Hartley, Edward

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Hartley, Edward

Watercolour portrait of Edward Hartley

From John Sowden's notes:

Was born in 1855 of fairly prosperous parents, his father being a worsted spinner.
A turn of trade brought hard times and at 10 years old Edward found himself in a Mechanic’s Shop working from 6 to 6. He still bears the mark of an accident which happened before he was 11. After many years knocking about he became a clerk and gaining a fairly good position, married.
Soon after he fell out of work and for nearly 5 months he tramped round seeking work and writing numerous letters begging for the same. He became a librarian but an opportunity came for him to learn the business of meal selling, and a few years later he began business for himself succeeding well until caught in the vortex of politics. A lifelong book lover he began to recite from his favourites and soon became popular.
He was a Sunday School teacher, member of the Choir at the Mutual Improvement Class and a leader in the Band of Hope. Eventually he became president of the local adult school.
It was while still president that he became a Socialist and in 1892 surprised all his friends by becoming the Socialist candidate for Bradford Moor Ward. Between then and 1908 he has fought 18 elections; believing that if his principles are not good enough to make him selected else is. Acting on this principle, he will have no canvassing, no posters on the walls and no vehicles for the old and sick as part of the electoral machinery. He has four times been chosen as Parliamentary Candidate, 13 times for the Corporation and once for the County Council and has won a School Board election.
He fought Bradford Moor Ward seven times before being elected and has been returned as a Councillor four times. He was made an Alderman in 1907. His time is occupied with politics, business, lecturing and journalism. He died in January 1918 leaving a widow, two sons and three daughters.

Year

1908

Creator

Sowden

Image filename

sowden-269