Nathanael Jones facts for kids

Nathanael Jones was a Welsh gentleman and poet who lived from about 1624 to 1683. He came from a place called Hendwr in Merionethshire, Wales.

He was born in a village called Llandrillo-yn-Edeirnion. Nathanael was the second son of Maurice Jones, a gentleman from Faerdref Uchaf. Later, Nathanael moved to Hendwr, which was an old and grand house in the same area. His family had a long history, tracing back to the Barons of Kymmer-yn-Edeirnion. They even had a special family symbol, the 'Black Lion of Powys', and a family saying, or motto, 'Kymmer-yn-Edeirnion'.

Nathanael's Life and Work

Fighting in the Civil War

During the English Civil War, Nathanael joined the Royalist army. He became a Lieutenant, just like his older brother. He fought in a big battle called the Battle of Marston Moor. Later, he was captured at the Battle of Ormskirk as the Royalist army was retreating.

In 1652, Nathanael married Mary Wynn. She was the daughter of Humphrey ap Hugh Wynn and inherited the Hendwr estate. This meant Nathanael became the owner of the Hendwr property.

A Poet and Public Servant

From the 1650s, Nathanael started writing poetry. He was part of a group of poets around Matthew Owen, who was known as 'the Bard of Llangar'. Even though Nathanael was a Justice of the Peace and was expected to speak English in public, all his poems were written in Welsh.

The war had stopped him from going to Oxford University, which was a family tradition. But he was still very well-educated for his time. His son, Maurice, did go to Jesus College at Oxford in 1673.

Nathanael also held important local jobs. He served as the High Sheriff of Merionethshire in 1673. He was also the coroner for the county, which meant he investigated deaths.

Translator of Books

Nathanael was also a translator. He took English textbooks and turned them into Welsh. This helped more people read them. Some of his translated writings that still exist include 'Daily Rule' and 'The Act of Contentment' by Taylor.

Nathanael Jones passed away in 1683 when he was 59 years old. His son, Maurice Jones, took over the family estate after him.