Captain Owen Williams^{[1, 2, 3, 4]}

1838 - 1924  (86 years)  Submit Photo / Document

 Set As Default Person

• Name	Owen Williams  [5, 6, 7, 8]
  Prefix	Captain
  Born	1838	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [7]
  Christened	29 Mar 1838	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [9]
  Gender	Male
  Baptism	29 Mar 1838	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [10, 11, 12, 13]
  	Baptism
  Census	6 Jun 1841	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [14, 15]
  	Wales
  Census	30 Mar 1851	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [16]
  	Wales
  Occupation	30 Mar 1851	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [16]
  	Errand Boy
  Occupation	2 Oct 1860	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [17, 18]
  	Seaman Coasting Trade
  Residence	2 Oct 1860	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [17, 18]
  	Alma, Penhelyg
  Census	7 Apr 1861	Liverpool, Lancashire, England   [19]
  	England
  Occupation	7 Apr 1861	Liverpool, Lancashire, England   [20]
  	Master of the Star
  Occupation	18 Jul 1862	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [21]
  	Sea Captain Coasting Trade
  Residence	18 Jul 1862	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [21]
  	Alma Terrace
  Occupation	2 May 1865	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [22]
  	Sea Captain Coasting Trade
  Occupation	5 Feb 1881	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [23]
  	Master Mariner
  Residence	5 Feb 1881	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [23]
  	Church Street
  Census	3 Apr 1881	Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales   [24]
  	Wales
  Occupation	3 Apr 1881	Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales   [24]
  	Master of the Olive Branch
  Occupation	7 Dec 1881  [18, 25]
  	Fisherman
  Occupation	27 Jan 1889	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [26]
  	Pilot
  Residence	27 Jan 1889	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [26]
  	Church Street
  Census	5 Apr 1891	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [27]
  	Wales
  Occupation	5 Apr 1891	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [27]
  	Trinity Pilot
  Residence	5 Apr 1891	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [27]
  	20 Church Street
  Occupation	8 Aug 1892  [8]
  	Master Mariner
  Census	31 Mar 1901	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [28]
  	Wales
  Occupation	31 Mar 1901	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [28]
  	Trinity Pilot and Fisherman
  Census	2 Apr 1911	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [29]
  	Wales
  Occupation	2 Apr 1911	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [29]
  	Trinity Pilot
  Residence	2 Apr 1911	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [29]
  	1 Bodfor Terrace
  Buried	1924	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [7]
  	Aberdovey Cemetery
  Registration	Between 1 Jul 1924 and 30 Sep 1924	Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, Wales   [30]
  	Death Registration
  	Volume 11b, Page 174
  Occupation	Sea Captain, Trinity Pilot
  Died	14 Sep 1924	Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   [7, 18, 31, 32]
  Headstones	Submit Headstone Photo
  Person ID	I32	The Williams Family Tree
  Last Modified	11 Jan 2021

  
  

