John Jones Griffiths
John Jones Griffiths was an educationalist, Liberal politician and prominent figure in the public life of the Rhondda, Wales.
Early life and career
Griffiths was born in Aberystwyth and received his early education at Penparcau National School. Although apprenticed as a bookbinder and ironmonger in his native town, he soon moved to Blaina. Monmouthshire, where he became a pupil teacher. After five years he earned a scholarship to Bangor Normal College where he was one of the first students and a contemporary of John Rhys. Having qualified as a teacher, he first taught at Hirwaun and later at Beaufort, and during his time there he won several prizes at eisteddfodau. In 1866 he left Beaufort for Aberaman and during his time there became involved in Liberal politics and campaigned for Henry Richard at the 1868 General Election.Griffiths at Penygraig
In 1872 Griffiths left Aberaman for Penygraig where he succeeded Tom John as headmaster of the National Schools. During his time at Penygraig a number of explosions took place at the Penygraig Naval collieries and Griffiths played prominent role in efforts to raise funds for widows and orphans. He retired from his post in 1885 and thereafter devoted himself to public life.At the 1885 General Election he actively supported F.L. Davis in his unsuccessful campaign against William Abraham (Mabon). He was, however, unsuccessful in his attempt to secure election to the Ystradyfodwg School Board in 1890.