Coal
There were many small drift mines through the Cynon valley, which were supplying the local furnaces in the area. The first deep mine in the valley was sunk at Abernant-y-Groes in Cwmbach in 1837. The Wayne family, who owned sunk the mine also owned Gadlys Ironworks, the coal seam they discovered was 4 feet. (They eventually opened Gadlys Pit, Ironworks and Tin plates works)
David Williams (Alaw Goch) 1809-1863 (Ynyscynon House Cwmbach)
David Williams was born at Llwyndrain near Cowbridge in1809; his father was a carpenter who started work as a wheelwright, they moved with his family to Aberdare with his fin 1821.
When he moved here he came to play an important part not only in industrial history but also in the social and cultural life of the history of Aberdare.
He was one of the prime movers in getting the National Eisteddfod to Aberdare in 1861 the in January 1862 he was publicly presented with a medal and an illuminated address at the Temperance Hall (The Palladium) for his contributions to the Welsh Life and to Aberdare.
In 1857 he moved to Miskin Manor where he renovated under is ownership and rebuilt and extended it, he was a well-known philanthropist to whom the National Eisteddfod owes a great deal.
David Williams was on his way to an Eisteddfod Committee in Bridgend on Sunday 28th February 1863 on the way he collapsed and died.
He was buried on March 6th and over 6000 people marched is funeral procession; he is buried in Aberdare Cemetery.
His son Gwilym kept up his fathers work on the manor, Gwilym later became a judge and there is a statute of him outside the law courts in Cardiff. He married Emma Williams of the Aberpergwm House from Glynneath.
Eisteddfods (notes from Rev. I Parry)
The first Eisteddfods started in Cwmbach July 1867 and carried on in Cwmbach for numerous years. The one below are the most noted Eisteddfods1868 Victoria Eisteddfodd held under the auspices of Buddog Lodge,
Thomas Edwards (Dr. Cynonfardd Edwards)
Thomas Edwards on an essay of “The origin and Growth of the Co-operative Stores Cwmbach” the essay was published to provide him with the means to proceed to Theological College. In 1870 he immigrated to America where he became one of the great Welsh-American preachers Dr. Cynonfardd Edwards, he became a great Eisteddfod Conductor. There is memorial Congregational Church in Edwardsville in America dedicated to him, they hold annual festivals dedicated to Welsh Music, literature and dancing.
1885
The National Eisteddfod revisited Aberdare and according to minutes the local committee resolved that any profit accruing from the event should be shared between the colleges of Aberystwyth, Bangor and Cardiff.
It was held at Cae Smith between 25th and 28th August, the tent was illuminated for the first time by electric light. The prominent people at the venue were.
Judge Gwilym Williams (Alaw Coch’s Son)
Rev. Dr Thomas Price
Mr T. Marchant Williams
Mr Jenkin Howell
Mr William Thomas Brunawel
1st Lord of Aberdare (H.A. Bruce)
Poets who were at the event:
Nathan Wyn, Dyfed, Dafydd Morgannwg, Clwydfardd, Ceriog, Llew Llwyfo
The chair was one by Watkin Williams (Watcyn Wyn) for an ode entitled “Y Gwir Yn Erbyn Y Byd”
The chief guest was Mathew Arnold. (Poet, Educator and Literary Critic) 1822-1888
Financially it was a success but the competition entries were not outstanding and several awards were with held.
The Presidents of the 4 day event were:
Tuesday Sir George Elliot
Wednesday Mr J.C. Parkinson
Thursday Lord Aberdare
Friday Col. Kemeys-Tynte