1889 Glamorgan County Council election

The first election to the Glamorgan County Council were held on 17 January 1889.[1] Results were announced over several days.[2] They were followed by the 1892 election. The authority, by far the largest county in Wales in terms of population, was established by the 1888 Local Government Act. The county of Glamorgan was at this time becoming heavily industrialised although some areas such as the Vale of Glamorgan remained essentially rural.

Overview of the Result

The rise of nonconformist liberalism, especially since the 1860s, throughout Wales, had challenged the prevailing influence of the landed gentry. However, even in 1889, the traditional forces remained influential and no working men were elected to the Council. For many weeks prior to the election there was lively campaigning in most wards and on election day, 'there was great interest manifested in the proceedings, and at most of the polling places a great many votes were recorded.'[2]

As in most parts of Wales, the Liberal Party was triumphant and won a majority of the seats. The Liberal members elected ranged however, from traditional landowners such as Henry Hussey Vivian, through indigenous coalowners such as F.L. Davis to nonconformist radicals like the Rev Aaron Davies, Pontlottyn. A vigorous campaign was fought by the Liberals, which was reported in detail in the local press.

The following is a summary of the council composition following the election. The figures shown are the number of councillors plus aldermen. For instance 13 + 2 indicates 13 councillors and 2 aldermen.

Glamorgan County Council election result 1889
Party Seats Gains Losses Net gain/loss Seats % Votes % Votes +/−
  Liberal
  Conservative
  Unionist
  Labour
  Independent
  Other parties

Candidates and unopposed returns

66 members were returned to the Council. There were 6 wards that returned two members while the other 54 wards returned one member only.

Most wards were contested by Liberal and Conservative candidates, although several of the latter stood as Independents. In many cases, Liberals fought each other.[3]

There were only three unopposed returns, all of whom were Liberals. Frederick Lewis Davis, defeated by Mabon at the Rhondda election in 1885 was returned unopposed in Ferndale as was W.H. Mathias at another Rhondda ward. The third unopposed return was David Davies in Morriston.

Contested elections

Most candidates were described as either Liberals or Conservatives but these allegiances were fluid and, in some cases, there was little evidence of a connection between candidates and local Liberal or Conservative party organisations.

Aberdare and Merthyr Districts

There were five seats in the Aberdare district, namely Aberaman, Aberdare Town, Gadlys, Hirwaun and Llwydcoed and the return of three Conservatives in this predominantly radical and working-class community excited some comment. The three Conservatives, Sir William Thomas Lewis, Rees Hopkin Rhys and James Lewis, had all been active in the public life of the valley for many years, and their return owed as much to their local influence as to their politics. The nominally Liberal local paper, the Aberdare Times, regretted that the local Liberal Association chose to run candidates against these prominent local figures.[4] Upon the return of all three, a demonstration was held where (according to the admittedly anti-Liberal Aberdare Times), 'all classes of the people united to mark their sense of the pronounced triumph over the clique who presume to act in the name of the Liberal Association.'[5]

In the Merthyr Tydfil area, however, Liberal candidates were more successful but here too the Conservatives performed strongly.

Rhondda District

In the Rhondda district the success of William Abraham (Mabon) at the 1885 General Election had led to the emergence of a Rhondda Liberal and Labour Association within which working class leaders were active. At the 1889 election the Association advanced a slate of ten candidates, nine of whom were successful. this level of organisation contrasted sharply with other parts of the county. It is also significant that most of the official Liberal candidates had supported the official Liberal candidate, Frederick Davis, in 1885, rather than the Lib-Lab Mabon.[6] The relative unity of the valley Liberals in these elections is illustrated by a meeting held at the Treorchy Board Schools to support the candidatures of William Morgan and J.S. Edwards at Treherbert and Treorchy respectively. The meeting was chaired by William Morris, minister of Noddfa, Treorchy and addressed by both Daronwy Isaac and Mabon himself.[7]

The New Council

The first meeting of the Council was held at the Gwyn Hall in Neath and Sir Hussey Vivian MP elected to the chair.[8] The Liberal group did agree on a list of aldermen before hand but they were not as cohesive as in other counties in using a block vote.