  Father	John Williams           b. 1797, Towyn, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 21 Dec 1865  (Age 68 years)
  Mother	Mary Lewis           b. Abt 1804, Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire, Wales           d. 19 Jan 1876  (Age ~ 72 years)
  Married	15 May 1827	Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire, Wales   [7, 33, 34, 35, 36]
  	According to the Bishop's Transcripts for Pennal John Williams was a widower and Mary Lewis a widow.
  		John Williams and Mary Lewis Marriage Registration Image courtesy of Meriel and Ian Haynes
  Family ID	F175	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family 1	Elizabeth Davies           b. 9 Aug 1838, Borth, Cardiganshire, Wales           d. 13 Mar 1882  (Age 43 years)
  Registration	Between 1 Jul 1859 and 30 Sep 1859	Liverpool, Lancashire, England   [37]
  	Marriage Registration
  	Volume 8b, Page 180
  Married	17 Aug 1859	St. Davids Church, Liverpool, Lancashire, England   [18, 31, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42]
  	Marriage Certificate (courtesy of Val Bromley): 1859. Marriage solemnised at St. Davids Church in the Parish of Liverpool in the County of Lancashire. No.: 71. When Married: August 17th 1859. Name and Surname: Owen Williams - Elizabeth Davies. Age: Full - Full. Condition: Bachelor - Spinster. Rank or Profession: Mariner - . Residence at the time of Marriage: Fleet Street - Fleet Street. Father's Name and Surname: John Williams - David Davies. Rank or Profession of Father: Ferry-man - Mariner. In the Presence of: Lewis Williams and Elizabeth Morris. [18]
  Children	1. Ann Elizabeth Williams           b. 2 Oct 1860, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 1927, Eryl Mor, Meliden, Denbighshire, Wales  (Age 66 years)   2. Mary Williams           b. 18 Jul 1862, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 18 Jul 1959, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  (Age 97 years)   3. Margaretta Williams           b. 2 May 1865, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 22 Aug 1927, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  (Age 62 years)   4. Elizabeth Williams           b. 1869, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 1955, Meliden, Denbighshire, Wales  (Age 86 years)   5. Owen Williams           b. 13 Feb 1870, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales   6. Captain David John Williams           b. 8 Jul 1872, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 29 May 1936, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  (Age 63 years)   7. Susannah Williams           b. 6 Aug 1874, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 5 Dec 1960, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England  (Age 86 years)   8. Jane Ellen Williams           b. 3 Jun 1876, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 21 Dec 1962  (Age 86 years)   9. Thomas Owen Williams           b. 17 Aug 1878, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 28 Jun 1881  (Age 2 years)   10. John Davies Williams           b. 5 Feb 1881, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 12 Jun 1964, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  (Age 83 years)
  Last Modified	26 Aug 2020
  Family ID	F168	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family 2	Jane Roberts           b. 27 Jun 1852, Talybont, Cardiganshire, Wales           d. 29 Jul 1934  (Age 82 years)
  Registration	Between 1 Jan 1888 and 31 Mar 1888	Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, Wales   [43]
  	Marriage Registration
  	Volume 11b, Page 214
  Married	21 Mar 1888	Register Office, Machynlleth, Merionethshire, Wales   [44, 45]
  	Marriage Certificate (courtesy of Val Bromley): 1888. Marriage solemnised at Register Office in the District of Machynlleth in the Counties of Montgomery, Merionethshire and Cardigan. No.: 56. When Married: Twentyfirst March 1888. Name and Surname: Owen Williams - Jane Aspinall. Age: 46 years, 35 years. Condition: Widower - Widow. Rank or Profession: Master Mariner - . Residence at the time of Marriage: Prospect Place, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales - 3 Lime Grove, Chorlton Upon Medlock. Father's Name and Surname: John Williams (Deceased) - David Thomas (Deceased). Rank or Profession of Father: Ferry-man - Woollen Manufacturer. In the Presence of: R. O. Roberts and David Morgan. by Certificates before me: William Jones, Registrar and David Evans, Deputy Superintendant Registrar.
  Children	1. Maggie Williams           b. 27 Jan 1889, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 29 Oct 1959, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  (Age 70 years)   2. Richard Lewis Williams           b. 2 May 1891, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 7 Jan 1966, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  (Age 74 years)   3. Thomas Owen Williams           b. 10 Jan 1896, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 12 Aug 1966  (Age 70 years)   4. Ellis Williams           b. 30 Mar 1898, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales           d. 6 Sep 1978, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  (Age 80 years)
  Last Modified	25 Aug 2020
  Family ID	F174	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos » Slide Show		Captain Owen Williams Taken from the book Brief Glory by D W Morgan.
  		Captain Owen Williams and friends Courtesy of Marion Lott
  		Lifeboat Crew Captain Owen Williams is third from right.
  		Catherine
  		Maglona
  		Captain Owen Williams
  		Captain Owen Williams

  
  

  Documents		Obituary Notice for Margretta Rees nee Williams
  		Hen Taid gets hit on the head! From the Aberystwyth Observer, 17 Mar 1888.

  
  

  Headstones

  Headstone for Owen and Jane Williams Aberdyfi Cemetery.

  
  

  BMD Certificates » Slide Show		Marriage Certificate for Owen WILLIAMS and Elizabeth DAVIES (168) Entry 71; 1859. Marriage solemnized at St. Davids Church in the Parish of Liverpool in the County of Lancaster.
  		Birth certificate for Ann Elizabeth Williams (00507) Entry 412; Registration District: Machynlleth; 1860. Birth in the Sub-district of Pennal in the Counties of Merioneth and Montgomery.
  		Birth Certificate for Mary Williams (00508) Entry 111; Registration District: Machynlleth; 1862. Birth in the Sub-district of Pennal in the Counties of Merioneth and Montgomery.
  		Birth Certificate for Margretta Williams (00509) Entry 475; Registration District: Machynlleth; 1865. Birth in the Sub-district of Pennal in the Counties of Merioneth and Montgomery.
  		Birth Certificate for John Davies WILLIAMS (00030) Entry 89; Registration District: Machynlleth; 1881. Birth in the Sub-District of Pennal in the Counties of Merioneth and Montgomery.
  		Marriage Certificate for Owen WILLIAMS and Jane ASPINALL (174) Entry 56; 1888. Marriage solemnized at Register Office, Machynlleth in the District of Machynlleth in the Counties of Montgomery, Merioneth and Cardigan.
  		Birth Certificate for Maggie Williams (00516) Entry 18; Registration District: Machynlleth; 1889. Birth in the Sub-district of Towyn in the Counties of Monmouth and Montgomery.
  		Marriage Certificate for John Davies WILLIAMS and Annie JONES (16) Entry 174; 1908. Marriage solemnized at The Register Office in the District of Toxteth Park in the County of Liverpool C. B.
  		Marriage Certiicate for Owen WILLIAMS and Elizabeth DAVIES (168)
  		Baptism for Owen WILLIAMS (32)

