Welsh Journals

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Richard Griffiths of Trederwen Feibion Gynwas (C. 1625-1701) and Ann Griffiths the Hymn Writer (1776, 1805). W. A. GRIFFITHS. Mention was made in the article on the family of Griffiths of Glanhavren, Pool, Trederwen House, Arddleen, and Keel and Ceunant, Meifod, in Montgomeryshire Collections, Vol. XLV., page 135, that Richard Griffiths of Trederwen House, Arddleen, had come in a certain degree under the influence of the Puritans. Probably he had met both Vavasour Powell and Richard Davies the Quaker. His Memorandum Book, an extended account of which was published in the County Times of Christmas, 1939, commences with a dissertation on Justification by Faith in Christ to Eternal Life. It also contains a hymn in Welsh. He was Churchwarden of Llandrinio in 1661 and his initials, together with those of the other Churchwarden, Robert Evans, are engraved on the Church bell, together with the inscription God Save the King." Richard Griffiths married Elizabeth Higgins, a kinswoman of Rev. John Higgins, Rector of Manavon, whose will mentions Richard Griffiths' son, John Griffiths of Trederwen. The Higgins family was an old Shropshire one and held property around the Breidden. In his Memorandum Book, Richard Griffiths mentions his Brother (in law) Higgins." The latter had been involved in law suits and Richard Griffiths stood bondsman for him. Among the items of Brother Higgins Account are the following:- To Thomas Jones in October 1681 and expended there about £ 7 is. od. To the Gaoler and Under Gaoler, their fees and expenses there 17s. od. To Yourself at Shrewsbury 2s. 6d. To Your wife and for cheesemoney 5s. 6d. For a strike of wheat and barley 4s. od. Paid Thomas Griffiths for two judgements at May Sessions 1682 £ 1 7s. iod and so on