Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Jones, Joseph David
JONES, JOSEPH DAVID (1827–1870), Welsh musical composer, born in 1827 at Brynerugog, parish of Llanfair-Caereinion, Montgomeryshire, was the son of a small farmer who acted as local preacher among the Wesleyans. Jones, in spite of his father's opposition, devoted himself in youth to musical study, and in 1847 published at Llanidloes the 'Perganiedydd,' a volume of congregational tunes, which proved a success. In the same year he left home after the death of his mother, and in 1848 and succeeding years held singing classes at Towyn, Merionethshire, and the neighbouring villages. He spent three months in 1851 at a training college in London. From 1857 to 1866 he took charge of the British school at Ruthin, in 1866 opened a private school there, and died on 17 Sept. 1870.
Jone's published music found great favour with his countrymen. His cantata, 'Llys Arthur,' or 'Arthur's Court,' with words by R. J. Derfel, appeared at Ruthin in 1884, and includes the Queen's song, one of his happiest compositions. His collection of hymns and tunes, 'Tonau ac Emynau' (Wrexham, 1868), begun with the Rev. E Stephens of Tanymarian, who soon withdrew from the undertaking, occupied him for six years. It is still in use throughout the Principality. He hadmade some progress with an appendix, which was partly utilised by Mr. Stephens in preparing a second part. He also arranged a volume of music for the use of the Wesleyans, which was published after his death.
[Information supplied by his son, Rev. J. D. Jones, South Park, Lincoln.]