RootsChat.Com

Hi,
No idea if you are still using this site, but wanted to ask if you still live in the area? Or, do you know why I can find more info about many (aporox 100+) copper smelter workers recruited by my ancestor to go to Canton (Baltimore) Maryland, USA to work in the copperworks there in the 1840s? My ancestor, David Davies/David was hired first and was a superintendent of the works in Baltimore, so I assume he had a position of authority in Wales, too. Or, is there any mention of this exodus?

I think I located his wife, Mary/Mary Ann) and a couple kids in Cnap Coch in 1841, and several baptisms and a marriage at St Thomas between 1787-1826, so far.

I am planning a research trip later this spring and want to have as much info as possible beforehand.

Thank you!

Mona

Hi,

Just a little bit of information that may help as i was born and raised in Pentrechwyth.

Pentrechwyth does indeed start at the school and runs down as far as white rock where it joins Foxhole road. Nearly all of the houses there go back to the dates of the old Grenfell and Vivian owners and works. Pentrechwyth includes the roads of Grenfell Town, Riffleman's Row and Taplow Terrace, which are up on the hill behind the bus stop. Old Terraces/Roads around Pentrechwyth include Cuba Row, Caepstyll Row and Cnap-Goch - which was indeed between Pentrechwyth and the old Tregwl of Foxhole and St Thomas. Pentrechwyth also at times in the 1800's was written down as being part of St Thomas. Most people in the area would have gone to Llansamlet Church or its sister church of Kilvey, so if you're looking to go back further i think this parish would be my first port of call. There are also methodist and Baptist churches less than a 5 - 10 min walk away. Cwm methodist, Cannan Chapple, Bethal Chapple and Adulam.

Pentrechwyth is often mis-spealt in documents as Pentre-chwech and Pentre-six, but i'm told by the very old generation that the correct spelling is Pentrechwyth - meaning windy village or windy village on the left.

The upper bank-lower bank railway line ruin was still there in parts (just below old Morris Brother's Site, at the bottom of the public foot bridge running from Pentrechwyth Village Road down to the Tennis Centre and Morfa Park. But currently it has been cleared for a new housing development unfortunately.

If you come across any more roads or villages around the area that quite often don't appear on maps (experiance from my own searches) please ask and if i can help will be glad to do so.

Hope this helps,

Pedro