The following article appeared in the Merthyr Telegraph 140 years ago today.
SUCCESSFUL CAREER OF A MERTHYR GENTLEMAN IN NEW YORK
Merthyr Telegraph – 20 September 1878
We have much pleasure in publishing the following extract from the American Grocer in our paper. The subject of the biography is well known in Merthyr, and his genial character and good-natured qualities will be remembered by many who recollect him amongst us. His amiable wife also (a sister of Mr Chirm, formerly of the Brunswick Hotel), will be recollected by her many friends here with much gratification. We willingly bear our testimony to Mr Jones’ excellent ability as a member of the printing profession, for he was engaged as foreman at our office for a considerable period, and he is also a gentleman of considerable intellectual power. We heartily congratulate him on his great commercial success in the land of his adoption.
“Since our last issue the Editor of this paper left us on the White Star steamer Britannic for a trip of three months’ duration to Europe, to visit the home of his a childhood and also the Paris Exhibition. As the great success which Mr Jones has achieved in a very few years is one of the most striking examples of what can be done by hard work, energy and determination to succeed, the assistant Editor, now in charge, has determined to give to the readers of the American Grocer a little of his history, although certain that Mr. Jones would not allow it to appear were he in charge of the editorial department. The temptation to do this is altogether too strong to be resisted, for of all the examples we have given from the career of the business men around us, not one has been more striking than that which we could furnish in the case of Mr Jones.
Watkin T. Jones was born in the town of Merthyr, in Wales. His father was a journeyman printer, an exceptionally good workman and thoroughly acquainted with the business in all its departments. The son had as a boy that independent spirit that is so prominent a characteristic with him today. At a very early age he entered a printing office in his native town to learn the printer’s trade, and he did learn it thoroughly in every part and detail. In a few years he became as good a workman as was to be found in the office, and not satisfied with living in a small country place, like so many young men, he was bound to go to London.
Thither he went and obtained work as a journeyman printer on one of the metropolitan dailies. Not seeing his way clear, however, to an immediate success in London, he finally persuaded his wife (who by-the-bye is a “help-meet” in every sense of the word) to agree to try their fortunes in America, and so in 1870 Mr Jones sailed for New York, with but little money, but brimful of hope and courage.”
To be continued…..
