My great-grandfather Thomas (Tom) Jones 1870 - 1946 lived in Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales for most of his life. His occupations were variously recorded as:
- Haulier (1891 census, age 21)
- Coal Miner (Marriage certificate, 1893, aged 23)
- Sewing Machine Agent (1901 census, aged 30)
- Traveller for Singers Sewing Machines (Birth certificate of his son, 1905, aged circa 34)
- Coal Miner (1911 census, aged circa 41)
- Coal Miner (Marriage certificate of his son, 1924, aged circa 54)
- Rockman O.A.P. (1939 Identity Card Register, aged circa 69)
- Car Works Labourer retired (Death certificate, 1946)
- Motor Works Labourer (Death certificate of his widow, 1951)
My mother told the story that he has been forced out of the mines to become a travelling salesman because of his Trade Union activities. Given the sequence of occupations above, this must have happened some time after 1893 and before 1901.
How can I learn more about Trade Union activities in the South Wales coalfield in the 1890s and early 1900s, and possibly find some reference to my great-grandfather (although with a name like Thomas Jones, it will be hard to be certain even if I do find a reference).
Edit: It would also be interesting to understand why he might have been able to return to the mines by 1911.