Daniel John Davies

Daniel John Davies (1885–1970) was a Welsh Baptist minister and poet. His parents were John Morris and Ann Davies of Pentre Galar, Crymych, Pembrokeshire. Following the death of his father in a rail accident, and then the death also of his mother and two brothers, he moved to Aberdyfnant, Llanfyrnach to live in the care of his mother's sister. Whilst there he began attending services at Glandŵr Independent chapel, where he was much influenced by the preaching of the minister O.R. Owen, and where in 1906 he began preaching himself. In 1913 he graduated in Hebrew from University College, Cardiff, following which he studied Theology at the Memorial College, Brecon. His ordination was held at Capel Als, Llanelli, in 1916, and he remained there until he retired from his ministry in 1958.

He was also a popular poet, and won the cywydd competition four times at the National Eisteddfod, at which he also adjudicated frequently. He held classes in cynghanedd in Llanelli. His published works include a collection of his poetry, 'Cywyddau a chaniadau eraill' (1968), and he is known to have also composed a number of hymns.

He died in June 1970, and his ashes were buried in Glandŵr cemetery. ^[1]

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