Eames family - Llanfrothen
Many people in Meirionethshire joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the mid 1840’s, many of whom heeded the call to emigrate to America to “build Zion”. One such family to heed this call was the Eames family of Llanfrothen.
Born in Pen Y Bwlch, Penrhyndeudraeth 19 July 1789, Nathaniel Eames married his first wife, Catherine Griffith at Llanfair, near Harlech, in 1820.
Pen y Bwlch
Their 6 children were born and raised in Penrhyndeudraeth and Llanfrothen. The 1841 Census records showed them living at Glan y Wern, Llanfrothen with Nathaniel listed as a farmer. Sadly, Catherine died in 1842. A year later Nathaniel married Sarah Jones at Trawsfynydd. Two children were born at Llanfrothen.
Nathaniel and Sarah Eames were converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with one of Nathaniel’s sons from his first marriage, David Rowland Eames. Nathaniel was baptised in March 1847 by Elder Robert Evans (who had baptised Branch President David Roberts the previous year) and David Rowland Eames was baptised by Elder Abel Evans (see picture below) (who had baptised David Peters at Rhyd Y Sarn).
Llanfrothen
In March 1849 Nathaniel and Sarah Eames sold their belongings in Llanfrothen and emigrated to America on ‘The Hartley’ with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints including the David Peter’s family. Their two children were 4 and nearly 3 years old and Sarah was pregnant with their third child. Nathaniel’s youngest son by Catherine (also named Nathaniel) went with them aged 13. Nathaniel’s oldest surviving son, David Eames, temporarily stayed behind in Wales as he had been called as a missionary.
Abel Evans