Son of Blaenavon honoured (From Free Press Series)

Son of Blaenavon honoured

1:57pm Thursday 29th June 2006 in Pontypool news

THE life of the great industrialist John Paton, of Blaenavon, has been commemorated with a plaque at Blaenavon Community Heritage and Cordell Museum.

John Paton was born in Blaenavon in 1863 and became a leading industrialist and the owner of collieries, tinplate and ironworks in Monmouthshire.

The plaque was put up in the museum in his memory by local Cllr Mike Davies who has written a book about the former Blaenavon man's life.

The monument was unveiled in the presence of some of Mr Paton's relatives, his grandson Graham and great-grandson John.

Robert Gulliford, curator of the museum, provided an insight into the local man's life.

Mr Paton was appointed the High Sheriff of Monmouthshire in 1916 and also served as the chairman of the Blaenavon Iron, Coal and Steelworks Company Ltd.

During his career Mr Paton became the managing director of Crumlin Valley coalmines and was a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers.

He married Susan Jones, the daughter of John Partridge, owner of Pontnewynydd Forge and was appointed the company director.

At the height of his career he had more than 25,000 men working for him.

Mr Paton died in 1943 and is buried in his family's plot in St Peter's Churchyard in Blaenavon.

Mr Gulliford said: "We are delighted to have this plaque commemorating John Paton at the museum, he truly is a son of Blaenavon."