Elizabeth Jones' Family
Came From Wales.

Ein Teulu Cymreig.

Born in Wales about 1808, David Jones married Mary, the daughter of Rhoderick Davies. Their daughter Jane was born about 1830 and son David two years later.

The population of Wales grew rapidly in the early 19th century. Large estate owners raised the rents on small farmers squeezing them off the land while Great Britain's well-established industries attracted laborers to factory work in its larger cities.

The industrial revolution was in full throttle but as the coal and iron industries grew in the United States they offered higher wages to draw skilled men from the British Isles.

David left Wales around the birth of his son in 1832. According to his grandson's biography, David was one of the first boilermakers in the United States.

Sturdy boilers were fashioned out of iron or steel. Complex designs to meet the needs of a particular industry were formed from metal plates and tubes. The welding had to be precise for they were made to heat water to produce powerful steam to run massive machinery. The work was hazardous and physically demanding.

Once established, he would send for his family.

Departing from the Port of Cardiff (Caerdydd in Welsh), his wife Mary, 5-year-old Jane and 2-year-old David boarded the brig Nestor. Booked in steerage, the passengers resided in the between-decks. Space was allocated on the ship for cows, sheep, and geese. Mail carried on board was precious cargo since it was the only means of communication for families split between Europe and America. The square-sailed ship would take about 40 days to cross the Atlantic arriving at Castle Garden, New York on July 15, 1834.