One of the main debates related to the venue for meetings, with the claims of Neath and Pontypridd being most prominent. The Bridgend Local Board of Health had petitioned Lord Dunraven to lobby for that town to be considered.[7]

Results

Aberaman

This contest was widely reported and was a significant victory for a local tradesman, T.P. White, over a leading colliery official who later became a prominent figure in the South Wales and Monmouthshire Coalowners' Association. White had been chosen as Liberal candidate after a public meeting at Saron Chapel, Aberaman. In a letter to the press he referred to pressure from colliery officials and sought to re-assure the electors that there was a secret ballot.[9]

Aberaman 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Thomas Phillip White 769 61.6
Conservative Edmund Mills Hann 480 38.4
Majority 289 23.2
Liberal win (new seat)

Aberavon
Aberavon 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Richard Jenkins 401 53.5
Conservative John Morgan Smith 348 46.5
Majority 53 7.0
Liberal win (new seat)

Aberdare Town
Aberdare Town 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal David Price Davies Unopposed
Liberal win (new seat)

Barry and Cadoxton
Barry and Cadoxton 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal John Cory Unopposed
Liberal win (new seat)

Bridgend
Bridgend 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Lord Dunraven Unopposed
Conservative win (new seat)

Briton Ferry
Briton Ferry 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal William Hunter 353 53.8
Conservative G.H. Davey 303 46.2
Majority 50 7.6
Liberal win (new seat)

Caeharris

E.P. Martin was regarded as the candidate of the Dowlais Iron Company and was said to have dominated the contest from the outset.[1]

Caeharris 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist Edward Pritchard Martin 762
Liberal Evan Lewis 133
Majority 629
Unionist win (new seat)

Caerphilly
Caerphilly 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal David Lewis 531
Liberal Henry Anthony 406
Majority 125
Liberal win (new seat)

Coedffranc
Coedffranc 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative John Newall Moore 451
Liberal Samuel T. Evans 319
Majority 132
Conservative win (new seat)

Coity
Coity 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal William Howell 564
Independent R. Evans 164
Majority 400
Liberal win (new seat)

Cowbridge
Cowbridge 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Thomas Rees 334
Independent Rees Thomas 322
Conservative R.T. Bassett 240
Majority 12
Liberal win (new seat)

Cwmavon
Cwmavon 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Herbert Evans 415
Conservative J. Stanley 387
Majority 28
Liberal win (new seat)

Cyfarthfa
Cyfarthfa 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist W.T. Crawshay Unopposed
Unionist win (new seat)

Cymmer

Henry Naunton Davies was opposed by T. Griffiths, manager of Cymmer Colliery and a member of the Ystradyfodwg Local Board.

Cymmer 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Dr Henry Naunton Davies 785
Independent T.Griffiths 311
Majority 474
Liberal win (new seat)

Dinas Powys
Dinas Powys 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Oliver Henry Jones JP 443
Liberal W. Jenkins 271
Majority 172
Conservative win (new seat)

Dowlais
Dowlais 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Thomas Jenkins 469
Liberal David Jones 443
Majority 26
Conservative win (new seat)

Dulais Valley

Evans Bevan, owner of the anthracite colliery at Seven Sisters, was a prominent businessman and industrialist. His return reflected his social status in the recently developed Dulais Valley.

Dulais Valley 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Evan Evans Bevan 320
Conservative M.S. Williams 223
Liberal Rev D. Glyn Davies 213
Majority 97
Conservative win (new seat)

Ferndale
Ferndale 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Frederick Lewis Davis Unopposed
Liberal win (new seat)

Gadlys

James Lewis had been active in the public life of the Aberdare Valley for many years and his candidacy was supported by many Liberals, even though his politics were regarded as Conservative.[10]

Gadlys 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Independent James Lewis 902 68.9
Liberal T.J. Jones 407 31.1
Majority 495 37.8
Independent win (new seat)

Garw Valley
Garw Valley 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Dr Edward John Parry unopposed
Liberal win (new seat)

Gellifaelog
Gellifaelog 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Gwilym C. James 436
Independent T. Jones 131
Majority 305
Liberal win (new seat)

Gelligaer
Gelligaer 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Henry William Martin 510
Liberal W. Coslett Beddoe 478
Majority 62
Conservative win (new seat)

