William Griffiths

Born 21 December 1788 at Blaenbrwynen, Clydau, Pembrokeshire, son of Thomas and Mary Griffiths. In 1807 he was compelled to enlist in the militia; in the course of his military service he came under the influence of the Methodists, whom he joined. On his release from the army he kept a school in his native parish for a time. In 1814 he began to preach at Bwlch-y-groes. In 1817 the Association, at the request of Diana, lady Barham, sent him as a missionary to the English -speaking people of Gower, Glamorganshire. He was ordained at the Association meeting at Llangeitho, 1824. He laboured unceasingly in his field and, although the relations between him and lady Barham were not always happy, succeeded in founding a number of churches. He was the father of Methodism in Gower and it is as the 'Apostle of Gower' that he is known to this day. He died at Burry Green, 21 July 1861. Samuel Griffiths of Horeb (1783 - 1860) was his brother.