David Davis, Maesyffynnon,, son of David Davis, Blaengwawr was a prominent Welsh coal owner and public figure.
Background
He built upon the work of his father and expanded the family"s industrial holdings in the Aberdare and Rhondda valleys. The family business, built up by his father, was based on the Aberdare Valley, and a number of collieries were opened south of Aberdare, such as that at Abercwmboi. During his father"s last years, the family became involved in the early exploitation of the coal reserves of the neighbouring Rhondda Valleys, with the Davis family"s operations being concentrated on Ferndale in the Rhondda Fach.
Career
He had two daughters, Mary and Catherine. Despite the huge loss of life at Ferndale in 1867 he was regarded as a good employer. During the strikes of the 1870s, Davis was among the most conciliatory among the coal owners, endeavouring to being disputes to an education
He later became vice-chairman of the South Wales Conciliation Board, chaired by H. H.Vivian.
A wealthy man, he had quarrying ventures in Merioneth, and became high sheriff of the county in 1869. As early as 1847 he was involved in public meetings called in response to the 1847 Education Reports.
His educational interests also made him aa generous supporter of the University colleges at Aberystwyth and Cardiff. In the 1860s he was initially mentioned as a prospective Liberal candidate for the Merthyr Boroughs parliamentary seat.
Hiwever, he declined the invitation and was prominent in Henry Richard"s successful campaign for election as Member of Parliament for the constituency.
Davis presided at a number of Richard"s meetings At one such meeting, at Trecynon in late September, Richard criticised those who had sought to discourage him from contesting the seat, both publicly and privately (a veiled reference to Thomas Price of Calfaria). At the end of the meeting the crowd released the horses and drew Richard"s carriage back to Davis"s residence at Maesyffynon.
Unlike his father, who remained an active Wesleyan throughout his life, David Davis, Maesyffynnon, became involved in a schism which led to the short-lived "Wesleyan Reform" movemnent.
The "Reform" chapel at Aberdare eventually, became Congregationalist.
Membership
He became actively involved in the public life of the Aberdare Valley, as a member of the Aberdare Local Board of Health and Aberdare School Board.
