Abraham Matthews (November 1832- 1 April 1899) was a Welsh Independent (Congregationalist) minister and one of the founders of the Welsh settlement in Patagonia.[1]

Early life

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He was born at Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, in November 1832.[1] His parents were John Matthews, a weaver, and Ann Jones, but Abraham was raised by relatives who were farmers.[1] He had little formal education but eventually went to Bala College in his twenties, where he was influenced by Michael D. Jones.

Ministry in the Aberdare Valley

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He was ordained at Horeb, Llwydcoed and Elim, Cwmdare in 1859 and remained there until 1865.[1] In that year he gave up his pastorate in order to join the first group of migrants to Patagonia. He was presented with a testimonial at Horeb although some of the members expressed doubts about the venture.[2]

Abraham Matthews in Patagonia

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In May 1865, Matthews sailed from Liverpool on the Mimosa and was a member of the first party of Welsh settlers to leave for Patagonia.[1] The ship arrived in South America on 28 July 1865 and the settlers landed at what later became known as Porth Madryn.[1] The settlers had very few resources and Matthews was struck by a serious illness while crossing the prairie between Porth Madryn and the Camwy valley.[1] He was instrumental in persuading the settlers to remain in Patagonia when several of their number sought to abandon the enterprise.[1] For many years he was the leading figure in the Welsh settlement and was known as Esgob y Wladfa (the Bishop of the settlement).[1]

He remained in Patagonia for the rest of his life, although paying several visits to Wales. He died in April 1899.[3] He left a widow, Gwenllian, whom he had married in 1862.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Davies, David Leslie. "Abraham Matthews". Dictionary of Welsh Biography. National Library of Wales. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  2. ^ "Cyflwyno Tysteb i'r Parch A. Mathews, Llwydcoed". Gwladgarwr. 6 May 1865. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  3. ^ "Death of a Patagonian Minister". Cardiff Times. 13 May 1899. Retrieved 4 March 2015.