Jones, H. Francis (Henry Francis), 1874-1949

Person

Jones, H. Francis (Henry Francis), 1874-1949

Henry Francis Jones was born in Bala, co. Merioneth, in 1874. At the age of ten he was apprenticed as a printer at the Seren Office, Bala, where he remained until he was sixteen. The family then moved to Llandudno and thence to Llangollen. During the First World War, HFJ spent some time in military service. Shortly afterwards he moved to Old Colwyn where he remained for the rest of his life. In 1900 he married Ann Ellen Williams of Stockton-on-Tees, and they had one daughter, Gwerfil. HFJ was a well-known figure in Welsh political and cultural circles and he wrote extensively on historical, political and literary topics. He wrote a weekly column in the North Wales Weekly News and he lectured to Workers' Educational Association classes. He was associated with Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Undeb Cymru Fydd, and was an active member of Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru. He was the vice-chairman of the National Eisteddfod Executive Committee. He corresponded extensively with prominent Welsh literary and political figures throughout his life. He died in December 1949.