Wilson, Joseph
1833-1926

PM lay worker, born in Bradford, Yorks. When he later established his own business and woollen mill, he introduced improved working conditions and a profit-sharing scheme. Somewhat eccentric, he was totally devoted to the temperance movement, bought an old church and created a Gospel Temperance Mission Institute. He was ostracized by the PMs for his enthusiasm. He was a keen vegetarian and a Liberal councillor. A PM President said of him that 'he gave time and strength to reform movements every day for three quarters of a century.'

Sources
  • Joseph Wilson, his life and work (c.1923)
  • WHS(N. Lancs) Bulletin no.15 (1992)

Entry written by: EWD
Category: Person
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