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David was born 8th February 1852 his place of birth given as Welshtown in the sub district of Welchpool.  Note here how Welshpool was spelt in 1852.  Also, of interest is the fact that Welshpool used to be called ‘Pool’ and was changed to Welshpool because of Poole in Dorset. On the birth certificate, his father’s name David Harris and his mother’s name Sarah Harris (nee Humphreys) where shown.  Father’s occupation listed as Labourer.  Sarah registered her son’s birth on the 2nd March 1852 by her mark.    David was baptised on the 6th June 1852 at Welshpool (no details of chapel/church) his father David was described as a Labourer of Welsh Town.  So, the birth certificate and baptism records show the same information.

Records found from 1861 – 1901.  David was aged nine in 1861 and lived at home with his parents and two Sisters Mary and Catherine.  Details already supplied above.

At the age of 19 in 1871, David was still living at home with his parents.  Both he and his father worked as Rockmen and he had a younger brother Richard and younger sister Elizabeth.  Details already supplied above.  Source: RG10/2778 page 16

David married Mary Thomas on the 1st February 1876 he was aged 23 and a bachelor and this was seven days before his 24th birthday.  His occupation listed as a Labourer and his residence shown as Treflach.  Mary Thomas was aged 22 an unmarried woman and her occupation Servant.  Mary lived at Treflach at the time of her marriage.  Her father William Thomas was also a Labourer.

Information from the 1881 census shows David living with his wife Mary at Vrongoch.  David was aged 29 and wife Mary aged 26.  At this time, they had two children Mary J Harris born about 1874 aged 7.  As you can see Mary was born two years before her mum and dad married.  Their second daughter Sarah E Harris born about 1878 and on the 1881 census aged 3.  David’s occupation then a Rockman and he and his family were English speaking.  Also living with them was Jane Thomas born about 1809 aged 72, his mother-in-law occupation Farmer Labourer, Treflach.  Source:  Rg11/5497 page 12

On the 1891 census form, David aged 39 and wife Mary aged 36 had four children living with them.  Emily born c1882 aged 9, Richard born c1883 aged 8, Annie born about 1887 aged 4 and Agnes aged 5 months.  Mary and Sarah, it would appear had left home and at this point I have no further information.  Source:  RG12/4600 pages11/12

The 1901 census shows David and Mary living at Penyfoel and David’s occupation listed as Lime Kiln Operator.  The children living with them at the time were William c1889 aged 12, Eliza c1893 aged 8, George c 1895 aged 6, and Herbert born 4th February 1897 at Penyfoel.  His mother registered Herbert’s birth on 9th March 1897.  Herbert was my grandfather and known to the family as Bert.  Source:  RG13/5204

This photograph of David and Mary Harris with my grandfather Bert

Mary died 17th November 1915 aged 61.  She is buried at the Parish Church of St Agatha, Llanymynech and has a Granite headstone which reads ‘In loving memory of Mary HARRIS, Penyfoel.’ David died 15th October 1931 aged 79 and is buried with his wife, his Inscription reads ‘At Rest.’

Obituary of David Harris printed in the Oswestry Advertizer 21st October 1931

The Late Mr. David Harris of Penyvoel

A large assembly of neighbours and acquaintances gather at Penyvoel, Llanymynech, on Monday, to pay their last tribute respect to the late Mr. David Harris, who passed away on Thursday.  His wife predeceased him fifteen years ago.  Deceased was a native of Pant, and after his marriage resided in Penyvoel for several years.  He was quarryman, and had worked at Llanymynech, Porthywaen, and Llanddu quarries all his life, and his honest, straightforward, and kindly manner made him popular in the village and with his fellow employees.  Except for attacks of rheumatism he was an active man, for his years, and attended the anniversary of the Llanymynech Oddfellows, of which he was a member, in July last.  His declining years were spent in comfort with his daughter Mrs. Bromley.

The funeral took place at Llanymynech Parish Church, but before leaving the house, the Rev. O.S. Symond, pastor of the Presbyterian Church conducted a short service.  At the church, the rector, the Rev. J.P. Poole Hughes officiated, and the Rev. O.S. Symond read the lesson.

The mourners were: Messrs William Harris, George Harris, Herbert Harris (sons):  Mrs. Emily Williams, Mrs. Eliza Bromley (daughters):  Mr. John Williams, Mr. Richard Williams, Mr. John Bromley. Mr. Edward Pryce (sons-in-law):  Mrs. William Harris, Mrs. George Harris, Mrs. A. Williams (daughters-in-law):  Gladys Pryce, Ada Pryce, Florrie Harris (granddaughter):

The obituary then went on to list a contingent of Oddfellows and members of the general public too many to mention and included the names of the bearers.  The obituary finished with the following paragraph.

The grave was covered and surrounded with beautiful floral tributes.