Primitive Methodist local preacher and trade unionist, was born at Longbenton, Northumberland on 9 April 1839, and at the age of seven began working in the pit In 1858 he was blacklisted for trying to break the written agreement on working practices. After briefly going to sea, he moved to Monkwearmouth where he made further attempts to improve working conditions. In an attempt to find work in 1871 he moved to Sharlston, where he was elected checkweighman and joined the West Yorkshire Miners' Association, being its President in 1874 and 1876 -1881. On its merger in 1881 with the South Yorkshires Miners' Federation to form the Yorkshire Miners' Federation, he became its first President. Then on the Miners' Federation of Great Britain being formed in 1889, he was elected to its committee. A prominent opponent of socialism, he died on 16 December 1903.

Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
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