  
  

  Census » Slide Show		1841: Wales Census for Aberdovey, Merionethshire HO107 Piece 1429/12 Folio 10 Page 12   Dwelling    Location  Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  Source  HO107_Pc1429/12_Fo10_Pa12  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Age  Sex  Occupation  Birthplace  WILLIAMS  John  45  M  Agricultural Labourer  Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Mary  34  F  Wife    WILLIAMS  John  6  M  Son  Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Owen  3  M  Son  Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Lewis  1  M  Son  Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Jane  12  F  Daughter  Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Ann  11  F  Daughter  Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Susan  8  F  Daughter  Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Ellinor  5  F  Daughter  Merionethshire
  		1851: Wales Census for Aberdovey, Merionethshire HO107 Piece 2495 Folio 224 Page 10   Dwelling  Corbet Arms  Location  Aberdovey, Merionethshire  Source  HO107 Piece 2495 Folio 224 Page 10  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Relationship  Marriage  Age  Sex  Occupation  Birthplace  HIGGS  Josiah  Head  M  58  M  Farmer of 120 acres and Inn Keeper employing 3 Labourers  Sudbury, Gloucestershire  HIGGS  Eliza  Wife  M  42  F  Farmer and Inn Keeper's Wife  Shrewsbury, Shropshire  HUGHES  Jane  Servant  U  27  F  House Servant  Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire  RICHARDS  Elizabeth  Servant  U  32  F  House Servant  Towyn, Merionethshire  GABRIEL  Hugh  Servant  M  37  M  Agricultural Labourer  Llanegryn, Merionethshire  THOMAS  Daniel  Servant  W  40  M  Agricultural Labourer  Towyn, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Owen  Servant  U  13  M  Errand Boy  Pwllhelig, Towyn, Merionethshire
  		1861: England Census for Canning Dock, Liverpool, Lancashire RG9 Piece 4465 Folio 162 Page 1   Dwelling  Star  Location  Liverpool  Source  RG9 Piece 4465 Folio 162  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Relationship  Marriage  Age  Sex  Occupation  Birthplace  WILLIAMS  Owen    M  25  M  Master  Penrhyn, Merionethshire  ROWLAND  William    M  35  M  Mate  Llanarmon, Caernarvonshire  JONES  John    U  21  M  O Seaman  Treflys, Caernarvonshire  JONES  John    U  15  M  Boy  Penrhyn, Merionethshire
  		1861: England Census for Canning Dock, Liverpool, Lancashire RG9 Piece 4465 Folio 162 Page 1a   Dwelling  Star  Location  Liverpool  Source  RG9 Piece 4465 Folio 162  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Relationship  Marriage  Age  Sex  Occupation  Birthplace  WILLIAMS  Owen    M  25  M  Master  Penrhyn, Merionethshire  ROWLAND  William    M  35  M  Mate  Llanarmon, Caernarvonshire  JONES  John    U  21  M  O Seaman  Treflys, Caernarvonshire  JONES  John    U  15  M  Boy  Penrhyn, Merionethshire
  		1881 Wales Census for Milford Haven, Pembrokshire RG11 Piece 5417 Folio 61, Olive Branch   Dwelling  Olive Branch  Location  Milford Haven, Pembroke, Wales  Source  RG11 Piece 5417 Folio 61 Page 8  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Relationship  Marriage  Age  Sex  Occupation  Birthplace  WILLIAMS  Owen    M  43  M  Master  Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  EVANS  John    U  22  M  Mate  Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  PERRY  William    U  25  M  A B Seaman  London, Middlesex, England  HUGHES  Richard    U  19  M  A B Seaman  Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  COOK  John    U  16  M  Boy  London, Middlesex, England
  		1881 Wales Census for Milford Haven, Pembrokshire RG11 Piece 5417 Folio 61, Olive Branch   Dwelling  Olive Branch  Location  Milford Haven, Pembroke, Wales  Source  RG11 Piece 5417 Folio 61 Page 8  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Relationship  Marriage  Age  Sex  Occupation  Birthplace  WILLIAMS  Owen    M  43  M  Master  Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  EVANS  John    U  22  M  Mate  Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  PERRY  William    U  25  M  A B Seaman  London, Middlesex, England  HUGHES  Richard    U  19  M  A B Seaman  Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  COOK  John    U  16  M  Boy  London, Middlesex, England
  		1891 Wales Census for Aberdovey, Merionethshire RG12 Piece 4587 Folio 48 Page 9   Dwelling  20 Church Street  Location  Aberdovey, Merioneth  Source  RG12 Piece 4587 Folio 48 Page 9  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Relationship  Marriage  Age  Sex  Occupation  Birthplace  WILLIAMS  Owen  Head  M  52  M  Trinity Pilot  Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Jane  Wife  M  39  F    Talybont Cardiganshire  WILLIAMS  Susannah  Daughter  S  16  F    Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  John D  Son    10  M  Scholar  Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Maggie  Daughter    2  F    Aberdovey, Merionethshire
  		1901 Wales Census for Aberdovey, Merionethshire RG13 Piece 5190 Folio 22 Page 8   Dwelling  8 Glandovey Terrace  Location  Aberdovey  Source  RG13 Piece 5190 Folio 22 Page 8  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Relationship  Marriage  Age  Sex  Occupation  Status  Home  Birthplace  WILLIAMS  Owen  Head  M  63  M  Trinity Pilot and Fisherman      Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Jane  Wife  M  59  F        Talybont, Cardigan  WILLIAMS  Maggie  Daughter    12  F  Scholar      Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Richard L  Son    9  M  Scholar      Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Thomas O  Son    5  M  Scholar      Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Ellis  Son    3  M  Scholar      Aberdovey, Merionethshire
  		1911 Wales Census for Aberdovey, Merionethshire RG14 33 7 12 33712 0085 06   Dwelling  1 Bodfor Terrace  Location  Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales  Source  RG14PN33712 RG78PN1945 RD615 SD2 ED5 SN42  Note    Surname  Forename(s)  Relationship  Sex  Age  Marriage  Completed  Born  Alive  Dead  Occupation  Status  Home  Birthplace  WILLIAMS  Owen  Head  M  72  M          Trinity Pilot      Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Jane  Wife  F  58  M  23  4  4  0  Lodging House Keeper      Talybont, Cardiganshire  WILLIAMS  Maggie  Daughter  F  22  S          School      Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Thomas Owen  Son  M  15            School      Aberdovey, Merionethshire  WILLIAMS  Ellis  Son  M  13            School      Aberdovey, Merionethshire  HOUSTON  Alexander Hotson  Boarder  M  52  W          Accountant and Secretary      Manchester, England  HOUSTON  Mary  Boarder  F  41  S          Private Means      Manchester, England

