Daniel James came from Treboeth in Swansea. He lost his father at an early age, later becoming a puddler at Morriston ironworks, and afterwards worked at Landore tinplate works.

He began to write verse and assumed the bardic name Gwyrosydd (meaning "Truth will Stand" or "Man of Gower"). He later found work in Tredegar, Dowlais Ironworks, Blaengarw, and Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taff, where he spent 20 years.

He returned to Morriston in 1918 to live with his daughter, and died there in March 1920. He was buried at Mynyddbach, and a memorial tablet was placed at Treboeth Public Hall in 1936.

Much of his verse appeared in periodicals and newspapers, but collections were also published. Calon Lân is easily his most popular hymn, and regularly tops the lists of favourite Welsh hymns. He is thought to have written the words while he lived at Blaengarw, and the local council is to open a new park (Parc Calon Lân) in his honour in 2008.

• Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol
• Treboeth History Group

Daniel James