Page:Dictionary of National Biography volume 30.djvu/107

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

the commissioners. Both series of letters were republished in book form under the title, ‘The Dissent and Morality of Wales.’ Jones also continued in Welsh and English journals to expose what was known in Wales as ‘Brad y Llyfrau Gleision’ (The Blue-book Treachery); replied in separate pamphlets to two letters published in 1848–9 in support of the obnoxious report, and issued finally ‘Facts and Figures and Statements in illustration of the Dissent and Morality of Wales; an Appeal to the English People,’ London, 1849, 8vo.

Owing to ill-health he resigned his pastorate at Tredegar in January 1848, but later in the year edited for a few months ‘The Principality,’ a new weekly liberal paper of Cardiff. In October he removed to London to superintend the publication of the ‘Standard of Freedom’ for John Cassell, and wrote much for the ‘Pathway,’ another magazine published by Cassell. In August 1849 his failing health compelled him to return to Cardiff, but he managed to continue his literary work, and prepared a carefully compiled volume on ‘The Church Establishment in Wales’ for the use of the Liberation Society. In January 1850 he published, under the patronage of Lady Llanover, the first number of ‘Y Gymraes,’ a monthly magazine intended for women, and in March of the same year he started ‘Yr Adolygydd,’ a national quarterly review conducted with exceptional ability. Both these magazines he edited until his death, which took place 23 Feb. 1852; he was buried at Groeswen, near Caerphilly, where a monument, erected by penny subscriptions, largely contributed by the women of Wales, has been placed over his grave. His poetical compositions rank highly in Welsh literature, his chief poems being those on ‘The Resurrection,’ ‘Peace,’ ‘Moses on Mount Pisgah,’ and a lyric entitled ‘Bythod Cymru’ (The Huts of Wales). A collection of his poems and minor essays was edited by the Rev. T. Roberts of Llanrwst (Dolgelly, 1876, 8vo).

On 14 Nov. 1845 Jones married Catherine, third daughter of John Sankey of Rorington Hall, Shropshire. She died 25 April 1847, leaving no issue, and in December 1848 he married Rachel, daughter of the Rev. William Lewis of Tredwstan.

[Gweithiau Ieuan Gwynedd, ei Fywyd a'i Lafur, by W. Hughes of Dolgelly (Dolgelly, 1876, 8vo); Congregational Year-Book for 1854; Y Bedyddiwr for 1852; Gent. Mag. for 1852, pt. i. p. 423.]

D. Ll. T.

JONES, FREDERICK EDWARD (1759–1834), manager of the Dublin Theatre, born at Vesington, co. Meath, Ireland, in 1759, was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He was a man of position and means, and passed some years on the continent as the associate of people of rank. With Lord Westmeath he took the Music Hall in Fishamble Street, Dublin, and opened it, 6 March 1793, with the ‘Beggar's Opera’ and the ‘Irish Girl,’ given by ‘distinguished amateurs.’ At this house he himself played Sir Lucius O'Trigger in the ‘Rivals.’ In 1794 he obtained permission to open a theatre for seven years in Dublin, and to hire female but not male performers. He was, however, prohibited from taking money at the doors. At the instance of his aristocratic patrons he applied in 1796 to the Earl of Camden for a patent for a theatre, and finally leased, on very onerous terms, Crow Street Theatre from the manager, Richard Daly [q. v.] Supported by Lord Westmeath, Jones spent 1,200l. on the house. The interior, thanks to the decorations of Marinari and Zaffarini, became one of the handsomest in the United Kingdom. The new house was opened in 1796, and after a few weeks was closed in consequence of the proclamation of martial law. Two years later a new patent was granted him from St. James's under the privy seal 25 June 1798. Jones spent a further sum of 5,000l., but had again, for political reasons, to close in 1803. A bill to grant him a solatium of 5,000l., brought forward in parliament in answer to his application, was rejected on the second reading. In 1807 Richard Brinsley Sheridan invited Jones to purchase a share in Drury Lane, and to manage the house on a salary of 1,000l. for ten years, and a percentage on net profits. The scheme was defeated by the burning of Drury Lane, 24 Feb. 1809. Jones sold in 1808 an eighth share in Crow Street Theatre for 5,000l., and a second eighth share to Crampton for the same sum. Crampton undertook the management with disastrous results, and Jones had to resume the reins within six months. Encountering, however, persistent antagonism, provoked in part by his independence, he once more withdrew from the management in 1814. A series of disturbances had culminated in 1814 in a riot, in which the theatre was wrecked, and Jones laid the blame upon the government, with which, as a liberal in politics, he had become unpopular. After resuming management further riots occurred in 1819. A cabal against him proved successful, his applications for a renewal of the patent were refused, and the patent was granted to Thomas Harris of Covent Garden [q. v.] Jones lost heavily by this arrangement, and was imprisoned for debt. He died in retirement in 1834. A patent for a second theatre