  
  

• Notes

  The first mention we have of (Captain) Owen Williams is that his baptism was solemnised in the Parish of Towyn, Merionethshire, Wales 1813-1848 on 29th March 1838:- Owen Williams son of John Williams and Mary Lewis, Pwllhelig (Farm) Labourer. From the 1841 Census (HO107 Piece 1429/12 Folio 10 Page 12), we have Owen, 3, as living in Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales with his parents John, 45, and Mary, 34. His father's occupation is given as Ag(ricultural) Lab(ourer). Also living at the same address are Owen's brothers John, 6, and Lewis, 1, and his sisters Jane, 12, Ann(e), 11, Susan(nah), 8, and Ellinor, 5. From the 1851 Census (HO107 Piece 2495 Folio 224 Page 10) there was an Owen Williams, 13, born Pwllhelig, Towyn, Merionethshire, Wales, an Errand Boy at the Corbet Arms (Hotel), Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales. He was employed by Josiah Higgs, 58, a Farmer of 120 acres and Inn Keeper employing 3 Labourers, born Sudbury, Gloucestershire, and his wife Eliza, 42, a Farmer and Inn Keeper's Wife, born Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Other servants were Jane Hughes, 27, unmarried, House Servant born Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Elizabeth Richards, 32, unmarried, House Servant born Towyn, Merionethshire, Wales, Hugh Gabriel, 37, married, Agricultural Labourer born Llanegryn, Merionethshire, and Daniel Thomas, 40, widower, Agricultural Labourer born Towyn, Merionethshire, Wales Merionethshire. From the 1861 Census (RG9 Piece 4465 Folio 162) there was an Owen Williams who was Master of the Star, a Smack of 45 Tons employed in the Coasting trade. Owen was 25, married, and hailed from Penrhyn, County of Merionethshire. Also aboard were William Rowland, married, 35, Mate from the Parish of Llanarmon, Caernarvonshire, John Jones, unmarried, 21, Ordinary Seaman from the Parish of Treflys, Caernarvonshire, and John Jones, 15, Boy from the Parish of Penrhyn, Merionethshire. Owen is mentioned in the book 'A Real Little Seaport' by Lewis Lloyd (ISBN 1 874786 48 8) as being a Master Mariner and Trinity Pilot. Owen was discharged from the Kate of Liverpool at Liverpool 3rd March 1869. Lewis goes on to say that Owen was a share owner in, and the first Master of, the Catherine, a 76 ton schooner built at Llyn Bwtri, near Pennal, on the river Dyfi and registered at Aberystwyth No. 2 in 1869. Owen became Master of the 94 ton schooner, Maglona, in 1876 but as he was uncertificated he commanded the Maglona in the home and coasting trade and shipped qualified commanders for foreign-going engagements. Owen took command of another new vessel, the Olive Branch, the last seagoing vessel to be built at Aberdovey, in 1880 and in the 1881 Census (RG11 Piece 5417 Folio 61 Page 8), at the age of 43, he is aboard this 99 ton schooner in Milford Haven along with his crew consisting of John Evans, 22, Mate, William Perry, 25, and Richard Hughes, 19, Able-bodied Seamen, and the Boy, John Cook, 16. Lewis Lloyd points out that Owen must have been well trusted by the owners of the three new vessels he commanded. Owen was Master of the Olive Branch for the run from Antwerp to London in February of 1881 and in the home and coasting trade to May 1881. Owen then became a Purser for the princely sum of ?4 a month under Captain Thomas Walters for a voyage from Limerick to Cadiz and thence to Newfoundland and then homewards by way of Genoa. He was subsequently Boatswain and Purser for voyages to St. John's, Newfoundland and was finally discharged from the Olive Branch at Port Talbot on 3rd March 1884. Owen's wife, Elizabeth, died in 1882 and Captain Owen's ship the 'Olive Branch' is referred to on her gravestone in Maethlon (Happy Valley) cemetery. '... Captain Owen Williams having married first a sister of my mother and then a cousin of hers.' D. W. Morgan in Brief Glory p 261. In the 1891 Census (RG12 Piece 4587 Folio 48 Page 9), Owen, 52, was living at 20 Church Street, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales. He gave his age as 52 and his occupation as Trinity Pilot. He was then living with his second wife, Jane, 39, two of his daughters Susannah, 16, and Maggie, 2, and one of his sons, our Taid, John D(avies) who was then 10. From the 1901 Census (RG13 Piece 5190 Folio 22 Page 8) Owen, 63, a Trinity Pilot and Fisherman, was with his second wife Jane, 59, at 8 Glandovey Terrace, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales. With them were their children Maggie, 12, Richard L(ewis), 9, Thomas O(wen), 5, and Ellis, 3. From the 1911 Wales Census (RG14PN33712 RG78PN1945 RD615 SD2 ED5 SN42) Owen, 72, Trinity Pilot from Aberdovey, Merionethshire, was with his wife Jane, 58, Lodging House Keeper from Talybont, Cardiganshire, at 1 Bodfor Terrace, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales. With them were their children Maggie, 22, Housework, Thomas Owen, 15, School, and Ellis, 13, School. All the children were reportedly born in Aberdovey, Merionethshire. Boarding with the family were Alexander Hotson Houston, widower, 52, Accountant & Secretary (Limited Companies) from