Thomas Prichard
Thomas Prichard (sometimes wrongly spelt Pritchard) aided James Spooner in the survey and construction of the railway. He had previously been employed by George Stephenson on the building of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. It is felt by some that he did more to help James Spooner than "assist" implies.
Thomas was born in Aberffraw, Anglesey in 1799 and died between 1865 & 1871. He continued in FR service certainly until 1861 when he was described as " Foreman in Foundry" and this is presumed to be Boston Lodge. In 1851 he was described as a "Railway Agent". Around 1857-8 he appears to have been some sort of assistant to Charles Easton Spooner, being given various "chasing" jobs. (information from CES's letters).
After his work in building the line he stayed in the FR Co. employment for many years, probably in charge of the Boston Lodge foundry (at one time, at least) and was still employed by the Co, in 1858. At one time it is believed he was chief Station Master.
At a dinner, in 1865, held to mark the introduction of steam locomotives, Holland noted he was the longest serving employee, at 31 years
He married Eleanor (22 years his junior) from Blaenau Ffestiniog and they had 8 children, Richard b. 1842, Thomas b. 1844, Elizabeth b. 1846, John b. 1849, Ellis b.1851, Margaret b.1854, David b. 1856, Robert b. 1858 & Ellen b.1862. They lived at various addresses in Llanfrothen, Cefn meusydd in 1851 and later Fryddywernydd & Brithwernydd. It's not clear if the last two names are the same house. A search for Cefn meusydd and Brithwernydd shows both places to be in Penrhyndeudraeth today.
In 1911 most of the children were still living at Brithwernydd.
Information from 1851, 61, 71, 81 and 1911 census
