The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-05
COL. LLEWELLYN W. JOHNS PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY Widely Known and Loved as Pioneer of Jeffer-
 son County FUNERAL SERVICES BE HELD WEDNESDAY Was Down Town Friday But Became III Friday Night and Never Re-
 covered-Events of His
 Life Reviewed

Col Llewellyn W. Johns, widely known as a pioneer of the Birmingham district and a public spirited citizen, died at his residence, "the Elms,' in the western part of the city at o'clock yesterday morn ing. He was in the 6Sth year of his age.
 He had not been in his usual good health recently. but on Friday last he and his wife came into the city and attended q moving picture show. That night he De- came i'll and on Saturday it was found that his condition was critical Three physi- clans attended him but they soon discov- cred that his malady was fatal.
 Colonel Johns was not only one of the best known men in Jefferson county, but he was one of the most popular. He en- loved the reputation of being very prince of hospitality. Since he retired from active business pursuits several years ago he entertained a great deal at "the Films Having his friends as guests gave hlm the highest delight. He had accumulated large estate and while he avoided every thing like a display of wealth, his beneVo- lent deeds were manifold and charity Was ever open handed.
 Coloned Johns leaves a widow, who De- fore her marriage was Miss openshaW' and three children by his first wife-Wai- lace c. and Carl Winston of Birmingham and Mrs. Kate Rosser of Ft. Myers Fla; also q brother and sister in Wales ana sister in Wilkesbarre, Pa.
 Funeral services will be held at 'The Elmsp at 1 o'clock Wednesday. The Rev. e hal IFr.fc of the Advent and the Rev. J. s. Glasgow of the Woodlawn Methodist church Will officiate.
 The Knights Tempar will have charge of the services. The Elks are expected to participate. The remains will be inferred In the Woodlawn cemetery.
 The pallbearers will be: Active-Charles DeBardeleben, James Hillhouse, Sr., J. A. Rorntree, Dr. W. r. Black, J. E. Strong, R. F. Johnston, J. D. Smith, pr. w. (. Gewin. Honorary-W. D. Taylor of Bes- seiler, Capt. H. W. Crook of Bessemer, w. w. Crawford Hugh McGeeyer, Rob ert Jemson, sr F, Solomon, l.. G. Petty john, Tom O. Smith.
 Colonel Johns purchased The Elms-2o acres, now inside the clty-25 years ago and had lived there during that time.
 He was member of the Chamber of Commerce and took a lively interest in everything for Birminghams civic better ment. He was a Mason of high degree and was a member of the Shriners.
 In a sketch of Colonel Johns which ap- pears in the History of Jefferson Coun- ty," published in 1887, was this intro duction:
 If vicissitudes, wanderings and adven- lures make up an eventful career, then tn, subject of this sketch has just claims to such distinction. There has not been 0 single year of the 22 that he has been a citizen of America, in which he has not passed through wonderful occurrences"
 Ilewllyn w. Jones was born at Ponty Pridd, Glamorganshire, Wales, England, November 10 1s44. His father William Johns, and his mother, Catherine Hopkins, were both natives of Wales, and his an- eestors on the paternal side, for several generations back, had followed the pro- fessixn of mining engineer, and 1t was but natural that Llewellyn should adopt the same calling. His father having large family, he left the calling of engineer and engaged in speculation, in which he amassed q fortune of G50,00O He had enor- nous contracts to supply foodstuffs to the mines In the great strike of 1S50 in the Rhonda valley, involving 10000 miners, he made a speech 10 60O0 people at the Gym mer bridge in which he pledged himself to stand by the miners. as he did not think the reduction for digging coal just.
 Llewllyn was sent to school at Bath. England, to receive training as a mining engineer in the Western academy of that city and after remaining there 15 months was compelled 10 leave school on account of the straitened circumstances of his father. He worked at the government chain works at Ponty Pridd, and then in the mines. His health falling, he was compelled to quit the mines and prepared himself 10 become an excise officer, but failing to get the necessary nomination from hls member of parliament, he was compelled to return 10 the mines. He worked as an ordinary miner, and at other times as skilled engineer. As he saw nothing but hard work and poverty ahead of him, he determined to go to America. With this purpose in view he left home in his 18th year, went to Liverpool and from there set sail February 26 and ar rived in New York on Good Friday He took lodgings at a boarding house on Greenwich street, and had sl.5O in his pocket The following morning found him penniless, and in a strange city, among a strange people. He walked along the streets until he came 10 Central park and met surveyor, who was laying out blocks in the city, whose name was IT. T. Tomlinson. He applied to him for work, telling him that he was willing to do any thing, and that he understood how to do the work of an engineer The first day he worked without food. and so capable did he prove himself that in two days he was left in charge of the work At the end of a week he was given permanent em- ployment with salary of $50 per month. He continued in this position three months and then went to Allentown, Pa. and worked on the Lehigh Valley railroad building bridges. and subsequently to WiIkesbarre Pa, where he worked in the coal mines during the winter
 Much Mining
 His career extended through many successful years after this suspicious beginning, until he reached the most important und rtaking of his business efforts in 1879 in this district. In the meantime he had experience in the op- erations of many mines of the Pennsyl- vania coal fields, even trying his hand at gold mining in the west He mar ried Miss Tennie Scott of Rising Faun In 1874. Miss Scott came from Durham England, when she was years of age.
 In the spring of 1897. IT. F. DeBarde- leben bought mining properties in ---.s district, and the company as then con stituted was as follows: H. F. DeBarde- leben, president; T. II. Aldrich. superin- tsndont; J. w. Sloss, secretary and treasurer; l.. W. Johns, mining engi- neer. It was known as the Pratt Coal and Coke company.
 Tkis company hasing bought the property at Pratt Mines. he was ap- pointed to go there twice a week and supcrintend the opening of slope No. l. Captain William Gould had then driven