Benjamin Thomas was a Welsh immigrant, slate quarryman, and poet (bard).  Born in 1838 in Wales, he died in 1920 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, West Pawlet, Vermont. He wrote the famous Welsh song "Moliannwn," which means "Let's Rejoice." The song is still sung today. 

The diary is owned by a private owner in Wales. This is a copy of transcription that was given to the Slate Valley Museum.