The life of James Kerr
James Kerr is my great-great-great grandfather.
He was born in 1829 in Ayrshire. For some reason, on the census returns he made as an adult, he always claimed to be from Aberdeen, and the family always understood him to be from Glasgow. He was actually born in Ayr to David Kerr and Flora Campbell, and he was one of nine children. David Kerr was a weaver and in 1841 his oldest sons, John, David and James, are apprentice weavers. By the time of the 1851 census, James was probably living in Glasgow and it is from there that he makes his way to Durham where he settles down.
He married Ann Heaviside in 1858. Ann Heaviside’s brother set up one of the first commercial photography shops in Durham and his photographs can still be found in archives today.
James Kerr worked as a carpet weaver and worked for a long time for Henderson’s factory in Durham.
Radical politics
From my grandma’s notes:
“James took a keen interest in politics. He was the first secretary of the Durham Co-operative Society when it was founded in 1862. He represented the carpet weavers on a committee, which organised a Reform demonstration in Durham in 1867 and spoke at the rally on the Sands on the day of the demonstration. During the Boer War he made a pro-Boer speech in the Market Place and was pursued home to Claypath by an angry crowd.”
Below is a letter to the editor of the Durham County Advertiser about the progress of the first year of the Durham Equitable and Industrial Co-operation Society.
10th January 1862
To the Editor of the Durham County Advertiser
Dear Sir, - Would you be pleased to insert in your journal the following statement of the Durham Equitable and Industrial Co-operation Society.
It has been the practice of our great politicians to expatiate upon the progress this country has made in war, science, literature, and arts; but there is one subject which is beginning to command the attention of our great thinking - namely, the development of Co-operative Societies. In Rochdale, and elsewhere, they have brought together the working classes by thousands in a place, induced them into traders in provisions and general merchandise. It is from the successful results of these societies that induced a few working men in Durham to subscribe their pence to form a nucleus for the grand movement in Durham. We, therefore, obtained copies of rules from Rochdale and Sunderland, to enable us to form a society; and after a few preliminary meetings, we agreed on a code of rules. Our next step was to get the society enrolled. We accordingly got two copies forwarded to Mr Tidd Pratt, and he making some slight alteration, certified them - thus having legal sanction, and our subscriptions having accumulated to £18, with 26 members, out of which sum £4 was appropriated to find stock. With our small capital, we determined to commence business in June last. We opened our store at nights, on the never-failing principle of buying and selling in cash. At the end of the first quarter we had transacted business to the amount of £120, and after deducting the working expenses, the reduction of fixed stock at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, and 5 per cent, on paid up capital, we were just enabled, owing to our inexperience and our limited amount of capital, to declare a dividend on purchases of one sixpence in the pound; but acting on the motto - that heaven helps them that helps themselves, with redoubled energy we commenced our second quarter, with a capital of £26, and three additional members. Success has so far crowned our efforts, that we are enabled to declare a dividend of 1s 6d in the pound on purchases, after deducting the usual liabilities. It is also gratifying to reflect on the increased amount of capital during such adverse circumstances - it has risen from £18 to £40 during the six months. These results may seem small; but the cotton mills of Lancashire did not spring up in a night, but grew with the wealth of their possessors; and judging from that fact, we believe it will be so with Co-operation.
By inserting the above, you will greatly oblige yours, on behalf of the above society,
James Kerr, Secretary.
The adverse circumstances that James Kerr is referring to are perhaps the effects of the American Civil War on cotton production and export hitting English cotton manufacturing and the general economic situation. Wages slumped in 1860 and were barely recovering. In this article, the 1860s are referred to as a “lost decade” comparable to the economic situation we are living through today.
I think we’re so used to co-operatives and seeing Co-op shops everywhere that we have forgotten how radical the movement was. Bear in mind that in the 1860s, most working class people did not have a vote. The 1867 Reform Act granted male heads of households the right to vote without the need to be a ratepayer or own property which extended the vote to more working class men. It wouldn’t be until 1918 that all men over the age of 21 had a right to vote - this same act granted women aged over 30 and who were property owners/university graduates the right to vote as well.
