Fonds GB 0210 JOHNDAV - Jonathan Davies (Porthmadog) Papers,

Jonathan Davies was born at Nantmor, Beddgelert, Gwynedd, in 1857, the son of Pierce and Jane Davies. He was brought up in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Merioneth, before moving to Porthmadog where, in 1877, he began work as a trader in the slate industry. In January 1879, he formed Davies Brothers Slate Merchant Co. with his brother Richard Davies. He held a number of public offices within this locality including deacon of the local Tabernacle chapel and later secretary and treasurer for over 40 years; President of the Calvinistic Methodist Association in North Wales in 1923; President of the National Association of Slate Merchants; member of the Porthmadog Urban District Council; governor of Porthmadog County School; treasurer of the Caernarfonshire Liberal Association; a magistrate for Caernarfonshire for nearly 40 years, serving as vice-chairman of the Porthmadog bench; and chairman of the Anglesey and Caernarfonshire Agricultural Wages Board. In 1885 he married the daughter of John Hughes, a deacon of Tabernacle chapel, Blaenau Ffestiniog. He lived in Bryn Eirian, Porthmadog and had two daughters (names not known) and two sons, Ithel and John Pierce Davies (1886-1908). Jonathan Davies died 18 August 1933, aged 75.