Manchester, England, and Mary Houston, single, 41, Private Means, also from Manchester, England. Owen ended his days at 1 Bodfor Terrace, Aberdovey, Merionethshire, Wales and his grave in Aberdovey gives his date of death as 14/9/1924 and his age at death as 86. Thankfully, I don't believe this was anything to do with Captain Owen Williams: To the Managing Director Sir: It is with regret and haste that I write this letter to you - regret that such a small misunderstanding could lead to the following circumstances, and haste in order that you will get this before forming any opinions based on reports in the world press, which I am sure will tend to overdramatize the affair. We had just picked up the harbor pilot, and the apprentice had just returned from changing the "G" flag for the "H" and, this being his first trip, was having difficulty in rolling the "G" flag up. I, therefore, proceeded to show him how. Coming to the last part, to which he was clinging somewhat tenaciously, I told him to "let go." The lad, though willing, is not too bright, necessitating my having to repeat the order in a sharper tone. At this moment, the Chief Officer appeared from the chart room where he had been plotting the vessel's progress, and thinking that it was the anchors being referred to, repeated the "let go" to the Third Officer on the forecastle. The port anchor, having been cleared away but not walked out, was promptly let go. The effect of letting the anchor drop from the 'pipe' whilst the vessel was proceeding at full harbor speed proved too much for the windlass brake and the entire length of the port anchor chain was pulled out by the roots. I fear that damage to the chain locker may be extensive. The braking effect of the port anchor naturally caused the vessel to sheer in that direction, straight toward a swing bridge that spans a tributary to the river up which we were proceeding. The swing bridge operator showed great presence of mind by opening the bridge for my vessel. Unfortunately, he did not think to stop vehicular traffic first, the result being that the bridge partly opened and deposited a Volkswagen, two cyclists and a cattle truck on the foredeck. My ship's company are at present rounding up the contents of the latter which, from the noise, I would say are pigs. In his efforts to stop progress of the vessel, the Third Officer dropped the starboard anchor, too late to be of any practical use for it fell on the swing bridge operator's control cabin. After the port anchor was let go and the vessel started to sheer, I gave a double ring Full Astern on the engine room telegraph and personally rang the engine room to order maximum astern revolutions. I was informed that the sea temperature was 53 degrees and asked if there would be a film tonight; my reply would not add constructively to this report. Up to now I have confined this report to activities at the forward end of the vessel. Down aft they were having their own problems. At the moment the port anchor was let go, the Second Officer was supervising the making fast of the after tug and was lowering the ship's after spring down onto the tug. The sudden braking effect of the port anchor caused the tug to run in under the stern of my vessel just at the moment when the propeller was answering my double ring full astern. The prompt action of the Second Officer in securing the inboard end of the towing spring delayed the sinking of the tug by some minutes, thereby allowing the safe abandoning of that craft. It is strange, but at the very same moment of letting go the port anchor there was a power failure ashore. The fact that we were passing over a 'cable area' at that time might suggest that we may have touched something on the river bed. It is perhaps lucky that the high tension cables brought down by the foremast were not live, possibly having been replaced by the underwater cable, but owing to the shore blackout it is impossible to say just where the pylon fell. It never fails to amaze me, the actions and behaviour of foreigners during moments of minor crisis. The pilot, for instance, is at this moment huddled in a corner of my day cabin, alternately crooning to himself and crying after having consumed a bottle of gin in a time that is worthy of inclusion in the Guinness Book of Records. The tug captain, on the other hand, reacted violently and had to be forcibly restrained by the steward, who has him handcuffed in the ship's hospital, where he is telling me to do impossible things with my ship and my person. I enclose the names and addresses of the drivers and insurance companies of the vehicles on my foredeck, which the Second Officer collected after the somewhat hurried evacuation of the forecastle. These particulars will enable you to claim for the damage that they did to the railings of the No. 1 hold. I am closing the preliminary report, for I am finding it difficult to concentrate with the sound of police car sirens and their flashing lights. It is sad to think that had the apprentice realized that there is no need to fly pilot flags after dark, none of this would have happened. Yours truly, Master

