Thomas Pritchard
From Festipedia, hosted by the FR Heritage Group
There is some dispute as to the spelling as to whether it is Pritchard or Prichard. Thomas Pritchard was James Spooner's assistant in planning and building the Festiniog Railway. He had previously been employed by George Stephenson on the building of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. It is felt by some that he did more to help James Spooner than "assist" implies.
He was born in 1799 and married Eleanor (some 21 years younger) who was from Ffestiniog. He had several children including a son Thomas
After his work in building the line he stayed in the FR Co. employment for many years, probably in charge of the Boston Lodge foundry (at one time, at least) and was still employed by the Co, in 1858. At one time it is believed he was chief Station Master.
At a dinner, in 1865, held to mark the introduction of steam locomotives, Holland noted he was the longest serving employee, at 31 years