Welsh is given as the language spoken.

 

William Hamer married Sarah Jones on the 13th November 1896, at the Peniel C.M. Chapel Carno by the Reverend Dr. Griffith Parry by Licence.  William aged 26, then a Farmer and living at Rhosyrhaidd Carno.  Sarah aged 24 with no profession and living then at Minffordd Carno, she was the third daughter of Richard Jones Builder.  David Hamer and Annie Jones were witnesses.

 

By the 1901 census, William and Sarah had moved to Oswestry in Shropshire and they had two children.  Sarah Edith born c1898 at Carno and Margaret Ann, my grandmother, born on the 6th November 1899.  The family lived at 17 Victoria Street, Oswestry and William then a Cattle Dealer, own account.  Source: RG13/2545  

 

William and Sarah had eight children together four daughters and four sons.  I have already mentioned Sarah and Margaret and believe the family knew these two as Edith and Maggie.  Agnes Mary was born Qtr 2 1902, Gladys Hannah, September 1903, William Franklyn, Qtr 2 1906, David Meredith December 1908, Richard Maldwyn born 28th January 1912 and John Charles 1914. 

 

From the obituary shown on this page in the bottom right hand column William and Sarah were amongst the principal mourners of his mother's death in May 1927.   

 

William and Sarah celebrated their Golden Wedding on the 13th November, 1946 a short announcement appeared on the 13th November in the Border Counties Advertizer.  On the 20th November 1946, an article and photograph appeared in the Advertizer giving details of their parents, date and place of their marriage.  The article gave brief details of William's occupation and hobbies, listed all their children, and stated that they had twelve grandchildren.  My dad being one of those grandchildren.  The photograph that appeared in the paper is shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William was well known as a cattle and sheep dealer at Oswestry and Welshpool markets.  During WW1 from 1914 - 1918 he became a special constable at Oswestry.  He was an active member of Oswald Road Presbyterian Church where he taught Sunday school.  For twelve years prior to his death, he was an Elder at that church.  His interests were bible reading and gardening.  In an article printed in the Oswestry Advertizer on 17th February, 1960 to celebrate his 90th birthday, William stated that he had read the Bible right through three times.  To his children William was known as 'Dada'.

 

I remember very little about William, to me he was always the little man in the background with the Trilby hat.  He obviously was not a big part of my life and I do not remember my dad talking about him very much.  My mum and other members of the Hamer family have indicated that he liked a drink and had an eye for the ladies.  Although he and Sarah celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary it has been said that he wasn't always very nice to Sarah.

 

Sarah was involved with activities at Seion Welsh Presbyterian Church of which she was a member up until the time of her death.  She was also a member of Oswestry Welsh Society and identified herself with the Temperance movement and missionary work for the church.

 

Sarah died before I was born and I don't ever remember my Dad or Nan talking about her.

 

Go to the bottom right hand column for details of dates of death and obituaries of David Hamer, Sarah Hamer and William Hamer.

 

William and Sarah's children

Sarah Edith Hamer born 1897 at Trefeglwys and married John Ogwen Reese known as Ogwen in 1924.  From the article dated 20th November 1946 in the Advertizer Sarah and John where living at Ty Harmon, Carno.  My family called her Edith but on her gravestone, she was listed as Sarah.  John died on the 14th February 1987 at 1 Trem-y-noddfa Carno aged 92.  Sarah died on the 27th November 1991 aged 94 on her gravestone she was described as late of 1 Trem-y-noddfa but did not die there.  Both Sarah and John are buried in the same grave at Carno Church. Source: BMD Vol 11b, page 139. 

 

At this time I am aware that they had three daughters, one son and their is at least one living grandson.

I have just been sent the most delightful email by Sarah's grandson, Richard it is so informative that I am enclosing the details here;

 

"As promised, here are some details about my Grandmother - Sarah Edith.  I was brought up by my grandparents and we lived at Ty Hamon in Cwm Cledan (the Cledan Valley) about a mile from Carno village.  It was an old stone smallholding in the hills with two cows, about 30 sheep, a pig and lots of chickens. 

