John Roderick, 1673 - 1735 (Sian Rhydderch), born in Cemais, Montgomeryshsire, was a printer and poet. Best known for his carols and ballads, he printed and sold his first dictionary of the Welsh language in 1725. The oldest Welsh dictionary was produced by William Salesbury, according to ESTC, and dates from 1547. A steady increase in literacy in Wales provided a ready market for Roderick's kind of publication. This pocket-size dictionary sold very well.
Our copy has no title-page, but a torn fragment led us to try Eighteenth Century Collections Online, where, when we examined the recto and verso of the title-page, we confirmed we have the 1737 edition. This also highlights the value of digital material being available online.
The provenance of our copy gives some insight into a family named Lee. A short chronology charts the earliest owner as 'John Lee His Book Bought at Holywell Flintshire, anno 1754;' 'John Lee Jn Born Septr the 17th 1759;' other members wrote their names on various pages, all dated 'June 18th 1802' These included John, John Jn, Elizabeth, Joseph, Ann and William. Salford, Manchester is written several times in connection with their work and Worsley Mill is also mentioned. In some cases they indicated they were working in Mr Thomas' factory Salford, Manchester; Mr. George's factory in the Carden Room. Some tell us what their occupation is - 'Twist Weigher' or 'Washer'. One entry indicates the writer being at Amlwch January 9th, 1802. Sadly two other entries may not be happy ones - 'I got powder from the Fever Ward for John Jn and Elizabeth', and lastly 'I was at the Fever Ward to see how Ann came on June 18th 1802.' Is this an opportunity for someone to do some genealogical research?
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