A co-operative movement is essentially working class men subscribing to become members and that society would often operate a shop. The dividend of the profits from this shop would be paid back to the members, depending on their spend with the shop. There are many different types of co-operatives. Some are based on retail, like grocery stores, some on housing, utilities, funerals, etc. It was a way for people without access to a bank account, welfare, investments, pensions, all of that sort of thing to invest their money and to grow it. They could also rely on the co-operative for financial assistance if they needed it. The grocery shops also aimed to sell unadulterated goods of high quality - something that couldn’t be guaranteed by other shops available to working class people.
The Rochdale Pioneers were the group that laid down the principles by which Co-operative societies operated throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
More information:
https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/plan-your-visit
https://www.uk.coop/understanding-co-ops/how-co-ops-began
Another letter from James Kerr 16th January 1863:
From the success the working classes have acquired in carrying on the business of co-operative stores, as general dealers, in food, clothing, and other necessaries, to the more difficult position of carrying on the trade of manufactures, we may fairly conclude that co-operation is the great lever with which to bring within the reach of all the material means of happiness. It stands out in relief from amongst the many important movements of reform, which have had for their end and aim the prosperity, the elevation, the improvement, and blessing of our fellow men. The practical result of these establishments have been to teach the working man economical principles and habits, thereby enabling him to live within his own means; for if a man does not manage honestly to live within his own means, he must necessarily be living dishonestly on the means of others. That is the problem to solve, as implied from the venerable statesman Lord Brougham, who hath said the great problem of social economy was to get the working classes to keep themselves with their own money. How far co-operation has been the means of putting this into practice may be gathered from the returns of 150 societies, made by the committee for the co-operative conference. These societies contain 48,184 members, and held amongst them a capital of £333,200, and had done business in the year 1861 amounting to £1,512,117. This list does not include more than one third of the Co-operative Industrial Societies in existence. The Durham Co-operative Society has done business during the quarter ending December, 1862, to the amount of £741, or an average of £62 weekly, leaving a net gain of £64, apportioned as follows:- the fixed stock reduced at the rate of 10 per cent, on paid up shares 5 per cent, the remainder divided amongst the members, according to the amount of purchases they have made, at two shillings in the pound - non-members receiving one shilling in the pound. The capital of the society being augmented by each member’s dividend, to the amount of £60. Thus, step by step, our progress is marked with an increased amount of capital, enabling us at some future period to commence in some other business, showing that the working men who comprise these societies, if they have not the same amount of intelligence, they have at least as much self denial as the majority of those whom Bulwer Lytton says, have freed themselves from “those twin jailors of the daring heart, low birth and iron fortune.” In contemplating such results from men untutored in commercial transactions, who, that has the interest of humanity at heart, can fail to be highly delighted at the development of these great principles of co-operation? Besides habits of prudence being promoted, knowledge is gained by those who are placed in office, which makes them better and more responsible citizens; and in every way, individually, and so of course, collectively, there is a great impetus given to all that is good in the state, and a great motive to evil taken away. By inserting the above in your journal, you will oblige, yours most respectfully, James Kerr.
This letter is introduced in the newspaper by this paragraph full of Victorian flourishes:The working man of the present day and the institutions which they have established must occupy a great deal of the attention of the historian who shall tell the tale of England’s progress in the present century. I will not stop to rehearse the praises of the cotton operatives of the present day, who have barely bent their heads to the storm and suffered as nobly as Sparta’s king, because their sous are great: but I may instance as one of the most recent of the working mans’ successes - the co-operative stores movement. I am glad to find that the toilers of Durham are in the van of this progressive step, and I am indebted to the editor for a copy of the following letter, which has been addressed to him, and which he has handed to me.
