Welsh Heritage in Western, Central, and Eastern New York State
Elmira, Chemung Co., New York
Some 19th Century Welsh Immigrants
Old postcard view of the City of Elmira on the Chemung River.
The following Welsh families and individuals are listed in A History of the Valley and County of Chemung by Ausburn Tanner (Syracuse, NY: D. Mason, 1892).
Page 95
GRIFFITH, David H. Native of Llanelly, Camarthenshire, Wales. Brother of Rev. John Griffith, vicar of Mynyddisleoyer, Monmouthshire, Wales. Resided at Walnut St., Elmira NY. Came to US in 1866, to Elmira in 1867. Born 14 Dec 1833; married 6 May 1864 to Elizabeth Thomas. Children: John H. b. 1865 - Episcopal minister; Elizabeth b. 1867; Annie b. 1868; Margaret b. 1873.
Page 120
ROBERTS, Harriet, dau. of Thomas Williams and Annie Lloyd from Blacnavon, Monmouthshire, Wales. 1 of 9 children, 5 survived. Married William Roberts. They were in Danville and Morris Run PA in 1864 and 1866; to Elmira by 1868. She ran 2 grocery stores in Elmira on Washington St. and Walnut St.
Page 135
WILLIAMS, Charles, son of David Williams and Magaretta Jones of S. Wales. Came to US 1841 in PA. Charles was born in Carbondale PA 6 May 1859. Married Sarah Reese - Danville PA. They came to Elmira in 1880. Children: Benjamin, Maria, Margaret, John W., Charles W., Sarah W., Elizabeth R.
Page 136
WILLIAMS, William, born 1788 in Wales and came to America in 1800, died 1850. William Williams moved to Elmira 13 Feb 1818 from Orange Co., NY William Williams started tanning business with Issac Roe in 1818. Son John D. Williams was born in Elmira 6 Oct 1820.
BREESE, John, descended from Welsh, was first settler in Horseheads, Chemung Co. Daughter was first white child born in the county. He built log house 1789 on spot where he had camped w/army ten years earlier. Brees marker on South Main Street.
© Barbara R. Henry