In the 1860's, Michael D. Jones along with others who were dissatisfied with the social conditions in their home country, set out on a venture to establish a Welsh colony in Patagonia, South America.
Amongst the objectives of the Welsh Colonising and General Trading Company Limited which was based in Record Street, Rhuthun, Denbighshire were :
"(a)To charter, purchase, or build sailing or steam ships or boats.
"(b)To convey passengers or goods to and from the Welsh Colony or Colonies in the Argentine Territory of Patagonia, South America, and to and from all such other parts or places wheresoever [sic.] as the Directors may from time to time appoint, at such fares and freights
"(c) To obtain land by purchase or concession, in the Welsh Colony or Colonies or elsewhere, and to purchase, all agricultural stock and implements whatsoever, and to re-sell the same upon any conditions been eficial [sic.] to the Company."
Michael D. Jones was the Chairman of the company. He invested in the scheme financially and made a great loss which resulted in the sale of his home, Bodiwan in Bala, Merioneth.