David Saunders was born on the 20th, May 1831, at Emlyn, on the banks of the River Teifi, on the borders of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, but in Cardiganshire, so the three counties have almost an equal right, to claim him as their own.

His father, a currier by trade, was no ordinary man, a tall, well-developed, and commanding in appearance, he was a good musician, and took a keen interest, in the political and social, and religions welfare of his country. His mother was one of those talented and inspired women, such women as Wales has never done justice to their memory- who take an active interest in the destiny of their country, and are sought after for their prudent counsel, sound judgment, and purity of life.

So were the mothers of the “three brothers” of Llanllyfni, of Henry Rees and “Gwilym Hiraethog;” “Ab Fychan,” “leuan Gwynedd,” of  Dr Owen Thomas and Dr John Thomas, “Ceiriog”, “Dafydd Ionawr, “Iolo Morganwg,” &c They had faith in Christianity as the only elevating power to raise the world from sin; faith in the future of their own country and faith that they could infuse into their sons and daughters is such enthusiasm Is would make them  ready to lay down their lives for the truth and their fellow men.

Wales has been blessed with some wonderful mothers, women who took prominent parts in the theological controversies of the country fifty and sixty years ago, women who were the heart and soul of the Sunday Schools and the (“seiat,” ‘a session’) and who sheltered and comforted the old Welsh giant preachers who used to pilgrimage the land to preach the Gospel History is silent, about such women, but the force of their character is manifested in those of their children who have placed themselves wholly at the disposal of their country. It was no wonder, then, that, then name of David, the son of an industrious, intelligent, and pious poor couple, should become a household name throughout the length and breadth of the land.