Gower
Gower 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Frank Cory Yeo 478
Conservative R.A. Essery 328
Majority
Liberal win (new seat)

Hirwaun

The contest was marked by accusations (originally made at the time of the Glamorgan county election of 1880) that Lewis, as a prominent coal owner and land agent, had refused requests by nonconformists for land to build chapels. He publicly refuted these allegations, at a meeting held at Ebenezer, Trecynon.[11] Lewis's supporters also countered these claims by publishing old correspondence, including a letter by the late Thomas Price which refuted the accusations.[12] There is evidence that Lewis's personal popularity transcended any political considerations.[13]

Hirwaun 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Sir William Thomas Lewis 454
Liberal Rev Richard Morgan 383
Majority 71
Conservative win (new seat)

Kibbor
Kibbor 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Henry Lewis 589
Liberal Rev David Evans 284
Majority 305
Conservative win (new seat)

Llandaff
Llandaff 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Robert Forrest JP 448
Liberal W. Evans 257
Majority 191
Conservative win (new seat)

Llandeilo Talybont
Llandeilo Talybont 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Rees Harries 472
Conservative D. Lewis 97
Majority 375
Liberal win (new seat)

Llansamlet
Llansamlet 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal William Sims 556
Independent W.F. Richards 392
Majority 164
Liberal win (new seat)

Llantrisant
Llantrisant 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal J. Blandy Jenkins 609
Conservative Josiah Lewis 444
Majority 165
Liberal win (new seat)

Llantwit Fardre

This large ward covered the parishes of Llantwit Fardre, Llanfabon and Llanwonno and witnessed a close contest. The Liberal candidate, Edward Edwards, addressing a public meeting at Graigberthlwyd Chapel, referred to personal attacks made against him by opponents and defended his record as a Guardian and member of the Gelligaer Highways Board. Dewi Mabon also addressed this meeting, and in response to questions, Edwards declared himself in favour of the Welsh language being taught more widely in schools. it was alleged that his opponent, Jabez Evans, though nominally an Independent, was supported by the Conservative Party.[14] This is borne out to some extent by reports of Evans's meetings, where he was generally supported by those who argued that the "best men" should be elected, regardless of their politics.[15]

Llantwit Fardre 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Edward Edwards 367
Independent Jabez Evans 314
Majority 53
Liberal win (new seat)

Llwydcoed
Llwydcoed 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Rees Hopkin Rhys 317
Liberal Griffith George 258
Majority 59
Conservative win (new seat)

Llwynypia and Trealaw (two seats)

Lewis and Williams, chosen as the official candidates of the Liberal Association, faced one of the few prominent coal owners in the Rhondda to stand as a Conservative candidate. Their campaign was supported by D.A. Thomas who addressed a public meeting at Clydach Vale. Thomas stated that he had known Hood longer than the two Liberals, but that the county elections should be fought on political lines.[16]

Llwynypia and Trealaw 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Richard Lewis 769
Liberal William Williams 730
Conservative Archibald Hood 713
Liberal win (new seat)
Liberal win (new seat)

Loughor and Penderry
Lougher and Penderry 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative J. T. D. Llewellyn 647
Liberal W. Harries 312
Majority 336
Conservative win (new seat)

Maesteg
Maesteg 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Dr John Davies 662
Independent D. Grey 509
Majority 153
Liberal win (new seat)

Margam
Margam 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Arthur Pendarves Vivian 618
Liberal Llewellyn Howell 377
Majority 241
Liberal win (new seat)

Merthyr Town

Following a close three-way contest, John Jenkins, a member of the Local Board of Health for twelve years, scored a narrow victory. Jenkins was the proprietor of the Thomastown Brickworks and a prominent figure in the Merthyr Building Society. Jenkins was said to have campaigned as a Radical, while the other two candidates relied upon their 'personal qualifications'.[1] A few later, however, Jenkins was killed in an accident.[17]

Merthyr Town 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal John Jenkins 543
Unionist Frank James 510
Conservative D. Williams 500
Majority 33
Liberal win (new seat)

Merthyr Vale
Merthyr Vale 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Walter Bell Unopposed
Liberal win (new seat)

