Sir,

I wondered if, through your columns, any of your readers could assist me in my family history research which centres around the parishes of St. Issell's and Begelly at the beginning of the 19th century, and unfortunately, where I have come to a dead end.

My research involves the Thomas and Cole families of the area.

My three x great-grandmother, Hannah Cole (baptised Begelly, October 30, 1803) married a John Thomas (of which there are undoubtedly thousands) on October 30, 1830, at Begelly Church.

I have very sketchy information about John Thomas, but I believe the family resided at a place called Harry's Tump.

Sometime between 1842-1856, John Thomas disappeared (through death perhaps) and his widow, Hannah, moved with her children to Blaenafon in Monmouthshire (now Gwent) where her eldest sons found employment in the local mines.

Her children were Thomas Cole Thomas (baptised St. Issell's 1831); John (baptised Begelly 1843); William (baptised July 31, 1836) - my great-great-grandfather; George (baptised January 20, 1840); and a daughter Hannah (baptised August 27, 1843).

I believe that at the birth of Thomas Cole Thomas in 1831, the family resided at a place called King's Moor, but also lived at Hopshill and Stepaside at various times.

It is information on the first John Thomas that I so desperately seek.

His wife Hannah (nee Cole) was, I believe, the eldest daughter of Thomas Cole and his wife Mary (nee Morgan), of Thomas Chapel, who were married on October 9, 1802, at Begelly.

Siblings of Hannah were Elizabeth (1805), Mary (1807), John (1808), William (1811), Margaret (1813), Sarah (1817) and Martha (1820).

Mary Morgan was, I believe, the daughter of William and Jane Morgan and two witnesses at a wedding on October 9, 1802, were John and David Morgan.

I hope that someone who reads this may be able to assist me further - for any assistance I would be grateful. If you do know of this family would you contact me via post (I will gladly refund your postage), telephone or e-mail at: Richard J. Thomas, 5 Morris Rise, Blaenafon, Gwent (tel: 01495 793010 after 6 pm, mobile 07974 527639, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]).

Richard J. Thomas,

5 Morris Rise,

Blaenafon,

Gwent.