David Davis, Blaengwawr
David Davis, Blaengwawr | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1797 Llanddeusant, Carmarthenshire, Wales |
| Died | 1866-05-19 |
| Occupation(s) | Coal entrepreneur, industrialist |
| Known for | Development of South Wales' coal sector, establishing the steam coal market |
David Davis, Blaengwawr (1797 – 19 May 1866) played a significant role in the development of South Wales' coal sector and was instrumental in establishing the steam coal market.
Originating from Llanddeusant, Carmarthenshire, Davis completed his apprenticeship in Merthyr Tydfil before founding his own enterprise at Hirwaun. His business flourished, enabling him to engage in small-scale mining operations at Rhigos. Although he divested this colliery in 1847, by that time he had secured leases on valuable steam-coal deposits located on the Blaengwawr estate near Aberaman. In 1843, he commenced sinking a mine there and initially transported coal via the Glamorganshire Canal until the Taff Vale Railway became operational in 1847. Davis moved his residence from Hirwaun to Blaengwawr, where he constructed a home for himself and another property, Maesyffynnon, for his son David, who became involved in the family business. Another son, Lewis, was responsible for managing sales activities in Cardiff.
A devoted Wesleyan, Davis contributed to the construction of a new chapel at Soar, Hirwaun in 1837 and founded the Wesleyan Chapel at Aberdare to serve many of his workforce.
In later years, Davis turned his attention to the largely undeveloped Rhondda Fach valley. Despite initial financial challenges, he eventually discovered a lucrative seam at Ferndale. Early in 1866, he and his four sons established 'Davis and Sons,' which experienced considerable growth and was subsequently transformed into a limited company with shares offered to the public in May 1890 through the efforts of Robert William Perks.
Davis also held a position on the Aberdare Local Board of Health, embodying the archetype of a self-made Welsh coal entrepreneur. He passed away on 18 May 1866 and was interred at St John's Cemetery, Aberdare.