Casgliadau Arlein

Mary Ann Thomas (nee Ellis), 1870-1955. Born in Llangwyrfon; married Jenkin Thomas on 7 September 1892. They lived at 59 Rees Street, Gelli, Rhondda. Following his death in 1923, she started to quilt as a way of earning a living - making two to three quilts a week with the help of two local women. On 25 October 1923, her story was featured in the Western Mail & South Wales News: “Mrs Thomas comes from old Cardigan farming stock and took up quilting but five years ago when she lost her husband… Mrs Thomas has a family of eight children, all of whom are doing well in various parts of the country and anxious to provide for her. She is appreciative but cherishes the Cardiganshire spirit of independence and so decided to make an effort to provide for herself."