Evan James (poet) Evan James (poet) Evan James (also known by the bardic name "Ieuan ap Iago") (1809 – 30 September 1878), a weaver and poet from Pontypridd, originally from Caerphilly, Wales, wrote the lyrics of "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" ("Land of my Fathers"), the national anthem of Wales. James, a weaver by trade, employed several people at his mill on the bank of the River Rhondda. According to family legend, his son James James, was walking one day in January 1856 on the banks of the river when the melody for "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" came to him. When he gave the
John Owen (Owain Alaw) "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"). Owen continued to compose, perform and adjudicate in his later years, while also editing and contributing to several collections of Welsh music and poetry that were published in the 1860s and 1870s, including "Tonau yr Ysgol Sabothol" and "Y Gyfres Gerddorol". Of his own works, several songs appeared in "Y Gyfres Gerddorol" and other collections. His oratorio "Jeremiah" was published in 1878. John Owen died on 29 January 1883 at the age of 61, and was buried in Chester. John Owen (Owain Alaw) John Owen, also known by his bardic name Owain Alaw Pencerdd (November 14,