James Pethian Davies Biography
Born 1861 in Ystafellwen, Cardigan, Wales. Married Margaret Bess Price, in Saron Chapel, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil district Q1 1894 (11a 836).Died: 24 April 1912 in Pontypridd District, Glamorganshire (11a 656)
1911 Census - 111 Bute Street, Treherbert, Glamorgan, Wales (pontypridd District Rhondda 7)
| Name | Position | Age | Where Born | Occupation | BK No |
| James Pethian Davies | Head | 50 | Ystafellwen, Cardigan | Welsh Congregational Minsiter | 651 |
| Margaret Davies | Wife | 43 | Merthyr, Glamorgan | 132 | |
| Philip James Oswald Davies | Son | 16 | Solfa, Pembrokeshire | Draper's Apprentice | 225 |
1901 Census
| Name | Position | Age | Where Born | Occupation | Location | BK No |
| James Davies | Head | 38 | Ystafellwen, Cardigan | Ystradyfodwg | 651 | |
| Margaret Davies | Wife | 33 | Abercanaid, Glamorgan | Ystradyfodwg | 132 |
South Wales Daily News Issue 21st April 1891 page 7 - On Monday evening, a meeting of the members and friends of the Zion Chapel, Abercanaid, took place at the chapel to wish the Rev D. Pethian Davies, pastor, a happy voyage prior to his starting for a three months' tour in America. The Rev. gentleman has worked in this village for the past four years, and during that time has won the respect and good feeling of the members of his church. Mr Joseph Owen occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance. The Rev. T. Watters, of Troedyrhiw opened the meeting, after which the chairman, in an appropriate speech, spoke of the great work Mr. Davies had accomplished during his stay at Abercanaid, and he hoped he would return in health and spirits. Mr. Evans, schoolmaster, in a humorous speech, wished Mr. Davies a happy voyage, and he could assure him that he would see how small was man and how great was the Creator. The chairman then called upon Miss Price to present the Rev. gentleman with a purse or gold, which he acknowledged in suitable terms, and the meeting terminated m prayer.
Y Celt Issued 1st May 1891 Page 3 Notes from Liverpool - Last Wednesday, with several others to send the Revs. W.J. Richards and Pethian Davies to sail on the splendid Teutonic, in which they will likely arrived before long in America under the eyes of the Celtwyr. In following issues, it was reported that J. Pethian Davies, Abercanaid, Merthyr reached Scranton safely, and preached in Scranton(PA), Nanticoke Luzerne(PA), and New York Utica, & Vermont
South Wales Daily News Issue: 18th July 1891 Page: 7 - On Thursday night quite an ovation was accorded to the Rev J. Pethian Davies, of Zion Congregational Church, Abercanaid, on his return from a three months' visit to America. The Rechabite Brass Band, with several hundred inhabitants of the village, met the reverend gentleman at the Taff Station, and escorted him through the streets amid the greatest enthusiasm.
Y Drych Issue: 22nd December 1892 Page: 4 - NOTICE that respect. J. PETHIAN DAVIES, Abercanaid, Merthyr Tydfil, in company of a group will journey through the land of Canaan in February or next March, led by the famous travel agent, Mr. Cook. with an expense of $200 there and back.
Merthyr Express Issue 11th March 1893 - Great excitement prevailed at the above place on Thursday night when it became known that that Rev. J.P. Davies, Mr. J. Maddock, Mr. Joseph Jones, Mr. Benjamin James would arrive with the Taff Vale train due at 06:45 p.m., after an absence of six weeks on a tour of the Holy Land. Hundreds of people had congregated at the railway station in order to accord a hearty welcome to the rev., gentleman and his friends, who are held in esteem in the neighborhood. Along the road leading from the station to their respective residences the residents came out to cheer the travellers on their safe arrival. They were all in good health and the hot climate to which they had been exposed had made no difference upon them. Last Sunday night the Rev. Pethian Davies commenced a series of sermons on the Holy Land.
Funeral Notice from The Rhondda Leader Issue: 4th May 1912 Page: 5 - The late Rev. J. Pethian Davies. Impressive Funeral. Ministerial Loss. Very deep regret is felt throughout the ministerial circle of South Wales and amongst the people of the Rhondda on the death of one of its premier ministers of the Gospel, in the person of the Rev. James Pethian Davies, Carmel, Treherbert, which took place on Wednesday, the 24th ult., after a prolonged illness. The interment took place on Monday last at Saron, Troedyrhiw.
A service was held at the residence, in which the Revs. J. C. Jones, Treherbert; Hope Evans, Mardy and Dr. Morris, Garth, took part, after which the cortege, which was most representative, proceeded to the station. The chief mourners included; Mrs. Maggie Davies (widow); Mr. Oswald Davies (son); Mrs Elizabeth John, Troedyrhiw (sister-in-law), and family; Mr. and Mrs. Rees and & Dinah Davies, Abercanaid (brother-in-law and sister-in-law) Mr. and Mrs. Evan & Mary Lloyd, Abercanaid (brother-in-law and sister-in-law): Mr. and Mrs. David and Catherine Thomas, Troedyrhiw (brother-in-law and sister-in-law).
A most impressive service was held at Saron, Troedyrhiw, the officiating ministers being the Revs. D. Rhagfyr Jones, Treorchy J. W. Price, Troedyrhiw and T. J. Jenkins, Blaenrhondda. Mr. John Gower read numerous telegrams regretting inability to attend, while Messrs. Thos. Thomas (senior deacon at Carmel), Wm. Henry, M.E. (on behalf of the Treherbert Free Church Council), and several other ministers spoke, all paying glowing tributes to the deceased.
He was a native of Cardiganshire, being brought up in Penrhiwgaled, where his mother still resides, enjoying the ripe old age of 83. After an elementary education he went to New Quay Grammar School, and thence to Bala College, North Wales. His first ministry of the Gospel was at Nazareth, Deri where he stayed four years. From there he went to Abercanaid, and after 7 and half years he accepted a call to Solva. Four years later he came to Treherbert. In all his pastorates he has been held in high esteem by all. He was an orator of exceptional power, having lectured throughout his career. During his stay at Abercanaid he visited the Holy Land, and also crossed to America. He was also prominent as a bard. His death is a severe blow to all and is deeply regretted. Great sympathy is extend to his widow and son.