James was born at Lluestybwlch in the Cardiganshire parish of Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. He married widow, Ann Rees (nee Morgan) in 1866. Originally a miner by trade, James began to write poetry in 1875, using the bardic name "Ap Valant" in tribute to his mother's family name of Valentine. He also studied the science of phrenology, becoming a practitioner & calling himself Professor James Valant Williams. He contributed to the creation of a Welsh vocabulary relating to this science (Pwllwyddeg) & gave lectures on the subject. He also traveled throughout Glamorgan holding meetings & offering consultations.
James published 2 books of poetry: the 1st in 1881 & another in 1885 called "Cyfeillach Awen: Sef Gweithiau Barddonol". He also published "A phrenological and physiological chart" in 1891. Many examples of Ap Valant's poetry are to be found in newspapers of the time, which also make reference to the prizes he won in local eisteddfodau as well as the competitions that he helped to judge. In 1912 he won in the "Eisteddfod Cadair Gwent", with the poem "Deigryn Mam".
James died at 1 Glanlay St., Penrhiwceiber on 27th April 1921.
James published 2 books of poetry: the 1st in 1881 & another in 1885 called "Cyfeillach Awen: Sef Gweithiau Barddonol". He also published "A phrenological and physiological chart" in 1891. Many examples of Ap Valant's poetry are to be found in newspapers of the time, which also make reference to the prizes he won in local eisteddfodau as well as the competitions that he helped to judge. In 1912 he won in the "Eisteddfod Cadair Gwent", with the poem "Deigryn Mam".
James died at 1 Glanlay St., Penrhiwceiber on 27th April 1921.
James was born at Lluestybwlch in the Cardiganshire parish of Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. He married widow, Ann Rees (nee Morgan) in 1866. Originally a miner by trade, James began to write poetry in 1875, using the bardic name "Ap Valant" in tribute to his mother's family name of Valentine. He also studied the science of phrenology, becoming a practitioner & calling himself Professor James Valant Williams. He contributed to the creation of a Welsh vocabulary relating to this science (Pwllwyddeg) & gave lectures on the subject. He also traveled throughout Glamorgan holding meetings & offering consultations.
James published 2 books of poetry: the 1st in 1881 & another in 1885 called "Cyfeillach Awen: Sef Gweithiau Barddonol". He also published "A phrenological and physiological chart" in 1891. Many examples of Ap Valant's poetry are to be found in newspapers of the time, which also make reference to the prizes he won in local eisteddfodau as well as the competitions that he helped to judge. In 1912 he won in the "Eisteddfod Cadair Gwent", with the poem "Deigryn Mam".
James died at 1 Glanlay St., Penrhiwceiber on 27th April 1921.
James published 2 books of poetry: the 1st in 1881 & another in 1885 called "Cyfeillach Awen: Sef Gweithiau Barddonol". He also published "A phrenological and physiological chart" in 1891. Many examples of Ap Valant's poetry are to be found in newspapers of the time, which also make reference to the prizes he won in local eisteddfodau as well as the competitions that he helped to judge. In 1912 he won in the "Eisteddfod Cadair Gwent", with the poem "Deigryn Mam".
James died at 1 Glanlay St., Penrhiwceiber on 27th April 1921.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