What these letters written by James Kerr indicate is that he is a man who is articulate, politically engaged, informed, knowledgeable and intelligent. I think the letter above seeks to show that the working classes are not defined by their birth, that you can find intelligence and prudence within the working classes. There was the belief at the time that the circumstances of your birth defined you as a person and defined your potential. If you are working class and poor, it’s not because of the system (lack of access to education, family wealth, security of land or property), but because you are not as intelligent, are profligate or just not as able to govern as the upper classes. The success of co-operatives shows that the working classes are literally as good at business or governance as anyone else is.
James Kerr was clearly a trusted representative as he represented Henderson’s at the North of England Carpet Weavers’ Association. Fairfax Kelley & Sons were also represented at this meeting which took place in Heckmondwike, “the metropolis of the carpet trade”. In a report from July 16 1870, he seconded a motion to adopt the ten hour working day. This was an agreement to limit the working hours of weavers each day to ten hours. In this report, it reports that the weavers themselves are not sticking to ten hours and some employers weren’t being strict enough on enforcing it “That if any man or men work before six in the morning or after six in the evening, their name be sent to the trade secretary and that it be inserted in a printed list, and forwarded quarterly to every ship in the trade.” They go on to discuss dismissing men who persist in working more than 10 hours per day. However, they also say that anyone losing their day for refusing to work more than ten hours should be financially supported. It seems crazy to me that you could lose your job for working too many hours! I think even with our much more health and safety conscious society, we wouldn’t enforce working hours so stringently. “Mr Kerr, who seconded the motion, expressed his surprise at the conduct of the offending weavers at Dewsbury, and said at Durham great good had been experienced in carrying out the ten hours’ system, and that to it they always would adhere.”
He also spoke for the amalgamation with Scotland “ Mr Kerr rose and said that, so far as the weavers of Durham were concerned, they were for amalgamation with Scotland. That question, indeed, he regarded as settled, and his only regret was that a copy of the resolution passed at Heckmondwike the other week (to which reference had been made) was not sent to every shop in the trade. His own opinion was that amalgamation would benefit the weavers of both countries.”
Also discussed at this meeting was the amalgamation of this association with Scotland, and increase of 10 per cent in wages paid to weavers with discussion on raising a fund to help support workers in getting that 10 per cent (presumably in case they has to strike for it).
Reform
There is an account of the demonstration of the Reform Association in the Durham County Advertiser on 15 March 1867. The author of the article is really biased against the Reform League and the Reform Association and there is a tone of sneering at their ideals. Their ideals were “manhood suffrage” which means “one man, one vote”. The proposals for the Reform Act 1867 were that adult male heads of households would be entitled to the vote, extending the vote for the first time to more working class people. The article goes on to dismiss the importance of this demonstration, pointing out the relatively low attendance, and the apparent hypocrisy in the one representative of the middle class travelling in a coach while the others walked. There is also reporting of violence and drunkenness after the meeting, strongly implying that all these working class men are just drunken louts when it comes down to it.
James Kerr’s speech is reported:
Mr James Kerr, weaver, of Durham, moved a second resolution recording the thanks of the meeting to Earl Russell and Co., expressing a want of confidence in the present Government, and containing a declaration in favour of household suffrage , and vote by ballot. The speaker dwelt upon the importance of the gathering of that day, and expressed his belief that after that demonstration, no Government dare trifle with the question of Reform. They that day assembled in masses demanding what was their birthright, and observed the speaker “nothing will satisfy us until every man of sound mind and unconvicted of crime, is put in possession of their political rights,” Mr Kerr assured the meeting that he had no faith in Lord Derby’s Government, and it behoved the working men to rally round, and bring this cause to a final and successful issue.
It’s a long article, but here is a prediction made by someone at the second meeting of the day:
If working men were admitted to the franchise there would then be a Parliament that would not lead the country into Crimean wars; that would not lavishly spend the people’s money; but one which would adopt a policy that would remedy the wrongs of Ireland -[cheers] - and make the sister country a source of greatness to England - one which would give us just and equal laws - just and equal for the Irishman as well as for the Englishman - and one which would only look at the United Kingdom as a happy nation, governed by the Queen who had shown her sympathy with the people, and especially the suffering people of England.