Morriston

David Davis, a tinplate manufacturer, was returned unopposed. The widespread support he attracted was indicated by a meeting at Morriston, chaired by William Williams, Maesygwernen, 'who was supported by nearly all the tinplate manufacturers of the neighbourhood and the leading inhabitants of the district'.[18]

Morriston 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal David Davies unopposed
Liberal win (new seat)

Neath (two seats)
Neath 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist Charles Evan Thomas 920
Independent Henry Pendrill Charles 738
Liberal Thomas Powell 687
Unionist win (new seat)
Independent win (new seat)

Newcastle
Newcastle 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal James Bryant 477
Conservative F.J. Coldridge Bowles 275
Majority 202
Liberal win (new seat)

Ogmore
Ogmore 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Evan Evans 362
Independent Rees Thomas 243
Conservative William Howells 183
Majority 143
Liberal win (new seat)

Ogmore Valley
Ogmore Valley 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal John Williams 509
Conservative Daniel Price 366
Majority 143
Liberal win (new seat)

Oystermouth
Oystermouth 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Thomas Penrice 284
Conservative Nicholl Morgan 244
Liberal John Taylor 135
Conservative win (new seat)

Penarth (two members)
Penarth 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Henry Oakden Fisher 667
Conservative John Stuart Corbett 427
Liberal Thomas Lewis 423
Liberal D.T. Alexander 387
Conservative win (new seat)
Conservative win (new seat)

Penrhiwceiber and Dyffryn (two seats)
Penrhiwceiber and Dyffryn 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Col. C.J.N. Gray 1,027
Liberal Gwilym Jones 694
Liberal Hon. H. Campbell Bruce 664
Liberal win (new seat)
Liberal win (new seat)

Pentre and Ystrad (two seats)

David Evans, manager of David Davis & Sons' pit at Bodringallt, and former chairman of the Ystradyfodwg School Board was the only official Rhondda Labour and Liberal Association candidate to be defeated.[19] The successful candidate was William Jenkins of Ystradefechan.

Pentre and Ystrad 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal William Jenkins 1,116
Liberal Richard Morris 1,093
Liberal David Evans 796
Majority
Liberal win (new seat)
Liberal win (new seat)

Penydarren
Penydarren 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Thomas Williams 653
Conservative John Plews 323
Majority 330
Liberal win (new seat)

Plymouth
Plymouth 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Henry W. Lewis 570
Liberal Joseph Owen 311
Majority 239
Liberal win (new seat)

Pontardawe
Pontardawe 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Ernest Hall Hedley 511
Liberal John Beynon 291
Majority 220
Liberal win (new seat)

Pontlottyn
Pontlottyn 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Rev Aaron Davies 469
Conservative J. Matthews 342
Majority 127
Liberal win (new seat)

Pontypridd

This contrast attracted considerable interest as a prominent Liberal faced a major employer in Pontypridd and owner of the Brown Lenox chain works.[20]

Pontypridd 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Walter Morgan 608
Conservative Gordon Lenox JP 490
Majority 118
Liberal win (new seat)

Porth
Porth 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal John Jones Griffiths 413
Liberal Idris Williams 303
Liberal Thomas Jones 243
Majority 110
Liberal win (new seat)

Resolven
Resolven 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Edward Plummer 772
Rev W. Griffiths 359
Majority 413
Liberal win (new seat)

Sketty

John Powell's candidature was supported by key Liberal figures in the county, including Sir Hussey Vivian and Mabon, both of whom addressed meetings. Powell claimed the support of both the Liberal Association and the Labour Party.[21]

Sketty 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal John Powell 597
Conservative Philip Richards 458
Liberal E. Daniel 256
Majority 139
Liberal win (new seat)

Swansea Valley
Swansea Valley 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Thomas Jones 505
Independent W. Jenkins 308
Majority 197
Liberal win (new seat)

Tirdeunaw
Tirdeunaw 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Sir H. Hussey Vivian 786
Liberal Llewelyn Davies 369
Majority 417
Liberal win (new seat)

Treforest
Treforest 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal James Roberts 481
Conservative David Leyshon 383
Majority 98
Liberal win (new seat)

Treorchy and Treherbert (two seats)

