Page 478 - 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.
for the new Leman Street buildings. He returned to the Committee in 1889,
his service only ending with his death. Acted as architect to many Southern
societies and for many public buildings. Was a town councillor for Colchester
for eighteen years.
Gray, J. C. (1854-1912).—Born at Ripley, Derbyshire, the son of a Baptist
minister. Began work as a railway clerk, then appointed assistant secretary
of the Hebden Bridge Fustian Society, becoming secretary six months later.
Elected assistant secretary of the Co-oporative Union in 1883, and as general
secretary on the retirement of E. V. Neale in 1891. Presided over the 1906
Congress, when he outlined his scheme for a national co-operative society.
Was honorary secretary to the International Co-operative Alliance ; contributed
several articles to the C.W.S. Annual, and wrote numerous conference papers;
did much Parliamentary work on industrial questions. A J. P. for Manchester
and member of the Licensing Committee, and a vice-president of the Free
Trade League. His work during so many years on behalf of the Co-operative
Union, for which he is so well remembered, frequently brought him into
intimate contact with C.W.S. affairs.
Green, John (1839-1908).—Born at Hucknall Torkard, his father being
one of the founders of the co-operative society there. Worked as an engineer
at Woolwich Arsenal, where he was identified with efforts to obtain a shorter
working day for his fellows. Served on the C.W.S. Conunittee from 1874 to
1876. A temperance and thrift advocate, a Liberal, and an educationalist;
he also laboured for the extension of the public Ubrary movement.
Green, William (1832-1891).—Took an active interest in co-operation in
Durham covmty and city, serving as committee-man for twenty-five years;
a strong advocate of C.W.S. production; elected to the Committee of the
C.W.S. (Newcastle Branch) in 1874, and remained in office till his death.
Greening, Edward Owen (1836).—Born at Warrington. Connected with the
co-operative movement from 1856, especially as an advocate of copartnership
and profit-sharing. Contested Halifax unsuccessfully as an Independent in
1867. Took a prominent part in welcoming the C.W.S. to London. President
of the Stratford Congress, 1904; founder of the Agricultural and Horticultural
Association, and editor of the Agricultural Economist.
Greenwood, Abraham (1824-1911).—Born at Rochdale, son of a blanket
manufacturer in a small way of business; employed at wool -sorting for twenty-
six years. Secretary of the Chartists' Association at eighteen, and librarian
of the " People's Institute " some time after. Joined the Pioneers' Society
before 1848, and took a keen interest in its educational work, teacliing political
economy to its adult school, held in its newsroom on Sundays. A founder
and first president of the Rochdale Corn Mill. Joined the Jumbo committee
of C.W.S. pioneers, and was elected chairman; wrote and read the paper
outlining the new " agency; " an " original member " of the C.W.S. and its
first chairman; C.W.S. cashier and bank manager from 1874 to 1898. A
pioneer, first director, and sometime manager of the Insurance Society; a
promoter of the Co-operative News, and chairman of the Newspaper Society
for twenty -five years; a friend of G. J. Holyoake and an advocate of
profit-sharing. Lived in retirement at Knott End, but was l>uried at
Rochdale.
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