Elias Jones first appeared as Vestry Clerk in April 1843 and he regularly signed the minutes in his distinctive hand up to March 1850. In the 1851 census he is recorded as School Master at Barthomley, Cheshire but this may have been a temporary position as he did not break ties with Marchwiel. His handwriting is clearly recognisable for some vestry meetings from 1852 to 1854, although not signed, and then from April 1854 he regularly signs them up to 1862. I assume that he was back at Marchwiel school for this period as early as February 1854 when his father in law who had been living with them died at Marchwiel. In 1863 he was appointed Assistant Overseer (see below) and about 1865 he left Marchwiel School as in 1866 the new schoolmaster, Mr Mantell, is mentioned in the Marchwiel Charity Accounts as receiving payment of 10s for use of the school room.
Extracts from the Marchwiel Vestry Book 1837-1864
The following refer to Elias Jones, Vestry Clerk and School Master at Marchwiel National School
1860 Salary for School Master
At a Vestry held at the National School Marchwiel on Tuesday the 11th day of Dec 1860 according to legal notice, for the purpose of taking into consideration, the best means, of Establishing, and Securing, a Permanent Salary for the School Master & School Mistress of the Parish of Marchwiel, for the Education of the Poor Children and defraying the Expenses connected with the School.
It was proposed by Mr Townshend Mainwaring and seconded by Mr York, and carried unanimously, that a sum not exceeding £60 per annum be applied towards the education of poor children, and the apprenticing of a certain number of children of The Poor, belonging to the Parish of Marchwiel, out of the Ellis Fund.
1863 Assistant Overseer
At an adjourned Vestry held in the National School House, Marchwiel on Wednesday the 29th Inst it was proposed by Mr Birch and seconded by Mr Parsonage and carried unanimously that Mr Elias Jones be appointed an Assistant Overseer at a Salary of Eight Pounds per annum. The Assistant Overseer also to receive The Revising Barrister’s fees. This election is subject to the condition that Mr Elias Jones procures a Surety or Sureties to satisfy the Board of Guardians. The duties of the Assistant Overseer to consist of the usual duties of The Vestry Clerk, together with the Collection of The Poor Rate, The High Way and the Church Rate.