The relative unity of the valley Liberals in these elections is illustrated by a meeting held at the Treorchy Board Schools to support the candidatures of William Morgan and J.S. Edwards at Treherbert and Treorchy respectively. The meeting was chaired by William Morris, minister of Noddfa, Treorchy and addressed by both Daronwy Isaac and Mabon himself.[7] At the 1885 election Morgan had supported F.L. Davis while Edwards had supported Mabon.[19]

Treorchy and Treherbert 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal William Morgan 1,061
Liberal Rev John Salisbury Edwards 912
Independent Evan Evans 619
Liberal win (new seat)
Liberal win (new seat)

Tylorstown and Ynyshir
Tylorstown and Ynyshir 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal William Henry Mathias unopposed
Liberal win (new seat)

Ystalyfera

At Ystalyfera there were two strong competing factions for the Liberal candidacy, each supporting John Beynon and James Williams respectively. After a lively arbitration meeting at Swansea, where three referees including David Randell MP and Thomas Phillips of Llanelli presided, Beynon was selected. However, a meeting of Williams's supporters resolved to ignore the decision and contest the seat.[7] These divisions may have contributed to the Conservative victory.

Ystalyfera 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Dr David Thomas 375
Liberal James Williams 239
Majority 136
Conservative win (new seat)

Election of Aldermen

In addition to the 66 councillors the council consisted of 22 county aldermen. Aldermen were elected by the council, and served a six-year term. Following the election of the initial 22 aldermen, half of the aldermanic bench would be elected every three years following the triennial council election.

Prior to the elections there had been some discussion about the method of electing aldermen. At a meeting in Clydach Vale, D.A. Thomas had argued that although he believed the elections should be fought on political lines, men such as J. T. D. Llewellyn and Rees Hopkin Rhys should be selected as aldermen in order that the Council could benefit from their experience as magistrates. This had been contradicted by one of the two Liberal candidates for the ward who had declared that the aldermen should be elected from within the council.[16] In the event both Llewelyn and Rhys were successful at the elections in any case.

After the initial elections, there were sixteen Aldermanic vacancies and the following Alderman were appointed by the newly elected council:

Elected for six years

  • J. T. D. Llewellyn, Conservative (elected councillor at Lougher and Penderry)
  • Thomas Williams, Liberal (elected councillor at Penydarren)
  • Walter H. Morgan Liberal (elected councillor at Pontypridd)
  • William Hunter, Liberal (elected councillor at Briton Ferry)
  • Frederick L. Davis, Liberal (elected councillor at Ferndale)
  • John Davies, Liberal (elected councillor at Maesteg )
  • William Morgan (elected councillor at Treherbert)
  • Dr H. Naunton Davies, Liberal (elected Councillor at Cymmer)
  • John Jones Griffiths, Liberal (elected councillor at Porth)
  • Gwilym James, (elected councillor at Gellifaelog)
  • Sir William Thomas Lewis, Conservative (elected councillor at Hirwaun)

Elected for three years

  • Gwilym Jones, Liberal (elected councillor at Penrhiwceiber and Dyffryn)
  • John Cory, Liberal (elected councillor at Barry and Cadoxton)
  • David Davies, Liberal (elected councillor at Morriston)
  • David Lewis Liberal (elected councillor at Caerphilly)
  • Rev Aaron Davies, Liberal (elected councillor at Pontlottyn)
  • William Jenkins, Liberal (elected councillor at Pentre and Ystrad)
  • Thomas Rees, Liberal (elected councillor at Cowbridge)
  • Edward Plummer, Liberal (elected councillor at Resolven)
  • Rees Harries, Liberal (elected councillor at Llandeilo Talybont)
  • Thomas P. White, Liberal (elected councillor at Aberaman)
  • Richard Jenkins, Liberal (elected councillor at Aberavon )

In contrast to the position in some Welsh counties such as Cardiganshire, where the Liberal majority voted en bloc for a slate of candidates, including a small number of Conservatives, the distribution of the votes in the ballot suggested that this was not the case in Glamorgan. The votes ranged from 58 for J.T.D. Llewellyn to 25 for Sir William Thomas Lewis, who was only four votes ahead of the next candidate, Lord Aberdare.[8] The Liberal caucus did agree on a slate, and altered it when four members including Hussey Vivian and Cory Yeo, declined to be nominated. However, the Liberal group were not as disciplined in adhering to the list as in some rural counties, perhaps reflecting the ambiguity inherent in some councillors' political allegiances.[22] Even so, the end result was that the Liberals had all but two of the aldermanic seats.

