Thomas Evans (poet, died 1833)
Thomas Evans (Tomos Glyn Cothi) (20 June 1764 – 29 January 1833), was a Welsh poet.
Life and work
Evans, son of Evan and Hannah Evans, was born at Capel St. Lilin, Carmarthenshire. He seems to have had little early education, but access to books. He lived in an area which was predominantly Calvinist, and while yet very young, became known as a heretic, and was nicknamed "Little Priestley". In order to worship with friends of like sentiments with himself he used to walk to Alltyblaca, twelve miles away. When he grew up he began to preach in his father's house, a part of which he got licensed for the purpose. In course of time a chapel was built. He was personally much respected, but his liberalism made him suspected by government.
Imprisoned for a song
He spoke warmly and wrote largely.(citation needed) In 1797 he was at a social meeting, and sang "by request" a Welsh song On Liberty. On the information of a spy belonging to his own congregation he was apprehended, tried, and sentenced by Judge Lloyd to be imprisoned for two years and to stand in the pillory. He was charged with singing an English song, the fourth stanza of which ran thus:
And when upon the British shore
The thundering guns of France shall roar,
Vile George shall trembling stand,
Or flee his native land
With terror and appal,
Dance Carmagnol, dance Carmagnol.
He always denied having sung this song. During his imprisonment he met with great sympathy.
In 1811 he became minister of the Old Meeting House, Aberdare, where he continued beloved and respected till his death, 29 January 1833.
Writings
His first publication was probably a translation of Priestley's Triumph of Truth, being an Account of the Trial of Elwall for publishing a book in Defense of the Unity of God, 1793. Altogether he published more than twenty works, most of them theological. In 1795 he issued No. 1 of a quarterly magazine, The Miscellaneous Repository, which had to be discontinued with No. 3 for want of sufficient support. In 1809 he published an English-Welsh dictionary, compiled while in prison; in 1811 a hymn-book of a hundred hymns, all original. A second edition appeared in 1822.
References
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Evans, Thomas (1766-1833)". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.