Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Griffiths, Evan
GRIFFITHS, EVAN (1795–1873), Welsh independent minister, was born in 1795 at Gellibeblig, near Bridgend, Glamorganshire, being the youngest of seven children. He was only three years old when his father died, leaving his family in poverty. His mother taught him at home. He became a member of the neighbouring independent church when he was thirteen, and at twenty-one was encouraged to preach. About this time he went for a twelvemonth to a school kept by his own minister, and thence to a college at Newport, Monmouthshire, kept by Dr. Jenkin Lewis. At the end of two years his tutor recommended him to Lady Barham as a suitable person to undertake the pastorate of two small churches in Gower. After working here successfully for two years he was ordained, 21 July 1824. In August 1828 he removed to Swansea to undertake the Welsh translation of Matthew Henry's 'Commentary.' When only a few numbers of the work had appeared the printer became bankrupt. Griffiths purchased the business and carried on the work of translator and printer till the work was finished. This entailed immense labour for many years. He often had to carry on the work of translation for a whole fortnight day and night together, and the next fortnight to go about collecting subscribers' names. He preached almost every Sunday, and also translated Finney's 'Lectures' (1839) and 'Sermons' (1841), Burder's 'Eastern Customs,' Brooke's 'Mute Christian,' J. A. James's 'Church Member's Guide,' Doddridge's 'Rise and Progress,' &c. Altogether he published more than forty works, original or translated, including a 'Welsh-English Dictionary,' Abertavy, 1847. He died 31 Aug. 1873.
[Rees and Thomas's Eglwysi Annybynol Cymru, vol. iv.]