SHORT STORIES

In recording the death of the first Welshman born in Jackson county, the Standard-Journal indulges in some interesting history as follows:

The Welsh ever since the days of "Hu Gadarn" have been wanderers on the face of the earth. He led his men at an early date in human history across the English Channel into Britain and from that day to this, the Welsh have wandered hither and thither and are to be found in every clime. The discovery of America offered them an opportunity which they took advantage of, and it is even claimed that they made the discovery. Be it as it may, they have assisted in making the United States what it is, and hardly a village can be found where there is no one of Welsh descent. Jackson is proud of her Welsh citizens.

The first Welsh settled in what is now Jackson county, in 1818. Six families, those of John Jones, John Evans, Evan Evans, Lewis Davis, William Williams and Thomas Evans emigrated from Wales in 1818 and arrived at Baltimore, July 1st, of that year. They were on their way to Paddy’s Run in this State, and reached as far as Gallipolis, on their way. They tarried at Gallipolis one night and the next morning the boats in which they had descended the river were gone. They had drifted away in the night and the little colony took things as they came and concluded to settle in Gallia county. Four of the families of which that of Evan Evans was one, bought land in Raccoon township, Gallia county, but that part was added to Jackson county later. Evan and Susannah Evans had brought with them a three year old son, Evan who is now living in this county near Camba (Cambria?).

Their first born in this country was David D. Evans who died at Wellston, January 6th. He was born in Madison township, November 19, 1818, when Jackson was a village on paper.