John Jeremiah was a Mining Engineer and Colliery Manager for Powell
Duffryn Coal Company. Apparently he had a "sixth sense" for coal seams
and was highly prized by his employer. He prospected, sank, and managed a
number of very profitable collieries in the Monmouthshire coal field.
The Post Office Directory for 1871 shows John Jeremiah as coal agent for
Powell's Duffryn Steam Coal Company Ltd, White Rhos Colliery, New
Tredegar. In the possession of Melvyn Gwynne Jeremiah (QV) there is a
solid silver presentation tea and coffee service engraved to John
Jeremiah from his friends and workmen upon leaving New Tredegar in 1875.
A photocopy of a contemporary newspaper report of the presentation is here.
Kelly's Directory for 1895 shows John Jeremiah as living at Laurel
Cottage, High Street, Caerleon, Monmouthshire. This accords with family
tradition that he retired to Caerleon. His name does not appear in the
1914 edition of the Directory because he died in 1904, at the house of
his son-in-law Rev. Solon Rees. His actual place of residence at that
time was Greenmeadow Farm, Pengam where he lived with his brother-in-law
(David Phillips).
His Will, dated 2 May 1903, was proved at Llandaff on 27 July 1904. The
main provisions were as follows:
To stepson James Lloyd "now abroad" the sum of £30.
To son Richard Jeremiah, presentation gold watch and chain and
presentation silver cup.
To son George Jeremiah, presentation silver tea and coffee service, desk
chair and safe "but not contents", and custody of Deeds and documents
relating to the property known as Argoed Gabol and also the management
thereof.
To daughter Hannah Jeremiah wife of Thomas Jeremiah of Cwmbwrla, the
presentation address.
To brother-in-law David Phillips large easy chair and portrait of Walter
Powell.
To Richard, George, son David, Hannah, daughter Eliza Ann Rees the wife
of Rev Solon Rees of Aberavon (Independent Minister) all articles of
personal effects.
To stepdaughter Emily Griffiths of Abersychan all furniture, plate, china
etc at her residence.
George and Emily to have £90 for the benefit of "my infirm son David".
Residual estate to be divided between beneficiaries in various
proportions.
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