Friday 27 July 2012

Louisa GRIFFITHS/REYNISH/LEWIS of ROCH

A "new" photo has been donated by Mike Bennett, our friendly local historian in Roch (no date for photo unfortunately). He says it is thought that the lady in the middle right in a black skirt is said to be Louie REYNISH from Roch Bridge just across the bridge from Roch Mill. The rest of the people are thought to be the WATTS family of Roch Mill.


Sure enough she did live at Roch Bridge and is described in 1911 census as "sister" of Sarah REYNISH (unmarried) the publican of Roch Bridge Inn, Penycwm.
However Pat thinks she is the half sister of Sarah and is the daughter of Mary GRIFFITHS who married John REYNISH in 1843. Louisa's date of birth varies between censuses from 1834 to 1839 in the censuses so it appears she is not his child. However John and Mary did produce Thomas, Sarah, James and William.
Mary's mother was Ann GRIFFITHS who ran the "Farmers Arms" at Roch Bridge. In the 1851 and 1861 censuses Louisa is described at Ann's granddaughter. In 1871 John REYNISH has taken over the pub and Louisa (still named GRIFFITHS) is described as his stepdaughter.
In 1881 she suddenly is called Louisa REYNISH and described as John's daughter.
In 1884 she married James LEWIS. However she marries him as Louisa GRIFFITHS so she has not had an official change of name. Thereafter she is known by her married name. James seems to have died between 1901 and 1911 censuses but Louisa lives on until June 1916 Pat believes. She was aged 79 in the GRO index for Haverfordwest RD so born 1837. 
As usual this needs follow up research-baptism, marriage & death or burial records but if anyone knows anything about her please help.