Edwin Edwards was born in 1882. He was recorded on the census of 1891 living with his family at Beuno Cottages, Tremeirchion. Head of the household was Robert Edwards aged 46, an Agricultural Labourer and Maria, his 45 year old wife. They had both been born in Tremeirchion. Their listed children were Mary 14, a Kitchen Maid, Edwin 8 a scholar, Richard 6 and Margaret 4.
David Littler Jones in his book tells us that both parents had died by the end of November 1895 and the children were dispersed amongst relatives.
The census of 1901 records Edgar at Galltfaenan Hall near Henllan. It was the home of Anna Maria Mainwaring who was an 88 year old widow. The only other family member was her daughter Susan who was 45 and single.There were 11 servants. A Cook, Ladys’s Maid, Laundry Maid, 2 Housemaids, 2 Kitchen Maids, a Butler, a Footman a Stableboy and a Groom. The Groom was Edwin Edwards who was then 18 years old.
The next census of 1911 finds Edwin again at the 33 roomed Galltfaenan Hall. The head of the household was still Ann Maria Mainwaring who was then a 98 year old widow. Both she and her daughter Susan (by then 54) lived on “private means”. There was a visitor listed on the census form. She was Mary Catherine Pennant who was 48 and single. The cast of servants still numbered 11 and once again included Edwin Edwards the 29 year old Groom.
David Littler Jones in his book explains that sometime before he enlisted, Edwin had moved to Llansannon where he was employed as a Coachman at Cover Point. He quotes in his book, a small item from the Denbighshire Free Press of the 19th December 1914. It said
” Edwin Edwards late of Beuno Cottages has enlisted in The Royal Veterinary Corps”
His Medal Card also on Ancestry lists his three medals, his two regiments and his two regimental numbers. It adds that his first Theatre of War was France and he entered it on the 15th December 1914
He was married on the 29th January 1916 to Catherine Hughes, an Assistant Teacher.
UK Soldiers who Died in The Great War 1914 -19, accessible on ww.ancestry.co.uk confirms the regimental information at the top of this page and adds that he enlisted in Denbigh. This source tells us he was killed in action on the 22nd March 1918.
The UK Register of soldiers’ effects in which the army calculated what monies were owed to deceased soldiers, includes an entry for Edwin Edwards. It notes that a total of £20 .. 3sh .. 4d was paid to his widow Catherine in two separate payments.
There is a Memorial Stone for Edwin in Llansannan Churchyard which reads
In Loving memory of
Edwin Edwards
13th Yorks Regt
Of Aled Hill
Who Fell in Action in France
on March 22nd 1918
In The Great war 1914-18
He died that we might live
(Acknowledgement David Littler Jones)