  
  

• Sources

  [S5417] 1911 England Census - Alive, (People who should be alive for the 1911 England and Wales Census) (Reliability: 3). [S6297] Temp Tag 9 II (Reliability: 3). [S2262] Una Sanderson (Reliability: 3). These records were tagged as being sourced by Una Sanderson. [S9808] TAG 2 [Marriage Information (Registration, Banns, Certificate)], accessed 3 Feb 2016), Previously TAG 2 records. (Reliability: 3). [S753] 1841 Wales Census. [S3] 1851 Wales Census. [S2262] Una Sanderson (Reliability: 3). [S10566] Liverpool, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1935, ((http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=2197)), accessed 26 Aug 2020), Marriage for Richard Edward BARNES and Elizabeth WILLIAMS (250); 8 Aug 1892: St. Catherine, Edge Hill, Lancashire, England. (Reliability: 3). Extracted from the Ancestry records of the Liverpool, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1935 on 26/8/2020 Liverpool, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1935 Marriage for Richard Edward BARNES and Elizabeth WILLIAMS Gender: Male Marriage Age: 21 Event Type: Marriage Birth Year: abt 1871 Marriage Date: 8 Aug 1892 Marriage Place: St. Catherine, Edge Hill, Lancashire, England Father: George Barnes Spouse: Elizabeth Williams https://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc=PKK8653&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true&indiv=1&dbid=2197&gsln=barn*s&gsfn_x=1&gsln_x=NN&cp=0&msgdy=1892&msgdy_x=1&new=1&rank=1&uidh=e72&redir=false&msT=1&gss=angs-d&pcat=34&fh=6&h=1813247&recoff=&ml_rpos=7&queryId=39e090211b5d24f38506a3087a265b2f [S9441] Merionethshire Baptisms, ((http://search.findmypast.co.uk)), accessed 8 Mar 2015), Baptism for Owen WILLIAMS; 29 Mar 1838; Tywyn, Merionethshire, Wales. (Reliability: 3). First name(s) OWEN Last name WILLIAMS Birth year 1838 Baptism year 1838 Baptism day 29 Baptism month Mar Baptism place TYWYN Father's first name(s) John Mother's first name(s) Mary County Merionethshire Country Wales Record set Merionethshire Baptisms Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records Subcategory Births & baptisms Collections from Great Britain http://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=gbprs%2fwal%2f004394005%2f00210&parentid=gbprs%2fb%2f917059998%2f1&highlights=%22%22 [S1204] Dai Williams. [S309] Meriel and Ian Haynes, (Much of the Barmouth connection, and a lot more, are courtesy of Meriel and Ian Haynes. Thank you). [S8901] FreeREG, accessed 7 Jan 2015), Baptism for Owen WILLIAMS; 29 Mar 1838; Parish Church, Towyn, Merionethshire, Wales. (Reliability: 3). Extracted from FreeREG Records 7/1/2015 County: Merionethshire Place: Towyn Church: Parish Church RegisterNumber: DateOfBirth: BaptismDate: 29 Mar 1838 Forename: Owen Sex: M FatherForename: John MotherForename: Mary FatherSurname: WILLIAMS MotherSurname: LEWIS Abode: Pwllhelig FatherOccupation: Labourer Notes: FileNumber: 21996 http://www.freereg.org.uk/cgi/SearchResults.pl?RecordType=Baptisms&RecordID=8293903&v=MTQyMDYzODM1Mzo2MjU2NGU0ZDNkYjQ5ZDdjZDg2Yjc3ZGU5MmQ3NjdlNjZlNjgxMzYz# [S9441] Merionethshire Baptisms, ((http://search.findmypast.co.uk)), accessed 1 Aug 2020), Baptism record for Owen WILLIAMS (32); 29 Mar 1838: Towyn, Merionethshire, Wales. (Reliability: 3). Extracted from the FindMyPast website, 1/8/2020 Merionethshire Baptisms Baptism record for Owen WILLIAMS First name(s): Owen Last name: WILLIAMS Birth year: 1838 Birth date: ? ? 