Page 484 - The_story_of_the_C._W._S._The_jubilee_history_of_the_cooperative_wholesale_society,_limited._1863-1913_(IA_storyofcwsjubill00redf) (1)_Neat

The Story of the C.W.S.

French Socialists upon which the Christian SociaHsts drew for their economic
and social proposals. An active member of the little brotherhood of Christian
Socialists, his interest in and connection with all forms of co-operation was
almost life-long. As the last sur\-ivor of the group, he addressed the Co-opera-
tive Congress at Stratford in 1904 in favoiu- of international peace. Amongst
many acti\-itie3 he was Registrar of Friendly Societies from 1874 until 1891.
He received the honour of a C.B. in 1888, and was the author of many books,
including the Progress of the Working Classes, 1832-67, in collaboration with
Lloyd Jones.
Mc.Nab, Joseph (1842—1898).—Engineer, fotinder of an engineering firm,
and a director of several other engineering concerns. Xoniinated by the
Hyde Society, he was elected to the C.W.S. Committee in 1883, retiring
in 1886.
Marcroft, William (1822-1894).—Born at :Middleton. At eight years of age
worked in a cotton mill at Heywood, and afterwards became a machine grinder
at Oldham; famiharly known as " Owd Billy Marcroft." A pioneer of the
Oldliam Industrial Society, and Xo. 1 on the books, and also a leading pioneer
and " original member " of the C.W.S. Served on the C.W.S. Committee, 18C9—
1871. A strong believer in thrift, he led in the penny bank movement amongst
co-operators, and in forming the Sun Cotton Mill and other Oldham " hmiteds;"
a promoter also of the Co-operative Insurance Society. A temperance advocate
from 1848, he held various offices in connection w^th the Rechabites, and wrote
many pamphlets both on temperance and co-operation.
Maurice, Frederick Denison (1805-1872).—" The spiritual leader of the
Christian Sociahsts." Bom near Lowestoft, the son of a Unitarian minister,
he was intended by his father for the same ministry, but he revolted, resolving
to become a barrister. In 1834 he took orders in the Church of England. As
chaplain of Lincoln's Inn (1846) he met Thomas Hughes and J. M. Ludlow;
Charles Kingsley's acquaintance he had pre\-iously made. He was profoundly
aSected by the revolutionary movements of 1848, and, whilst recognising the
need of change, with his friends endeavoured to substitute a definitely Christian
basis for the secular thinking of many of the revolutionaries—hence the term
of avowal, " Christian Socialists." Kingsley called him " the most beautiful
human soul " he had known.
Mitchell, Abraham (1823-1885).—Of Rochdale. Member of the C.W.S.
Committee from August to November, 1870. For many j-ears a Guardian of
the Poor.
Mitchell, John Thomas Whitehead (1828-1895).—Born at Rochdale in
humble circumstances, his mother being tenant of a small beerhouse. His
grandfather was a loser by the failure of the Toad Lane co-operative shop of
1835. Entered the flannel trade and started business for himself, but gradually
gave this up for co-operative work. Joined the Rochdale Pioneers' Society in
1853; on the committee in 1855; a member of the C.W.S. Committee in 1869;
chairman in 1874 and until his death. A Son of Temperance and superin-
tendent for manj' years of the Milton Church Sunday School (Congregational),
Rochdale. (See Chapter XIX.—or any one of a hundred pages of this History.)
386