Mawdsley, James (1848–1902), trade unionist

Mawdsley, James (1848–1902), trade unionist, was born at Preston, Lancashire, on 9 January 1848, the son of Thomas Mawdsley, an operative cotton spinner, and his wife, Jane (née Fawcett). He entered the factory as a half-timer at the age of nine, and at sixteen began to work full-time alongside his father. He involved himself in the affairs of his local spinners' association, and became its assistant secretary in 1875. Three years later, after a rigorous competitive examination, he was appointed full-time general secretary of the ...

Mawdsley, James (1848–1902), trade unionist, was born at Preston, Lancashire, on 9 January 1848, the son of Thomas Mawdsley, an operative cotton spinner, and his wife, Jane (née Fawcett). He entered the factory as a half-timer at the age of nine, and at sixteen began to work full-time alongside his father. He involved himself in the affairs of his local spinners' association, and became its assistant secretary in 1875. Three years later, after a rigorous competitive examination, he was appointed full-time general secretary of the ...