1838 Baptism year: 1838 Baptism date: 29 Mar 1838 Place: Tywyn County: Merionethshire Country: Wales Father's first name(s): John Mother's first name(s): Mary Page: 141 Record set: Merionethshire Baptisms Category: Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records Subcategory: Parish Baptisms Collections from: Wales, Great Britain https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBPRS%2FB%2F917059998%2F1 [S559] HO107 Piece 1429/12 Folio 10 Page 12, HO107 Piece 1429/12 Folio 10 (Reliability: 3). [S559] HO107 Piece 1429/12 Folio 10 Page 12, HO107 Piece 1429/12 Folio 10 Page 12 (Reliability: 3). [S676] HO107 Piece 2495 Folio 224 Page 10, (Aberdovey, Merionethshire), HO107 Piece 2495 Folio 224 Page 10 (Reliability: 2). [S44] Birth certificate for Ann Elizabeth WILLIAMS (00507) (Reliability: 3). QUAY 3 [S309] Meriel and Ian Haynes, (Much of the Barmouth connection, and a lot more, are courtesy of Meriel and Ian Haynes. Thank you) (Reliability: 3). Date of Import: Aug 9, 2004 [S749] RG9 Piece 4465 Folio 162, (Vessels, Liverpool, Lancashire), HO107 Piece 4465 Folio 162 (Reliability: 1). [S749] RG9 Piece 4465 Folio 162, (Vessels, Liverpool, Lancashire), HO107 Piece 4465 Folio 162 (Reliability: 2). [S1653] Birth Certificate for Mary WILLIAMS (00508), Birth Certificate for Mary Williams (Reliability: 4). [S1652] Birth Certificate for Margaretta WILLIAMS (00509), Birth Certificate for Margaretta Williams (Reliability: 4). [S1650] Birth Certificate for John Davies WILLIAMS (00030), Birth Certificate for John Davies WILLIAMS (Reliability: 4). [S917] RG11 Piece 5417 Folio 61 Page 8, (Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire), RG11 Piece 5417 Folio 61 Page 8 (Reliability: 3). The Vessel 'Olive Branch' was riding at anchor at Milford Haven [S299] Marriage Certificate for Edward Owen Jones Annie Elizabeth Williams (Reliability: 3). QUAY 3 [S1651] Birth Certificate for Maggie WILLIAMS (00516), Birth Certificate for Maggie Williams (Reliability: 4). [S1020] RG12 Piece 4587 Folio 48 Page 9, (Aberdovey, Merionethshire), RG12 Piece 4587 Folio 48 Page 9 (Reliability: 3). [S1237] RG13 Piece 5190 Folio 22 Page 8, (Aberdovey, Merionethshire), RG13 Piece 5190 Folio 22 Page 8 (Reliability: 3). [S5423] RG14PN33712 RG78PN1945 RD615 SD2 ED5 SN42, RG14/33712/42 (Reliability: 3). [S8529] England & Wales, Register of Deaths, 1837-2007, ((http://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=7579&enc=1)), accessed 15 Jan 2015), Death Registration for Owen WILLIAMS; Age at death 86 (1838); Volume 11b, Page 174 Sep 1924, Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, Volume 11b, Page 174. (Reliability: 3). [S291] Information from Williams family tree as produced by Phil Williams 2004 (Reliability: 3). QUAY 2 [S288] INFO Owen Williams (Reliability: 3). QUAY 2 [S309] Meriel and Ian Haynes, (Much of the Barmouth connection, and a lot more, are courtesy of Meriel and Ian Haynes. Thank you), Towyn Parish register Baptism Records held in Dolgellau Archives (Reliability: 3). [S5899] Marriage Certificate for John Williams and Mary Lewis (175), Entry 59; 1823. Marriage solemnized in the Parish of Pennal in the County of Merioneth. (Reliability: 4). [S10555] Merionethshire Marriages and Banns, ((https://findmypast.com)), accessed 1 Aug 2020), Merionethshire Marriages and Banns Transcription for John WILLIAMS and Mary LEWIS (175); 15 Feb 1824: Corris, Merionethshire, Wales. (Reliability: 3). Extracted from the FindMyPast website, 1/8/2020 Merionethshire Marriages and Banns Transcription for John WILLIAMS and Mary LEWIS First name(s): John Last name: WILLIAMS Birth year: - Event year: 1824 Banns year: 1824 Banns date: 15 Feb 1824 Marriage year: - Marriage place: Corris Residence: Pennal Spouse's first name(s): Mary Spouse's last name: LEWIS Spouse's birth year: - Spouse's residence: Pennal County: Merionethshire Country: Wales Event: Banns Record set: Merionethshire Marriages And Banns Category: Birth, Marriage & Death (Parish Registers) Subcategory: Parish Marriages Collections from: Wales, United Kingdom