Children:

The birth year of David Davies has been calculated from his age given at death. Entry no. 557 of St Mary's Churchyard, Ruabon, Monumental Inscriptions reads:

In memory of David Davies late of Plas Drain was interred December 25 1794 aged 61 (the transcribed parish registers give the date as 27th December 1794). John his son died January 16 1795 aged 22. Also David his second son died February 26 1795 aged 22. Also Jane his wife of David Davies who died May 6 1805 aged 67.

The following wills have been obtained:

David Davies, made 10th December 1794, proved 29th May 1801.

This is the Last Will and Testament of me David Davies of Plas Drain in the Parish of Ruabon in the County of Denbigh Farmer. First I direct all my just debts and feneral expenses to be paid and discharged by my Executrix herein after named and subject thereto I give and dispose as follows. I give unto my four sons, Edward Davies, John Davies, David Davies and Robert Davies the sum of Sixty Pounds apiece. I also give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Davies the sum of Sixty pounds. I also give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Jones, Widow of the late John Jones of Terfynant in the said County, Farmer, the sum of five pounds. All which said several legacies I direct to be paid to my said sons and daughters as soon as my executrix shall receive the principal money due to me by Mortgage from Richard Lloyd of Glyndwrdwy in the County of Merionethshire, Gent. All the rest and residue of my personal estate goods chattells and effects be it of what nature or kind soever I give and bequeath the same and every part unto my dear wife Jane Davies to be at her sole disposal whom I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint sole executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made in witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal the 10th day of December in the year of our Lord 1794.

Jane Davies of Plas Drain in the parish of Ruabon in the County of Denbigh. Widow. Date of probate is 22 July 1805 and the executor is Robert Davies (the testator's son).

Name of Legatees: Edward Davies, son, sixty pounds; Elizabeth, daughter, seventy-five pounds.

To my daughter Mary the wife of Richard Williams I give and bequeath the interest of the sum of fifty pounds for and during the term of her husbands life and after her decease I give the principal sum to her son Edward and her daughter Elizabeth equally to be divided between them share and share alike.

Robert Davies remaining legatee, son: All the rest and residue of my personal estate and effects be it of what matter in kind remains I give and bequeath the same and every paid xxxx of unto my son Robert Davies to be at his sole disposal.

Of the four surviving children only the history of Robert b 1779 is known. It seems from the will of David Davies that his daughter Mary married John Jones, farmer, of Terfynant (probably Trefynant), but by 1805 Mary had become the wife of Richard Williams. There is an entry in the Ruabon parish registers of marriages for 10th July 1799 for the marriage of Richard Williams of Llangollen (sig) and Mary Jones of this parish (x) married by Licence. Witnesses were Edward Parry and Edward Jones.

It also seems clear from the will of 1805 that David and Jane's daughter Elizabeth had not married.

Grateful thanks to Jennifer Bland-Roberts for her contributions to this research.