It’s a nice idea that if “working men” were able to vote, we wouldn’t be led into unnecessary or illegal wars, the Government wouldn’t be profligate with public money but I think we can recognise some of these complaints from more recent governments.
I couldn’t find a report of James Kerr’s pro-Boer speech, but this article helped me to understand just how radical a position he took.
He struck me as someone who was very brave - not afraid to speak up for what he believed in even if it made him unpopular. The Boer war seemed to provoke a particularly aggressive nationalism and there wasn’t much space for anti-war opinions. He clearly felt strongly about the rights of all people to take part in the society they lived in through democracy. He very likely disliked English imperialism expressed through his pro-Boer stance or aligning himself with the rights or Ireland to self-determination (from the reported discussions at the Reform Association meeting).
Tragedy
4th February 1876, Durham County Advertiser
Theft of a bottle of brandy - James Kerr, a weaver employed at Messrs Henderson’s factory, was charged with stealing a bottle of brandy of the value of 5s, the property of Thomas Williamson, innkeeper, Claypath, on the 28th ult. - Mr H. J. Marshall defended. - Prosecutor stated that about half past five o’clock on Friday night the prisoner came into the “cellars” and had a glass of ale. He remained in a short time, and after he was gone, in consequence of something witness was told by his servant, he looked into a closet and discovered that a bottle of brandy was gone. Witness had seen the bottle safe about ten minutes before, it being the only one in the place. The one now produced was the same, and was worth 5s. - By Mr Marshall: The prisoner has often been in my house. -Catherine Brown, a servant int he employ of the prosecutor, stated that she supplied the prisoner with a glass of ale on Friday night, and he tendered her a shilling in payment. She went across the yard to get change, and in coming back she saw the prisoner come quickly out of the closet and close the door. He took the change, and after drinking the ale went out, when she observed something bulky in the prisoner’s pocket, and having her suspicions aroused she told her master. -Head Constable Dodds stated that between five and six o’clock on Friday night, from information received he went to the prisoner’s house in Providence Row, and told him he was going to search his house for the bottle of brandy. Prisoner replied, “I took it, and I’ll give you it,” at the same time taking it out of his pocket. Witness took him to the station and charged him with stealing it, and he replied, “I am sorry; I am ruined.” -Cross-examined: Witness knew the prisoner to be a married man with a large family. -In defence, Mr Marshall said it was one of these deplorable cases arising out of men going into public houses. Unfortunately the defendant had been given to drink, and the temptation of seeing the cursed bottle had been too much for him. He had yielded to the impulse of the moment, and to repeat his own words it was ruin to his character, beside brining disgrace upon his family. He had sons and daughters grown up, some of whom were occupying respectable positions, and he hoped the Bench would deal mercifully with him, and restore him as soon as possible to his family, so that he might regain his lost position. This was the first time he had ever been in trouble. Mr Marshall then handed to the Bench a certificate of character from the defendant’s employers -Mr Green, a foreman at Messrs Henderson's carpet factory, said he had known the prisoner for 20 years. He was a very good workman, and was at work till after five o’clock on the night in question. He had an ailing wife, who had been very ill for the last twelve months -The Bench retired, and after a few minutes deliberations in private the Mayor said: James Kerr, we find you guilty of this charge. We are extremely sorry to see a man of your character and ability in such a position. We have known you for years as a good and efficient workman for Messrs Henderson and Company. It is entirely through drink that this has come to pass. We believe you yielded to a moment of temptation, and therefore think that seven days’ imprisonment will meet the justice of the case, and act as a warning in the future. -The prisoner seemed to feel his position keenly, and scarcely looked up during the hearing of the case. -Mr Peele said that Mr Williamson ought to keep the door of the closet locked and thus remove the temptation.
