Family Research in the Valleys

[Tonyjvu]

Hello All. I've just stated research into my family as a Grandughter has arrived an if I don't record what I know it will be lost. A remarkable quest it is proving. My Family name is Banner with Dad's family shown in 1911 at Trelaw. So I've just found I'd had an Uncle named Fred who died in an acident at Llwynpia in 1914 aged 18 and the Tonypandy Riots, which explains why Dad spat everytime he heard Churchill's name, not that I have any reason to revere to him as I'm a Channel Islander. My Mum's family were Wiltshire, yes very popular name, in Abertillery. I would like to trace if Fred has a grave, or was cremeated, and wish to learn more about the riots. Any help most gratfully recived.

[mochyn]

Not the answer to your question, but here's a little more information that might be useful:

http://www.cmhrc.co.uk/site/database/result/812.html

You might already know that he appears to be Frederick C Banner. His death was registered with the following reference:

1914 Q3 Pontypridd 11a 645

No burial record is jumping out at me, but it's mostly church burials that are online at the moment. Perhaps you could try the civic cemeteries when someone points you in the right direction on that front.

[mochyn]

Trealaw's cemetery opened in 1875 apparently (mentioned in here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trealaw), you could contact the council to see what records they have.

http://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/Bi ... hours.aspx

[mochyn]

You're in luck, I found a newspaper report from the Rhondda Leader, 10 October 1914:

“Trealaw. The funeral of the late Fred Banner, aged 18, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Banner, Trealaw, took place on Friday, 25th ult. Deceased met with an accident while following his usual em- ployment at the Glamorgan Colliery some time since, and had been for 15 weeks at the King Edward VII. Hospital, Cardiff. He was brought home seven weeks ago, and passed away on the 21st ult. The Rev. D. H. Evans (All Saints') officiated. The coffin was surmounted by beautiful wreaths received from father, mother, and brothers grandmother and Aunt Annie, Saundersfoot. Tenby; uncle and aunt, Ebhw Vale; Mrs. Griffiths and family, Tenby; Mr. and Mrs. Brice, Tonypandy Mrs. Beer and son, Trealaw Mrs. Hathway and family; Miss L. Fisher Miss Parlor Tom and Nellie Mrs. Cratchley and family; the Federa- tion and fellow-workmen, and others. The attendance was large, and great sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family.”

[mochyn]

Note that, “The Rev. D. H. Evans (All Saints') officiated.” That doesn't directly tell you where the funeral was, but I suppose it could have been at All Saints'. Then again, he might have been officiating at another venue.

[Tonyjvu]

Thank you that's him! Now he is back in the Family memory. It has left me with Goosebumps actually.

[Tonyjvu]

Thank you again Mochyn. With the help of Pontypridd registrars office and the staff at Glyn Taff cemetry, I now have the location of Fred 's grave plus that of his parents. I'm now planning a trip in the new year to vist them. They are at the Mynwent Cemetry in Trelaw.

[mochyn]

Here's an image of the article from the Rhondda Leader on 10/10/1914:

[Tonyjvu]

My Father would have been 10 at the time, his Mother died 2 years later. That plus the Riots, no wonder Dad Always said 'I don't care what you do , you won't be a miner'.

[Tonyjvu]

I have now found Uncle Fred's grave. He is buried along with my Grandparents Henry and Martha. at the cemetry at Trelaw. Grandma died 2 years later in 1916, I wonder if given everything she just gave up. She was 49 Grandad kept going till he was 60, not bad considering a miners life. So the New Year will bring a trip up to Wales and a visit to the Big Pit, probably the closest I can come to what it was really like.
I now understand more about my parents obsecion with giving the family a good life, well they succeded. Does take you to some odd places family research.

I have tried to trace any records of a Coroner's Inquest but it seems these records were not considered worth keeping at the time. Though thanks are due to Pontypridd Registras Office and the local cemetries for thier invaluable help.