And after Christmas sister Elizabeth writes to her brother to tell him how it all went.
Overton
Dec. 31st/78
Dear Brother
We enjoyed our Christmas very much Although it was snowing all the morning and very cold. We were all so sorry that you could not come home. We were down to Aunt Harriets to tea yesterday evening and Jane and Sill are gone down to Uncle George Gibbs to tea this evening.
I am afraid you will be too late for the tea meeting it is to take place to morrow evening. There has been a sad accident it happened a few days ago. Uncle George’s Brother Captain Joseph was knocked of the vessel and drowned the crew didnt know he was gone till they missed him. We are going to sent Uncles box next week so you may expect a bit of Christmas pudding and a few apples.
I must now conclude
And Wishing you a happy
new year I remain
Your affectionate sister
Elizabeth
First Edition Frontispiece and Title Page of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol published 1843
George Gibbs was the son of Harriet nee George, (Ann’s mother Jane’s sister) and Samuel Gibbs. After working in London under the guidance of his uncle Robert, George returned to Gower and married Ann Hughes of Newton in Llanddewi. George was employed for many years as Lloyd’s Agent (the shipping firm) in Gower and farmed 59 acres at The Rectory, Porteynon.
George GIBBS (1827-1903) had a brother James baptised Porteynon 20 Jun 1821 who became a Master Mariner. He died at his mother Hariet's (1795-1881) residence in Porteynon on 16th Jan 1878 aged 56 and was buried at Porteynon on 19th Jan 1878.. A notice to that effect appeared in The Cambrian on 25th Jan 1878. Elizabeth's letter to her brother George is dated 31st Dec 1878, after her siblings visit to Uncle George GIBBS. I am at a loss to know who Captain Joseph GIBBS refers to, who was washed overboard in the letter.
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