David Bevan Jones (1807–1863) was a Welsh religious leader who served as a Baptist minister before becoming a prominent figure in the Latter Day Saint movement in Wales and the United States. He is noted in religious history for his high-profile conversion and his contributions to Welsh-language Mormon literature.
Early Life and Baptist Ministry Jones was born in 1807 in the parish of Llandyfaelog, Carmarthenshire, Wales. He entered the ministry within the Baptist denomination and eventually became the pastor of a congregation in Gwernogle. During this period, he gained a reputation as an eloquent and influential preacher.
Conversion to Mormonism In the mid-19th century, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) experienced significant growth in Wales. Jones initially opposed the movement, but after investigating its doctrines, he was baptized into the LDS Church in 1851. His conversion was considered a significant event in the religious landscape of South Wales at the time, given his established status as a Baptist minister.
Missionary Work and Writing Following his conversion, Jones became an active missionary and leader within the Welsh LDS community. He contributed to the church's Welsh-language periodical, Udgorn Seion (Zion's Trumpet), and assisted in the publication of religious tracts. His writings and preaching were influential in the proselytization efforts throughout the Welsh valleys.
Emigration and Later Life In 1853, Jones participated in the "gathering" of Latter-day Saints to the United States. He emigrated with a company of Welsh converts, traveling across the Atlantic and eventually crossing the American plains to the Utah Territory. He settled in Spanish Fork, Utah, where he continued to be active in his faith and community.
David Bevan Jones died in Spanish Fork in 1863. His life is frequently cited in studies of 19th-century Welsh emigration and the history of the LDS Church in Wales.