Frederick Lewis Davis
Frederick Lewis Davis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | May 17, 1920 (aged 57) |
| Occupation(s) | Coal owner, politician |
| Known for | Liberal Party politician, chairman of D. Davis & Sons Ltd., alderman on Glamorgan County Council |
Frederick Lewis Davis (30 January 1863 − 17 May 1920) was a Liberal Party politician and part of a distinguished coal-owning family from South Wales. His grandfather, David Davis, Blaengwawr, was a trailblazer in developing the coal industry within the Aberdare valley. Subsequently, his father, Lewis Davis, alongside his uncle, David Davis, Maesyffynnon, expanded their coal enterprises in the Rhondda, particularly around Ferndale. Although trained in law as a barrister, Davis ultimately became involved in the family's coal business.
In May 1890, when "D. Davis & Sons Ltd., Ferndale Steam Coal Collieries" transitioned into a public company, Davis assumed the role of chairman. The process of going public was overseen by Robert William Perks (1849-1934).
Political career
Davis was chosen in 1885 as the Liberal candidate for the newly established Rhondda seat. However, he encountered competition from trade union leader William Abraham (Mabon).
The constituency's formation resulted from significant population growth and expanded suffrage rights granted by the Third Reform Act of 1884. Early on, the Rhondda Steam Coal Miners' Association, a local trade union, asserted its influence by endorsing Mabon, who had served as their agent for six years. Meanwhile, the newly created Liberal Association—largely controlled by middle-class entrepreneurs and colliery managers—appointed Lewis Davis as its president. Declining to stand himself, Lewis nominated his son Frederick Lewis Davis as candidate; F.L. Davis ultimately prevailed over Mabon in two rounds of voting.
The trade union's refusal to accept this outcome prompted Mabon's independent candidacy, marking a pivotal event in South Wales political history. While policy distinctions between the candidates were minimal, a key issue was the remuneration of Members of Parliament: Mabon supported payment; Davis opposed it. The election campaign revolved around questions of legitimacy and class alignment—Davis garnered backing from middle-class and paternalistic family interests, whereas Mabon was strongly supported by trade unionists and working-class voters. Both factions faced allegations of intimidation and aggressive tactics.
On polling day, Mabon secured a clear victory. The Davis family accepted this outcome without dispute, and Mabon retained the seat without further opposition. Following this election, Mabon's supporters established the Rhondda Labour and Liberal Association, which eventually absorbed the competing Liberal Association.
In 1889, Davis was elected to Glamorgan County Council and became one of its inaugural aldermen. He served a single six-year term before choosing not to seek re-election.