 

It was a very hard life for her as it was subsistence farming and from Monday to Friday, she had to look after everything during the day whilst my grandfather worked as a shop salesman at D R Davies (ironmongers and farm implements) in Newtown.

 

Before moving to Ty Hamon (the house of Hamon) they had lived higher up the valley at Blaen y Cwm (Head of the Valley), a grimmer old farmhouse up on the Carno Moors, where they had brought up their four daughters and a son. 

Sarah E was a devout chapelgoer at the Peniel Methodist Chapel (Capel y Bont - Chapel on the Bridge) in the village, and sincerely believed she would go straight to heaven when she died.  As self sufficient as possible, she preserved home-grown fruit and vegetables and wasted nothing, (sheep’s wool scraps rescued from thorn bushes would be pushed into the toes of our shoes to keep shape, and socks would be darned until the original heel no longer existed).  Not an eccentricity - an essential procedure as money was scarce for us in those days.

 

In 1960, we moved down to the village to a two bedroom council bungalow where life improved for her.  In a few years, she and John Ogwen were pensioners and I left home in 1965.  They both remained quite active, taking part in the local Senior Citizens Club and going on countless bus excursions.  She deservedly enjoyed the last years of her life until J.O. died.  Sarah stayed at Trem-y-noddfa for about a year and then moved to live with one of her daughters in Shrewsbury.

 

Sarah was looking forward to the company of her sister Gladys who was living in Roft St but fate struck a cruel blow when Gladys suddenly died.  By this time Sarah's arthritis had worsened but she was still mobile until she fell and broke her hip.  She then needed 24-hour care and moved into a home where she eventually died at Shrewsbury.

Margaret Ann Hamer was known as Maggie, she was my grandmother was born 6th November 1899, at 17 Victoria Road Oswestry.  Details of Maggie you will find under the Harris Family. Source: BMD Vol 6a, page 681

 

Agnes Mary Hamer, born 1902, at Oswestry and she married Herbert Beddow known as Bert in Qtr 4 1924.  Herbert was born about 1902.  From the article in the Advertizer dated 20th November 1946 to celebrate her mum and dad's Golden Wedding Agnes and Bert where living at Oakfield Montgomery. Source: BMD Vol 6a

 

Gladys Hannah Hamer was born 1903 and never married.  For many years she was Manageress at Woolworths.  She was my sister's godmother.  I remember Gladys as being full of fun and for several years when I was a child she held New Years parties for all her nieces and nephews at 51 Roft Street.  As far as I can remember she had a large farmhouse cellar like kitchen.  There would be lots of food and lots of party games like musical chairs and blind mans buff.  Although most of us children have lost touch now and moved on and away at the time too me it gave a great sense of family and belonging.  Gladys and her brother David lived at Roft Street probably until he died.  They also looked after William and Sarah until their deaths.  As far as I am aware Gladys moved into a smaller place at this time I do not have the details.  Source: BMD Vol 6a, page 700

 

AUNTIE GLADYS'S NEW YEARS PARTIES

 

I have recently been given copies of three wonderful photographs that show me and my cousins at the New Years Parties.  Although a little grainy they clearly show us as children being brought together once a year as family.  The first one shows on the right hand side sitting on the settle from left to right Susan, Elizabeth, me, Steven, Judith and on the chair in the front of the photograph my sister.  Sadly I do not know who the four children at the back are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This photograph shows unnamed little boy, Susan, Elizabeth, me opening the present, Christine and Julie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This last photograph shows Auntie Gladys unfortunately we can not see her face with Barry sitting directly underneath her.  The other lady looks very much like my Nan but it could be one of her sisters.  It is very hard to tell.  The little girl front left is Judith.  Unfortunately I don't have the names of the others so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My thanks to Christine, who I met again in the summer of 2007.  I had not seen Christine for 40 plus years it was lovely to have a chat and she sent me these lovely photographs.

 

As a matter of interest the 'Settle' that us girls are sitting on is still in the family and is owned by Christine.

William Franklyn Hamer born 1906 Qtr: Apr/May/Jun Source: BMD Vol 6a, page 688. No further details.

 

David Meredith Hamer born December 1908.  Source: BMD Vol 6a, page 588. (Details to follow)