In neighbouring Merthyr Tydfil, for example, the nonconformists were in a minority and a bye-law was passed, supported by the Anglicans and Roman Catholics, to endow their schools.
Apart from David Morgan, the Aberdare miners' agent who topped the poll, the 1886 list included four influential figures connected with the coal industry, five ministers of various denominations, four grocers, two merchants and a solicitor.
The new Board is composed of gentlemen of talent, education, energy, and experience in practical work of various kinds, all of which combine to fit them for the duties which they have been selected to fulfill.
Aberdare is happily free from the bitter controversies which have been connected with School Board elections in various parts of the United Kingdom.
Working men candidates had been elected to School Boards in the late 1870s, notably William Abraham (Mabon) in the Rhondda.
The miners were sufficiently well organised to make a determined attempt to increase their representation and a vote was held to choose two additional candidates to contest the election alongside David Morgan.