Thompson, James 001

Alderman, James Thompson.rnBorn on March 24th, 1820, James Thompson was the son of Richard Thompson, a successful builder and contractor and superintended the construction of the Blackburn and Daisyfield railway tunnel, as well as the erection of several cotton mills. He commenced cotton spinning and manufacturing at whalley, later transferring his business to Blackburn.rnHere he built Hollin Bank Spinning Mill in 1860, adding the weaving shed in 1872. In 1874 one of the boilers at the mill exploded, killing his eldest son, together with ten of his workpeople and soon after this disaster he retired from the practical management of the business.rnMr Thompson was a borough magistrate and was elected alderman in 1866. At the time he entered the town council in 1860 as a representative of Park Ward, the Liberals had the majority of seats but by masterly organisation and unswervable resolution he gradually wrested power from them seat by seat and for about ten years he was the complete master of the political forces in Blackburn. In 1874 James Thompson resigned from his leadership.rnJames Thompson who held the office of Mayor in 1865, died at Southport on June 25th 1887.