, and a ready aptitude for application of native wit to the
problems of life developed David Davies into the man of wealth and power
he ultimately became. Even in his school days, however, these latent
traits were not unobservable. It is recorded that "he was the winner of
every game." He may have had a generous portion of what men call "luck,"
but to it was added the still more valuable element of industry and
perseverance and healthy ambition. He knew how to take the chances which
came his way, which is probably the secret of success with many who "get
on." When opportunity offered to enter a new path he readily seized it,
and from the hewer of wood he became the modest contractor, and
ultimately the greater builder of bridges, docks and railways.

[Picture: Some Parents of the Cambrian: reading top left to bottom right:
The later MR. DAVID DAVIES, M.P., one of the first contractors; The late
MR. THOMAS SAVIN, Mr. Davies's first partner and a contractor of other
parts of the line; The late MR. BENJAMIN PIERCY, Engineer of many of the
early lines; The late MR. ABRAHAM HOWELL, Solicitor of the Oswestry and
Newtown, and a promoter of Montgomeryshire Rys]

Passengers travelling along the Cambrian line from Moat Lane Junction to
Llanidloes, may notice, at Llandinam, the roadway which runs below the
church, and crosses the river on an embankment to the station. The
construction of that highway was the first contract which David Davies
held, and it stands to-day, hard by the statue of him which has since
been erected, as a monument of his self-reliant zeal and sound
workmanship. Other contracts followed, including that for the
construction of Oswestry Smithfield, and it was during one of his visits
to that town that Mr. Davies formed a friendship which led to a
partnership that, in its turn, played a potent part in the making of the
Cambrian.

For in Oswestry there lived Mr. Thomas Savin, who had been born, in 1826,
at Llwynymaen, and was a partner in a mercer's business with Mr. Edward
Morris (who afterwards purchased and sold the Van Mine near Caersws),
under the style of Messrs. Morris and Savin. Mr. Savin's mind, however,
was not entirely concentrated on measuring cloth and calico. He took a
keen interest in the life of the town, and was an energetic supporter of
local institutions. Elected to the Town Council in 1856, he was mayor in
1863, and appointed alderman in 1871, an office he retaine