Coal Miners Union - Pontypridd

[Tracy Wise]

I would really like to find out any info on my GG Grandfather John Roberts b. @ 1862 Pontypool Monmouth but resided most of his adult life in Pontypridd and not surprisingly was a miner. He was married to Maria Ashcroft and they had a healthy family of children one of whom was my G Grandmother Bertha . Family legend relays that he along with his step son Alfred Ashcroft were heavily involved with the setting up of one of the earliest welsh coal miner's unions at their pit. I do not know which pit they were in but I would appreciate any info and or direction as to where I might find out more.

I know in the 1901 census they were living in Llantrisant Road.

Thanks

[Tricia_2]

Hello

My grandfather and his father and brothers lived in Pontypridd and were coal miners, so I am interested in the subject.

I have a book called 'The Fed ~ a History of the South Wales Miners in the 20th century' by Hywel Francis and David Smith. The blurb says that it is the 'history of the South Wales Miners Federtion from it foundation in 1898 ..' Pontypridd gets a few brief mentions. I couldn't find a reference to the name Ashcroft, or to a John Roberts.

  These might be useful pages ~ though you have probably seen them already:
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/GLA/LlantwitFardre/Pontypridd/
http://www.welshcoalmines.co.uk/forum/read.php?6,29710

[Tracy Wise]

Thank you for that I am going to speak to the few relatives from Pontypridd who may still recall some info. My Bertha Roberts family married Frank Sanders  from Bideford and lived with nine children in the town for many many years. he had run away from his salvation army family with the travelling fairs and ended up in Pontypridd marrying in 1916. His son Reginald, my Grandfather used to talk of John Roberts being involved in the setting up of the trade union at his colliery. If I can identify which colliery do you think there would be an archive somewhere which might have logged this (even if it has now closed?)

Thanks

Regards

Tracy

[Tricia_2]

Have you tried Pontypridd Library?

[Tracy Wise]

I had a PM suggesting the same thing so I think that has to be my next move.

Thank you for your help, I shall get to the bottom of this family lore!

Regards