This is a very sad story, and reading between the lines I can see a man who is failing to cope with some horrible circumstances. Their youngest son, James died in around May 1875 at around 18 months old. The newspaper article describes Ann as “ailing”. Ann would die in 1878. The loss of a child, a wife who was ill, at least the younger children not working and still needing looking after. Even if women did work, they weren’t able to earn as much as men, so the entire financial burden of providing for a family rested on the man’s shoulders. I imagine that this whole incident felt very shaming to James Kerr. From his speech at the Reform Association demonstration, he believed that only those unconvicted of a crime should have the right to vote, so this incident threatens his own democratic right which he had fought so hard for. It is obvious he was well regarded by everyone and all those involved in the case seem very sorry that this has happened. These are a tough few years for James.
Family
James and Ann Kerr had 6 children altogether: Margaret (1858), Annie (1860), Flora (1861), Frederick (1863), Katherine (1865) and James (1873).
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| The Kerr children: Frederick, Annie, Margaret, Flora, Katherine |
In the census for 1881, he’s living with his three daughters, Margaret, Anne and Katherine. Katherine is still only 15 and not yet working. At some point, he leaves Durham and starts working elsewhere. In 1891, he is a boarder at a house in Heckmondwike, presumably having gone to work in one of the many carpet factories there. By 1901, he is in Carlisle, although this time unemployed. However he is 72 and surely it would be time to retire? In a newspaper article from April 12th 1901 in an article titled The Durham Co-operative Society, the committee have decided to award James Kerr £5 “with a view of him commencing an action for compensation against his employers”. It was noted that he was the first secretary to the Society and that he had met with an accident “whereby his arm was torn off by the machinery”. The firm had refused to pay compensation. This is a pretty dire situation. James is working until he’s in his seventies at a difficult and potentially dangerous job. He loses his left arm in the accident and this would mean he wouldn’t be able to work any longer. I can’t imagine he could have gone on working much longer while into his seventies even if he was a fit and healthy 70-something. I imagine he was still quite fit and strong to have survived this sort of accident.
Since he’s not able to work and disabled, he then spends half the year with Annie (now Annie Watson) in Durham, and the rest of the year with Margaret (now Margaret McCracken) in Glasgow. Margaret had settled in Glasgow, marrying a police officer. In the 1911 census, he is living with Annie and describes himself as a “pensioned carpet weaver” so maybe he did receive his compensation after all. He died in Glasgow while living with Margaret in 1912 at the age of 83 of acute pneumonia.
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| Kathleen McCracken with her aunt Annie Watson |
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| Margaret McCracken |
He was tall and not fat. He was a tall, well-built man.James Kerr was very interested in politics “If it hadn’t been for the drink he would have been prime minister”. His daughters all became interested in politics but “Annie [Watson] was rather quiet about it”. Kate [Roden] would argue politics with her son-in-law. When James had had a lot to drink he would pace up and down the room raging about Roman Catholics, although when sober he would be sorry for it. His wife, Anne Heaviside was a devout Catholic and brought up her children as Catholics in spite of his attitude.He read a lot. He was very fond of Shakespeare and owned four volumes of Shakespeare’s works. Once he went to the Theatre Royal in Glasgow with Meg and Kate to see Richard III. The performance did not please him for he stood up in the gallery and shouted “Richard III never strutted about like that.” Aunt Meg used to say that the police in Durham would lock him up when there was an election to stop him causing trouble.James Kerr is buried at the cemetery at Dalbeth on London Road. (This is a Roman Catholic cemetery.)He had a small pension because he lost his arm. He was well known in the local pub, the Shakespeare where he used to recite pieces of Shakespeare for a pint. Edith [Kelly] remembered being sent down to the pub for him and waiting outside the door.He used to go once a week for a bath in the public bath house. He used to tuck his rolled towel under the stump of his left arm. They could hear him coming from their top floor flat in 5 Queen Street because he used to tap his stick on the railings. When retirement pensions [1908] were introduced he said he was glad he had lived to see something done for the working man.During the Boer War he had been making a speech from the horse in the Market Place. He was followed home to 77 Claypath by a crowd chanting “Down with the pro-Boer”. Freda [Watson] was sent by her mother [Annie Watson] at the back door and through the furniture repository gate [next door] to fetch the police from the police station a few doors away.
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