| Description | Gibson
DOB: 1887
DOD: 1980
Born on Tyneside, raised in a working-class family.
Describes early memories visiting Wallsend to see his father working in construction.
Witnessed poverty, unemployment, and hardship from a young age. Developed a strong aversion to alcohol after seeing its effects on builders.
Contracted smallpox as a teenager.
No formal education mentioned; learned trade skills through apprenticeship.
Self-educated through political involvement and union activity.
influenced by socialist and labour movements.
Apprenticed and worked as a centre-lathe turner and later as a skilled toolmaker.
Joined the Amalgamated Society of Engineers in 1909.
Worked across the UK in places like Glasgow, Darlington, Manchester, and Stafford.
Employed at various engineering and factory jobs, including British Westinghouse.
In Letchworth from 1925 onward; worked at Dixon's, later became involved in union organizing.
Remarried in 1931.
His wife was described as supportive and politically aware, she worked as a paper-ruler.
No specific number of his own children noted, but during the miners' lockout he housed children from South Wales.
His wife later passed away suddenly at home.
Active conjuror/performer, sometimes called "The Christmas Conjuror".
Avid literature and political pamphlet seller (e.g., The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists).
Participated in huger marches, political rallies, and trade union organizing.
Enjoyed public speaking and was involved in various socialist groups.
Witness to the 1919 George Square riots in Glasgow.
Present for the declaration of WWI in Manchester.
Deeply involved in the General Strike of 1926 and support for South Wales miners.
Met key historical figures like Willie Gallagher, John Maclean, Jimmy Maxton, and others.
Observed firsthand the transformation of trade union culture over several decades.
Handwritten
Tyneside, Glasgow, Letchworth, trade union, Amalgamated Society of Engineers, British Socialist Party, 1926 General Strike, John Maclean, George Square riot, hunger marchers, conjuring, socialist activism, toolmaker, working-class struggle, ILP, ASE, doorman, Dixon's, political literature. |