Hugh Jones (Q63036)

Hugh Jones ('Cromwell o Went'), Independent minister, was born in the parish of Cemais, Montgomeryshire to a devout Calvinistic Methodist family. Early in life he went to Newtown to work as a weaver, and where he also began to preach. He became very active in the religious life of the community and was one of those who led the way to establishing a Welsh Independent church there. Jones studied at Newtown Independent College from 1823-1827, where his fellow students included Samuel Roberts ('S.R.'). He ministered at Saron chapel, Tredegar from 1827-1845 and at Heol Awst, Carmarthen from 1845-1872. While in Tredegar, Jones had taken it upon himself to put in order Monmouthshire's Independent chapels and was accused of transgressing the old Independent mores. However, Jones proved himself a passionate public orator on behalf of the county's cause and an eloquent contributor to Independent periodicals. Later in life, he became an advocate of taxing child education.