Hamer, Sir Edwin 001

Hamer Edwin Sir, rn"What I am I owe to Blackburn" was a favourite saying of Edwin Hamer's, and admirably sums up his intimate connection with the town, in which he had resided since 1859. Born at the village of War Office , near Heywood on July 18th 1838.rnComing to Blackburn at the age of twenty one, he was first employed by William Stones, joiner and builder, who was one of the contractors for the erection of the Town Hall. He commenced in business on his own account in 1863, taking presmises in Clayton Street, from which he moved to Back Lane. In later years he became chairman of Henry Livesey Ltd, Greenbank works and head of Edwin Hamer Ltd, Moorgate Mill Livesey.rnHe became J.P in 1897 and in 1899 attained the mayoral office at the request of a deputation representing all parties.rnA pillar of nonconformity, being a staunch Wesleyan, Sir Edwin died at Braeside, Revidge Road in November 1915 aged 77, His Knighthood had only been conferred upon him in the previous year.rn(For more information on Sir Edwin Hamer, Please refer to Blackburn Worthies by George C Miller, held at Blackburn Library, Community History Deoartment)