William Harrison | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Portrait fromFifty Years of Food Reform (1898) | |
| Born | Downham, Lancashire, England |
| Baptised | 1 May 1836 |
| Died | 15 July 1914(1914-07-15) (aged 78) Manchester, England |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Contributions to knitting industry andvegetarianism activism |
| Spouse | Hannah Bussey |
| Relatives | Albert Broadbent (son-in-law) |
William Harrison (bapt. 1 May 1836 – 15 July 1914) was an English industrialist, activist, and writer. He owned a prominent knitting firm and was known for his contributions to the knitting industry. Harrison was an advocate ofvegetarianism and was treasurer of theManchester Vegetarian Society from 1891 until his death. He was also associated with theTheistic Church inLondon andBible Christian Church inSalford.
William Harrison was born inDownham, Lancashire, and baptised on 1 May 1836 atSt Leonard's Church. He was the son of William, a butcher, and Mary Harrison.[1]
Harrison built his success from humble beginnings, arriving inManchester in his youth with just 4¾d (fourpence three farthings) to his name.[2] In 1856, he established the Harrison Patent Knitting Machine Company.[3] The company published the first documented black-and-white photographic advertisements in 1887, featured inThe Parrot.[3][4] In 1894, the company was incorporated, and in 1908, the company was awarded the Grand Prix gold medal at theFranco-British Exhibition.[3]
Harrison was known for his progressive approach to employee relations, treating workers as equals. As part of this ethos, he provided an organ for the employees' use, fostering a harmonious work environment where the female staff often concluded their day with music and singing.[5]
Harrison adoptedvegetarianism in 1878, claiming it significantly improved his health, particularly alleviating severebronchitis and other ailments. Inspired by this transformation, he devoted himself to promoting vegetarianism and joined the Executive of theVegetarian Society in 1882.[6]
Harrison, initially associated with temperance and philanthropic organisations, developed a notable aptitude for public speaking. Even with potential shortcomings as an orator, his earnestness and sincerity significantly contributed to the widespread appeal of his addresses.[6]
Despite resistance from some members of society, he advocated for establishing a vegetarian restaurant to demonstrate the diet's practical and charitable benefits. He proposed that any profits from the restaurant be used to fund meals for the poor in London and other cities. Harrison played a key role in forming a consultative and cooperative committee in London to oversee the project.[6]
From 1891 until his death, Harrison served as treasurer of theManchester Vegetarian Society. Harrison was also a great reader and wrote extensively on vegetarianism for many years. Several of his writings were published separately, and others appeared in magazines.[7] Additionally, he was the proprietor of vegetarian restaurants.[2]
In September 1901, Harrison, along with other English delegates, attended the St. Louis International Vegetarian Congress during theLouisiana Purchase Exposition. The group was hosted by vegetarian societies in Philadelphia and New York.[8] In August 1908, Harrison attended theInternational Vegetarian Congress atDresden.[9]
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Harrison's wife, Hannah (née Bussey), was born in Norwich in 1840. A committed vegetarian, she extended her beliefs to her work, training employees in vegetarian cookery.[5] A member of the Vegetarian Society since 1884, she undertook cooking demonstrations in Manchester and authored influential papers, includingHints to Housewives and Caterers andWoman's Mission in Vegetarianism.[6]
Albert Broadbent, a fellow vegetarian activist, was Harrison's son-in-law, and was married to his daughter Christina.[10]
Harrison was prominently connected with theTheistic Church inLondon,[7] as well as theBible Christian Church inSalford.[5]
Harrison died on 15 July 1914 at his home in Plymouth Grove, Manchester, aged 78.[7] A service was held at theManchester Crematorium on 16 July and was widely attended by family, over 50 employees from his firm, and representatives from various vegetarian and temperance organisations.[11]
