Rowe Family: Alec Rowe and Mining Accident

[howard]

Hi,
I am researching my family tree. One interesting character is my great uncle Alexander (Alec) Rowe.

Alec was badly burnt in a mining accident at the International in 1903. 

He was a excellent and well-known local runner. I have several press clippings. He also featured in the Welsh Powderhall races at Pontypridd. There is a story of him being "robbed" of victory in the 1911 race by a dubious decision by the race judge. (this is in The Great Welsh Sprint by Brian Lee).

Alec later was one of the early patient pioneers of reconstructive surgery - we have some photos from the surgeon's archive.


I am interested in finding out any more information about the accident in 1903 at the International.

And also, any other information about the Rowe family (of Oxford Street for many years).

Thanks

Howard Rowe

[howard]

Since posting this I have seen that the race I mentioned is also an article in issue 22 of the newsletter.

I have also obtained a copy of Alex Rowe crossing the finishing line in the disputed race of 1911 - obtained from Pontypridd Museum. I will send a copy to the society.

I am still interested in finding out more about Alec and especially anything about the mining accident.

[ctdavies]

Hello I believe that Alec Rowe was married to a cousin of mine. When I have the file open on my computer I will send you details. C T Davies

[ctdavies]

Hello Mr Rowe, I don't think we are related but my cousin on my mother's side Annie M Thomas born about 1879 married an Alec Rowe. I have been unable to locate the date and place of their marriage so I am beginning to think that Annie may have married previously, or very late in life. I have her at home in the census and listed as Mrs Rowe in some family obituaries from the Glamorgan Gazette so I know she existed. Not knowing anything about her marriage or what children she may have had, I wonder if you have any details you are able to send please. Annie's father was William Thomas, butcher of Tynton House, 137 Oxford Street Pontycymmer. My mother was a Thomas from Llangeinor and as they were a large family, my great grandfather was one of fifty two grandchildren, it is taking me longer than expected to trace what became of them all. Annie's grandfather John Thomas late of Tynton farm was another of the fifty two grandchildren. I appreciate this does not help with the Rowe family tree but any exchange of information would be gratefully received.

Sincerely Colin Thomas Davies

[ctdavies]

Hello Mr Rowe I have since found a marriage between Alexander O Rowe and Annie M Thomas during the March Quarter of 1939 in the Bridgend Reg. Dist. This makes makes Annie about 60 years old. This is the only entry found. If you have any ideas when your great uncle was born I would appreciate hearing. Sincerely Colin

[howard]

Colin,
Alec Rowe was my great uncle. He was one of the elder brothers of my grandfather.
Alec had a remarkable life:
Badly burnt in a colliery accident at 13
Well known local runner winning many races and involved in a controversial race known as the Welsh Powderhall in 1911.
In 1920 he was an early patient to undergo reconstructive surgery for the burns to his face. This was done my a world famous surgeon in this field - Gillies. We have a page from his memoirs that describes the surgery.... and includes how he would do it better next time.
He emigrated to the USA and worked at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
Returned to the UK and married Annie. She was known as "Annie Tyn Ton". We believe this was because her family came from Tyn Ton Farm. Although not a link directly to the family, this farm was the home of the world famous Richard Price.
Alec and Annie married late in life. There were no children. They live in Bristol where they were greengrocers. They were bombed during the war and then returned to Pontycymmer

I have some photos of Alec and of Alec with Annie.

I am in the process of writing up Alec and when I have finished I will send a copy.

All the best

H

ps I am not sure how/where to send more info and photos.. can you help?

[ctdavies]

Thanks the information was of use as you were able to confirm the late marriage and that there were no children. I wish you good luck with your story of the Rowe family tree. I hope you publish it and that I can read it on the GVHS pages. Regards for Xmas and new year Colin

[howard]

I have been researching the family tree and came across the Heritage Society's Newsletter. By co-incidence it contained an article about my great uncle Alec Rowe - see issue 22, winter 2019.


I obtained this photo from Pontypridd Museum which shows the finish of the race. Alec is the athlete on the right-hand side. Judge for yourself who won the race. Alec's foot is down across the line whereas the other athlete's is not but he does seem to be breaking the tape with his right hand. This would not have won him the race as it should be decided by the torso crossing the line. Alec was robbed! (not that I am biased)