Abraham Matthews
Abraham Matthews (November 1832- 1 April 1899) was a Welsh Independent (Congregationalist) minister and one of the founders of the Welsh settlement in Patagonia.[1]
Early life
He was born at Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, in November 1832.[1] His parents were John Matthews, a weaver, and Ann Jones, but Abraham was raised by relatives who were farmers.[1] He had little formal education but eventually went to Bala College in his twenties, where he was influenced by Michael D. Jones.
Ministry in the Aberdare Valley
He was ordained at
Horeb, Llwydcoed and Elim, Cwmdare in 1859 and remained there until 1865.[1] In that year he gave up his pastorate in order to join the first group of migrants to Patagonia. He was presented with a testimonial at Horeb although some of the members expressed doubts about the venture.[2]
Abraham Matthews in Patagonia
In May 1865, Matthews sailed from
Camwy valley.[1] He was instrumental in persuading the settlers to remain in Patagonia when several of their number sought to abandon the enterprise.[1] For many years he was the leading figure in the Welsh settlement and was known as Esgob y Wladfa (the Bishop of the settlement).[1]
He remained in Patagonia for the rest of his life, although paying several visits to Wales. He died in April 1899.[3] He left a widow, Gwenllian, whom he had married in 1862.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Davies, David Leslie. "Abraham Matthews". Dictionary of Welsh Biography. National Library of Wales. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
- ^ "Cyflwyno Tysteb i'r Parch A. Mathews, Llwydcoed". Gwladgarwr. 6 May 1865. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
- ^ "Death of a Patagonian Minister". Cardiff Times. 13 May 1899. Retrieved 4 March 2015.