By-elections

Aberaman by -election

A by-election was held following T.P. White's elevation to the aldermanic bench. The result of the first election was regarded with surprise in some quarters and one local newspaper predicted that E.M. Hann, defeated at the first contest would be successful in the by-election.[23] However, Hann was again defeated by a different Liberal candidate, Thomas Davies.[24]

Aberaman by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Thomas Davies 675
Conservative Edmund Mills Hann 549
Majority 126
Liberal hold Swing

Aberavon by-election
Aberavon by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative John Morgan Smith 418
Liberal Evan Davies 347
Majority 71

Barry and Cadoxton by-election
John Claxton Meggitt
Barry and Cadoxton by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal John Claxton Meggitt 263
Conservative General Lee 139
Liberal hold Swing

Briton Ferry by-election
Briton Ferry by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative William Peddie Struve 365
Liberal Jenkin Hill 337
Majority 28

Caerphilly by-election
Caerphilly by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Henry Anthony 600
Liberal D. Morgan 320
Majority 280
Liberal hold Swing

Cowbridge by-election
Cowbridge by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative John Samuel Gibbon 460
Liberal Rees Thomas 420
Majority 40

Cymmer by-election

Following the election of Henry Naunton Davies as alderman, his brother scored a decisive victory at the by-election.

Cymmer by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Dr Evan Naunton Davies 781
Conservative J. Davies 184
Majority 597
Liberal hold Swing

Ferndale by-election

Evans, rejected at Pentre and Ystrad at the initial election, was returned unopposed.

Ferndale by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal David Evans Unopposed
Liberal hold Swing

Gellifaelog by-election
Dowlais by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal David Jones 277
Liberal John Thomas 276
Unionist Richard.P. Rees 82
Majority 1
Liberal hold Swing

Hirwaun by-election

Morgan won the by-election, having been defeated at the initial contest by Sir William Thomas Lewis

Hirwaun by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Rev Richard Morgan 480
Independent Dr Evan Jones 362
Majority 114

Llandeilo Talybont by-election

Following the election of Rees Harries as alderman, a public meeting was held under his chairmanship at which Thomas Freeman was selected to contest the seat. There were no other nominations.[25] Freeman was a prominent figure in the public life of Swansea and a member of the Swansea Town Council, which became the Swansea County Borough Council in 1889.

Llandeilo Talybont by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Thomas Freeman Unopposed
Liberal hold Swing

Loughor and Penderry by-election
Lougher and Penderry by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Edward Rice Daniel 554
Conservative John Roper Wright 494
Majority 60

Maesteg by-election
Maesteg by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal James Barrow 719
Liberal Francis Richard Crawshay 347
Majority 372
Liberal hold Swing

Morriston by-election
Morriston 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal William Williams Unopposed
Liberal hold Swing

Penrhiwceiber and Dyffryn by-election
Penrhiwceiber and Dyffryn by-election 1898
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Dr W.P. Jones 1,168
Liberal Unionist W. Jones 286
Liberal hold Swing

Pentre and Ystrad by-election

Following the election of William Jenkins as alderman, Aneurin Cule, a grocer from Pentre and David Thomas, checkweigher at Pentre Colliery were nominated but Cule withdrew allowing Thomas to be returned unopposed.[26] Thomas thus became the first working man to be elected to Glamorgan County Council.

Pentre and Ystrad by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Lib-Lab David Thomas Unopposed

Penydarren by-election
Penydarren by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal David Davies Unopposed
Liberal hold Swing

Pontlottyn by-election
Pontlottyn by-election 1898
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Rev John Penry Williams 694
Liberal Thomas Jones 380
Majority 314
Liberal hold Swing

Pontypridd by-election
Pontypridd by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Henry Hopkins 577
Independent David Leyshon 487
Majority 190
Liberal hold Swing

Porth by-election

Following the election of John Jones Griffiths as alderman, two Liberals, including Hugh Jones, Baptist minister at Penygraig, were defeated by an Independent candidate.

