Isaiah Bevan
Isaiah Bevan (c1851-1892)
1892 Obituary [1]
ISAIAH BEVAN, who was killed at Llanelly, South Wales, on Tuesday, the 17th of January, by the falling of a lot of pig iron which was being loaded at the docks of that town, was well known in South Wales as an enterprising and successful manufacturer and man of business.
The deceased gentleman was the eldest son of Mr. John Bevan, Brynrhos, Llanelly, and was born about forty-one years ago. His early years were spent at the Heolfawr School, and shortly afterwards he was apprenticed as a pattern-maker at the Wern Foundry. His training here gave him a practical insight into business, which was a large factor in his later success. He spent some time out of the town, but subsequently returned and joined his father in extensive chemical works at the New Docks. Bringing to bear upon this undertaking the whole of his energies, the business soon developed, and a few years ago another manufactory was erected adjacent to the Old Castle Tinplate Works. Nor was Mr. Bevan's connection confined to chemical manufactories. He had a large interest in the Burry Tinworks, and recently was appointed on the board of directors.
Mr. Bevan came from an old Nonconformist and Liberal family, and at the last parliamentary election he worked unceasingly for the return of the Gladstonian candidate, and was largely responsible for the preponderance of votes cast for the Liberal candidate in the seaside and new dock districts, where he was especially popular. For some time he occupied a seat on the Local Board and Harbour Commissioners, but relinquished this, and at the last County Council election (March 1892) he was returned for Ward No. 3. He devoted himself assiduously to the work of the Council, and was proving himself to be a useful member. Until recently, he was the secretary of the Llanolly Chamber of Commerce, and only retired owing to the numerous calls upon his time. He still continued to be a regular attendant at the monthly meetings, and he took a prominent part in the movement for improving the shipping facilities of the port.
Mr. Bevan was an ardent sportsman, and his figure could often be seen on the cricket-field. He was in complete accord with the aspirations of the Welsh people. The recently formed Cymmrodorion Society found in him a supporter, and he was unanimously elected to the treasurership. At the fortnightly meetings he was a constant attendant. As a large employer of labour, Mr. Bevan was in a position to know the extent of the present depression, and he was one of the first movers in the direction of providing measures of relief. He was a member of the Joint-Standing Committee of the Carmarthenshire district, where his services were appreciated.
He was married to Miss Bishop of Swansea, who survives him.