David Davis and Sons
The business was built up by David Davis (1797-1866). It was based on the Aberdare Valley, and a number of collieries were opened south of Aberdare, such as that at Abercwmboi.
1830s The Ferndale Colliery was sunk in the early thirties by David Davis, a draper, who worked a small anthracite level under the Marquess of Bute.
1839 Shipped coal at Cardiff.
With his two sons, Lewis and David, he sank another pit.
Acquired the Tylorstown Collieries.
During the founder'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. Despite the huge loss of life at Ferndale in 1867 he was regarded as a good employer
1867 Announced they had supplied all the coal used by the French Imperial mail steamers to South America[1]
1890 Subsequently D. Davis and Sons