WELSH COLONY 1880s - nearby Bowman's Bluff, Big Willow
Bowman's Bluff - 1918 Kershaw map of Henderson County
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In the late 1870s or early 1880s, sixteen families settled in the neighboring community of Bowman's Bluff in Big Willow. The families originated from Wales, Derbyshire, and Southern England, and were of the landed gentry class. Today they are known as "The Welsh Colony" of Bowman's Bluff in the Big Willow area of the Etowah Valley.
Morgan J. Evans, George H. Holmes, John W. Juedwine (Joudeweine), Chenoweth, Rev. Joseph Wainwright Thomas, Stone, Twyford, Cowan, Bentson, Scott, Addenbrock Eade, Finwick, Valentine, (missing one name) Two of the original family homes are still standing. - Bryn Avon (National Register of Historic Places) - Holmes home (remodeled), aka French Willow Farm. The Jeudwine home, no longer standing, is pictured below. |
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"Old Timers"
This two page article about the Welsh Colony settlers, written by Patsy O'Brien, appeared in the French Broad Hustler. March 13, 1919 | ||||
The 1880's Jeudwine home of Welsh Colony settlers in Big Willow, Bowman's Bluff, John W. and Harriette L. Jeudwine.
In the 1900 Census, John Jeudwine listed his occupation as "Teacher of Music."
Later 1915, the home of Isaac & Virginia Shell McCall from Hickory NC.
In the 1900 Census, John Jeudwine listed his occupation as "Teacher of Music."
Later 1915, the home of Isaac & Virginia Shell McCall from Hickory NC.
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" An Elizabethan Colony in North Carolina " by Theodore L. FitzSimons
The article below was originally published in October 1916, in a magazine titled,
"The International Studio - An Illustrated Magazine of Fine and Applied Art."
The New York publication was active from 1897 - 1931.
Theodore was an uncle to Frank L. FitzSimons Sr., author of "From the Banks of the Oklawaha."
The article below was originally published in October 1916, in a magazine titled,
"The International Studio - An Illustrated Magazine of Fine and Applied Art."
The New York publication was active from 1897 - 1931.
Theodore was an uncle to Frank L. FitzSimons Sr., author of "From the Banks of the Oklawaha."
Terry Ruscin's 2013 book, "Hidden History of Henderson County - North Carolina,"
contains a well researched chapter entitled: "The Welsh Colony and Bryn Avon."
contains a well researched chapter entitled: "The Welsh Colony and Bryn Avon."
Additional References to the Welsh Colony may be found in these sources:
"A Legacy of Achievement," by Tom Orr, Times-News article , 2012
"The Ravenscroft School in Asheville," book by Dale Wayne Slusser, 2013
for Bowman's Bluff: FitzSimons, Index to all three volumes
"A Legacy of Achievement," by Tom Orr, Times-News article , 2012
"The Ravenscroft School in Asheville," book by Dale Wayne Slusser, 2013
for Bowman's Bluff: FitzSimons, Index to all three volumes
General Location of the Welsh Colony in Big Willow, Henderson County GIS