Peter James was born in Goitre, Mon. in 1870, and died in Llanofer in 1930. He was the son of John James (1829 - 1872), a general labourer, and Elizabeth (1842 - 1918), who was born in Talgarth, Breconshire.

Peter had a brother called John, known as Ioan ab Ioan (1865 - 1886), who was a gardener, and who had been taught to play the harp by Thomas Gruffydd. Peter was taught to play the harp by Gruffydd's daughter, Mrs. Gruffydd Richards.

Pedr James and
Mrs. Gruffydd Richards

John and Elizabeth James also had a daughter, Eliza Ann, born in 1867, and died 'yn ei mabandod' (in her infancy) on 3rd June 1867. She is buried in the churchyard at St. Bartholomew's, Llanofer. Plot B4.

John James senior died from smallpox on January 18th 1872, with Susanna Griffiths in attendance. (This was probably the daughter of Thomas Gruffydd, harper.) His wife Elizabeth died in 1918 (?) at the age of 76 years, and is buried with her husband, Plot B5.

The 1881 Census for Llanofer shows the occupants of Yew Tree Cottage as follows:-
Elizabeth JAMES, a widow aged 38, born in Talgarth, Brecknock. Her occupation was given as 'Grocer's shop'.
Peter JAMES, her son, aged 11, born in Goitre, Monmouth, and
Arthur JAMES, another son, aged 9, born in Llanover.

Ty'r Ywen
(Yew Tree Cottage)

Arthur James (Arthur ab Ioan) is mentioned in Dafydd Williams's Account Book on 1st August 1885 - 'Arthur ab Ioan's Book - £1.4s.0d.'

The following exerpt is taken from a letter written by Lady Llanofer to her under-agent at Llanofer, Dafydd Williams.
                                                                                   April 2nd  1884
Mr Dafydd Williams                                      
... Dr Harper says Ab Ioan if as well as when I saw him on Tuesday may go a little into the Garden if not too cold if Davies could give him light work such as Raking or Hoeing & put it down by the hour he cannot attempt days work nor going out early in the cold but hours will make days and he may gain a little and the air is good for him after he has had his dinner when the weather permits...
                                                                       A. Llanover

Ab Ioan (John James Junior) died of Tuberculosis on St. David's Day (March 1st) 1886, aged 21 years. He is buried in St. Bartholomew's churchyard , Plot B6.
Peter (Pedr) James died on October 2nd 1930, aged 61 years, and is buried with his brother in St. Bartholomew's.

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