William Crawford (trade unionist)

William Crawford (1833 – 1 July 1890) was an English miner, trade unionist, and a Liberal politician.

For other people named William Crawford, see William Crawford (disambiguation).

Crawford in the 1880s

Crawford was born at Cullercoats Northumberland[1] and worked in Hartley Coal Mines from the age of 10. In 1862 he actively opposed the attempt of the Northumberland mine owners to impose the system of yearly hiring. He became Secretary of the Durham Miners' Association in 1863,[2] and spoke frequently at the Durham Miner's Gala[3] He was briefly secretary of the breakaway Northumberland Miners' Mutual Confident Association.[4]

In 1885 Crawford was elected Member of Parliament for Mid Durham and held the seat until his death aged 57. From 1889 to 1890 he was a member of the Institute of Mining Engineers. Crawford was a chief promoter of the College of the Venerable Bede, Durham and acted as its treasurer until his death.[5]

References
  1. British Census 1881
  2. Debretts Guide to the House of Commons 1886
  3. Durham Mining Museum - Willia Crawford
  4. Morpeth Antiquarian Society
  5. "The Eagle". 1859.


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