https://search.findmypast.com/record?id=GBPRS/M/918001670/1&hintId=448ad27b-0dd7-47b1-8ad9-894787d98c01&hintsRequestId=67e41774-355b-4084-ab45-4bbb8f91f90f [S10387] Montgomeryshire Marriages and Banns, ((findmypast.co.uk)), accessed 2 Aug 2020), Marriage record for John WILLIAMS and Mary LEWIS (175); 15 May 1827: Llanbryn-Mair, Montgomeryshire, Wales. (Reliability: 3). Extracted from the FindMyPast website, 2/8/2020 Montgomeryshire Marriages And Banns Marriage record for John WILLIAMS and Mary LEWIS First name(s): John Last name: WILLIAMS Birth year: - Event year: 1827 Banns year: - Marriage year: 1827 Marriage date: 15 May 1827 Marriage place: Llanbryn-Mair Residence: Towyn Spouse's first name(s): Mary Spouse's last name: LEWIS Spouse's birth year: - Spouse's residence: Llanbrynmair County: Montgomeryshire Country: Wales Event: Marriage Page: 67 Record set: Montgomeryshire Marriages And Banns Category: Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records Subcategory: Parish Marriages Collections from: Wales, Great Britain https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBPRS%2FM%2F888006380%2F1 [S8559] England & Wales, Register of Marriages, 1837-2005, ((http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?htx=List&dbid=8753&offerid=0%3a7858%3a0)), accessed 15 Jan 2015), Marriage Registration for Owen WILLIAMS and Elizabeth DAVIES (168); Volume 8b, Page 180 Sep 1859, Liverpool, Lancashire, Volume 8b, Page 180. (Reliability: 3). [S287] INFO Elizabeth Davies (Reliability: 3). QUAY 2 [S142] Census 1901 West Derby Liverpool RG13 3487 page 4 (visitor). [S289] INFO Owen Williams Elizabeth Davies family notes. [S2304] Marriage Certificate for Owen WILLIAMS and Elizabeth DAVIES (168), Entry 71; 1859. Marriage solemnized at St. Davids Church in the Parish of Liverpool in the County of Lancaster. (Reliability: 4). [S9314] Liverpool, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1813-1921, ((http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=2197)), accessed 15 Jan 2015), Marriage for Owen WILLIAMS and Elizabeth DAVIES; 17 Aug 1838; St. David, Liverpool, Lancashire, England. (Reliability: 3). Liverpool, England, Marriages and Banns, 1813-1921 Information for Owen WILLIAMS Age: Full Age Marriage Date: 17 Aug 1859 Parish: Liverpool, St David Spouse's Name: Elizabeth Davies Father's name: John Williams Spouse Father's Name: David Davies Reference Number: 283 DAV/3/8 http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&MS_AdvCB=1&db=LiverpoolCoEMarriages&rank=1&new=1&MSAV=2&msT=1&gss=angs-d&gsfn=owen&gsfn_x=XO&gsln=williams&gsln_x=XO&msgdy=1859&msgdy_x=1&uidh=e72&pcat=34&fh=0&h=3039304&recoff=9+10+30&ml_rpos=1 [S8559] England & Wales, Register of Marriages, 1837-2005, ((http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?htx=List&dbid=8753&offerid=0%3a7858%3a0)), accessed 15 Jan 2015), Marriage Registration for Owen WILLIAMS and Jane ASPINALL (174); Mar 1888, Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, Volume 11b, Page 214. (Reliability: 3). [S2305] Marriage Certificate for Owen WILLIAMS and Jane ASPINALL (174), Entry 56; 1888. Marriage solemnized at Register Office, Machynlleth in the District of Machynlleth in the Counties of Montgomery, Merioneth and Cardigan. (Reliability: 4). [S9315] North Wales BMD Indexes, accessed 15 Jan 2015), Marriage for Owen WILLIAMS and Jane ASPINALL; 1888; Register Office, Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, Wales. (Reliability: 3). Marriage data extracted from the UK BMD website 15/1/2015 http://www.northwalesbmd.org.uk/cgi/marrind.cgi North Wales Births Marriages and Deaths Indexes North Wales Marriage indexes for the year: 1888 Surname: WILLIAMS Forename(s): Owen Surname: ASPINALL Forename(s): Jane Church/Register Office: Machynlleth, Civil Marriage Register At: Powys - Llandrindod Wells