MR. JOHN I. DAVIES, LAKE CRYSTAL, BLUE EARTH COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
DAVIS, JOHN I.— (Ioan Idris), born at Bala Merionethshire, Wales, in 1821. Son of John Davis, bookbinder and stationer.He was educated at the g-raininar school of Dolg’ellau and afterwards apprenticed to learn the carpenter’s trade with his uncle, Meurig Ehriliy The Welsh bards "Meurig Idris and Idris Fychan" took much interest in him, and taught him bardic composition until he became well versed in the twenty-four Welsh measures. The fair promise of youth matured in him to make an able and useful man. Emigrated to Utica, N. Y., when twenty-one years old. He was soon chosen elder of the C. M. church, and two of his co-elders were Revs. D. F. Jones and R. F. Jones. At Utica he married Miss Owens.
Removed to and resided for some time at Cambria, Wis., and came with his family to Judson, Minn., in 1868. Here his wife died May 16th, 1882, and he also died January 13th, 1889.
His loss was felt in many circles and especially in the Sabbath school. He was a fine Welsh poet and many of his compositions yet remain, which it is hoped will be gathered together and published. The following is a specimen of his work, from his poem, Y Ddafad Golledig :
I’m galw daw Mugeilydd,—er niwliau
’R anialwch fe’m cenfydd;
lor ydyw fy Ngwaredydd,
Yn y farn fy Nuw a fydd.