Williams, Thomas John

Composer

b Ynysmeudwy, Pontardawe (Neath, Swansea Valley), Glam 1869, d Llanelli, Carmarthenshire 1944. An insurance agent by profession, he studied music under David Evans of Cardiff, and was organist at Mount Elim Chapel in Pontardawe. He became organist and choirmaster at Zion Church Llanelli from 1903–1913, and at the nearby Calfaria Church as Precentor for the next 30 years. He composed church anthems and several hymn tunes, the most notable (warmly praised by R Vaughan Williams) being a product of his early 20s. No.325.