Graveyard Tales

John Jones (Idrisyn)

Richard Davies reveals the forgotten talents of a Victorian clergyman

On the chancel wall of Llandysiliogogo Church, in the Archdeaconry of Cardigan, there is a memorial (by D.O. Rees, New Quay) to the Reverend John Jones and his wife Elizabeth.

John Jones, or Idrisyn as he was known, was vicar of this church for almost thirty years, and although he is no longer particularly well-known, in his day he was an acclaimed printer and writer.

Jones was born in Dolgellau in 1804, the son of William Humphrey and his wife Elizabeth, who claimed she was a descendant of Elis Wynne, the Sleeping Bard. His father was a carpenter, but at the age of fourteen John started an apprenticeship with the printer Richard Jones. It appears that Jones had a great influence on the young man, as John changed his surname from 'Humphrey' to 'Jones’.

The press published the Wesleyan periodical, Yr Eurgrawn and, following the decision to begin publishing the magazine in Llanfair Caereinion and later in Llanidloes, Jones followed the magazine to these towns – in fact he became Mayor of Llanidloes.

Although he was baptised in Dolgellau Church, with his many Wesleyan connections, it is unsurprising that he became a deacon and a lay preacher with the Wesleyans.

As well as publishing Yr Eurgrawn, Idrisyn also contributed poems, essays and other writing, and his work appeared in other publications too. He also published around twelve books:

Yr Esboniad Beirniadol. (six volumes)

Y Dehongliad Beirniadol ar yr Hen Destament a’r Testament Newydd. In these books, he offered a detailed explanation of every verse in the Bible. Over 80,000 copies were sold. He also translated Queen Victoria's book, Journal of our Life in the Highlands.

Despite his long and close association with the Wesleyans, he eventually returned to the Church and was ordained a deacon in 1853. He was curate of Llandysul, before being appointed priest of Llandysiliogogo in 1858. He died in 1887 and is buried in his church’s cemetery.