David Davies
David Davies, Driver. Born 1855 in Penrhyn. Father of Tom Davies and William R Davies
He joined the FR in the 1870s. He is first recorded as a cleaner in 1880, but became a driver by 1881. He continued as a regular driver until at least 1908, when the loco staff began to be cut back. He drove Palmerston each time it was lent to the Vale of Rheidol Railway in 1912,1913,1914,1921 & 1922 . However from 1912 he is classified as a fireman (for the works stationary engine). The last listing to show him in 1924 has his role as 'general duties', and the wages records show he left on 11th October 1924.
He married Jane sometime before 1879 and had at least 2 children but seems to have married again in 1885 to Elizabeth with whom he had another 5 children (including Will & Tom). They lived at various addresses, Rhiw Bethel, Nazareth Terrace and finally Boston Lodge.
David Davies was the driver of the loco and wagons from Minffordd when the George Westley accident took place in the goods shed at Harbour Station on 4th March 1881 (see Accident Record)
Within the report of the incident, it is stated that he had been employed by the company for 8 years, and had been a driver for eight months.[1]
He also appears in picture of Palmerston in HGJ-095-044.
David Davies is confirmed as the person in the photo known as Boyd26H. (click here to see) This photo is labelled "A Group taken in the Works Yard before the First War". It is believed to be around 1913. It is not all staff from the yard at that time. There was a list attached to the original which declares who the people are. This person is believed to be in the third row from the back and the first person from the left handside.
[edit] Census Entry for 1901
| An entry has been found for this person at Nazareth Terrace, Penrhyn |
| where the year of birth is recorded as: c1855 in Penrhyndeudraeth |
| The occupation given is: Engine Driver |
| and the FR/WHR connection is verified |
- ^ Johnson, Peter (2007). An Illustrated History of the Festiniog Railway. Hersham: Oxford Publishing Co. ISBN 0-860936-03-1. OCLC 180463433.