Porth by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Independent Thomas Jones 347
Liberal Rev Hugh Jones 309
Liberal D.Powell 245
Majority 38

Resolven by-election
Resolven by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative J. Edwards Vaughan 630
Liberal Samuel T. Evans 556
Majority 74

Treorchy and Treherbert by-election

Following the election of William Morgan as alderman, Evan Davies, a Treherbert butcher and William Morris, minister of Noddfa, Treorchy were nominated but Morris withdrew allowing Davies to be returned unopposed.[26]

Treorchy and Treherbert by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Evan Davies Unopposed
Liberal hold Swing

By-Elections 1889-1892

Merthyr Town by-election 1889

The by-election arose following the death of the Liberal councillor, John Jenkins, a few weeks after the election.[17] Frank James, who had been defeated by 33 votes at the original election in which both a Conservative an Unionist opposed the Liberal candidate, now scored a decisive victory.[27]

Merthyr Town by-election 1889
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist Frank James 1,033
Liberal Joseph Williams 451
Majority 582

Ferndale by-election 1890

A by-election took place at Ferndale on 1 January 1890 following the death of David Evans, Bodringallt.[28] The elected candidate was the nominee of the Rhondda Labour and Liberal Association.

Ferndale 1890
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Morgan Thomas 466
William Thomas 374
Majority 92

References
  1. "County Council Elections. Yesterday's Polling". Western Mail. 18 January 1889. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
  2. "The County Council Elections". Cambrian. 18 January 1889. Retrieved 21 November 2013. The results are incomplete.
  3. "Glamorganshire County Council Elections". Cambrian. 11 January 1889. Retrieved 31 March 2014. A full list of nominated candidates appears here
  4. "The County Council Election (editorial)". Aberdare Times. 8 December 1888. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  5. "The County Council Election. Grand Demonstration". Aberdare Times. 26 January 1889. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  6. Williams. Democratic Rhondda. p. 49.
  7. "Glamorganshire". Cardiff Times. 5 January 1889. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  8. "Glamorganshire. Meeting at Neath". Cardiff Times. 2 February 1889. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  9. "Aberdar. Etholiad Ward Rhif 4". Tarian y Gweithiwr. 13 December 1888. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  10. "Y Cynghorau Sirol Unwaith Drachefn (editorial)". Tarian y Gweithiwr. 29 November 1888. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  11. "Aberdare County Council Election". Aberdare Times. 5 January 1889. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  12. "Mr W.T. Lewis a'r Capeli Ymneillduol". Tarian y Gweithiwr. 10 January 1889. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  13. "Etholiad Aelod y Cyngor Sirol dros Ranbarth Hirwaun". Tarian y Gweithiwr. 10 January 1889. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  14. "The Contest in the Llanwonno, Llanfabon and Llantwit Fardre Ward". Pontypridd Chronicle. 4 January 1889. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  15. "Mr Jabez Evans and the County Council". Pontypridd Chronicle. 11 January 1889. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  16. "County Council Election. Llwynypia and Trealaw Division". Pontypridd Chronicle. 4 January 1889. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  17. "The Late Boiler Accident". Aberdare Times. 16 March 1889. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  18. "Mr David Davis's Candidature". Cambrian. 11 January 1889. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  19. Williams. Democratic Rhondda. p. 49.
  20. "Pontypridd and the County Council". Pontypridd Chronicle. 4 January 1889. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  21. "Glamorganshire County Council Elections". Cambrian. 11 January 1889. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  22. "Glamorgan County Council". Pontypridd Chronicle. 8 February 1889. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  23. "District Notes". Aberdare Times. 9 February 1889. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  24. "County Council Election". Aberdare Times. 23 February 1889. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  25. "The Vacancies in the Councils". Cardiff Times. 9 February 1889. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  26. "The Rhondda Contests". Pontypridd Chronicle. 15 February 1889. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  27. "Glamorgan County Council. Bye-election at Merthyr". Aberdare Times. 30 March 1889. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  28. "Glamorgan County Council. The Contest at Ferndale". Cardiff Times. 4 January 1890. Retrieved 13 March 2014.

Bibliography
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