Aberdare Town first became an electoral ward in the late nineteenth century with the formation of Glamorgan County Council.
Following David Price Davies's elevation to the aldermanic bench in 1892, the by-election was said to have created an intense amount of enthusiasm and more excitement than has been known to an election in this parish for many years.
In 1898, David Price Davies's term as alderman came to an end but Evans declined to stand down in his favour, as was the convention when there were two sitting members of a similar political persuasion.
Hughes narrowly held the seat in 1907, having been opposed by Edward Morgan, a leading member of the district council.
[4] John William Evans, who had ousted Thomas from the seat at the 1895 election was also nominated but also withdrew before the poll.