Edwards, Thomas David

Composer

b Pittson, Penns, USA 1875, d Portmadoc, Caernarvonshire 1930. He was born of Welsh parents from Rhymney nr Merthyr Tydfil in Gwent, who had emigrated to N America, but health problems hindered his early schooling. When he returned to Wales, however, he qualified LRAM and ARCM, becoming organist at several Welsh chapels including those at (or near) Porth, Treharris, Pontypridd and Portmadoc. He also conducted choirs in all these neighbourhoods. Awarded the MusB by the Univ of Toronto—the first Welshman to gain this honour. No.246