1944
(487)
(Engineer).
Born at Kilmarnock, Scotland, 18th November, 1887.
He was the youngest 6f six children, his parents being in humble circumstances.
At the age of 10 he started work as a half time errand boy, finally leaving school at the age of 1U years.
After leaving school attended evening classes for several years and supplemented such education by reading, lectures, etc.
Apprenticed to the engineering trade, he has followed that occupation ever since and has been deputy chief engineer to the Leicester Co-operative Society for many years.
He started his public career at the age of 17, when he joined the Independent Labour Party and soon became known throughout Scotland as an active and vigorous propagandist for Labour and Trade Unions.
In the First World War he served with the Royal Engineers for nearly 4 years, and was demobilised with the rank of Sergeant.
Settling in Leicester in 1919 he soon became active in public affairs. In November, 1922, he was elected to the City Council as Member for Newton Ward, which he represented for 15 years, until transferred to North Braunstone Ward on the redistribution of the Wards.
Always keenly interested in electrical development, he joined the Electricity Committee in 1922. In 1924 he was elected Vice, Chairman of the Committee, and in 1934 Chairman, which position he has held ever since.
He also served on many other Committees of the Council.
He was raised to the Aldermanic Bench on October 31st, 1944.
On three occasions he stood as Parliamentary Labour Candidate for the Bosworth Division of Leicestershire, but was defeated each time by narrow majorities.
In 1917 he married Annie Sophia, only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Flude of Leicester. There is no issue of the Marriage.
The war in Europe was concluded on the 8th May, 1945, and the war with Japan on the 15th August, 1945: both events occurring during his year of office.
He was High Bailiff of the City of Leicester for the year 1939, 40.
