Case Studies

Mr Robert W Ackerman, Pennsylvania, USA:

Family researched: John Griffith Williams
John Griffith Williams was born in Bronllys, Brecon in 1809. He appears to have arrived in Blaenavon around 1830 as a draper and proved to be Blaenavon's first entrepreneur. In 1839 he opened his first market stall and then went on established a brewery, a small water works and gas works.

In May 1862 John opened the first Town Hall and called a parish meeting to discuss improving links between Pontypool and Blaenavon. The amenities in Blaenavon were limited with just five chapels, four shops and five public houses. A road was constructed and later called Broad Street.

John died 17th Oct 1884 aged 75 years and was buried in the churchyard of St Peters.

Comment by Robert Ackerman to Blaenavon Tourist Information Centre. “I have occasions to travel on business to Europe, and would like to make a side trip to Blaenavon on one of those visits to further my research. If I accomplish that feat I would very much like to meet you and thank you in person for your assistance. Maybe we could have a pint of John Griffith Williams' beer if it is still in production”.

Enquiry received via a local Bed and Breakfast:

A gentleman staying for 3 nights in a Valleys bed and breakfast, asked for help in tracing information about his father. They had never met and he knew his father had died some time ago but understood there was a link with the Valleys area. The proprietor of the bed and breakfast knew the name belonged to a prominent family in the local town and was able to direct them to the family vault in a local churchyard. He was also directed to the Local History Section, Newspaper Library and Community Council who hold burial records. The gentleman discovered that he had two step-sisters, one step-brother and one step-mother. His father turned out to be a very important figure in the community and business world.

Mrs L Parr, Chester Family researched: Steel

In August 2003 Mrs Parr visited the Blaenavon Tourist Information Centre to enquire about tracing some family history on the Steel family. The Steel family was significant in the history of Blaenavon and her Great, Great Grandfather was Richard Pye Steel, Blaenavon's first resident doctor. On his retirement in November 1875 the townspeople of Blaenavon presented him with a handsome document bestowing upon him the best wishes of the residents and thanking him for his endeavours. They also presented him with 150 guineas. His son Samuel, also a medical officer met with a fatal accident whilst carrying out his duties and a remembrance plaque was placed on the inside wall of St Peter's Church to mark his passing. Mrs Parr was unaware of the significance of the Steel family to Blaenavon, only knowing that there was a connection with the town.