Oldham Historical Research Group

Scan and page transcript from:
Historical Sketches of Oldham by Edwin Butterworth
Pub. 1856

Historical Sketches of Oldham by Edwin Butterworth

was the leading characteristic, and one of the greatest merits of his writings. In person he was tall and athletic. The most remarkable feature about his face was his small, sparkling, laughing eyes. When not speaking, the expression of his eyes and his countenance was very different. His life presented a valuable example of what may be effected by early rising, habitual temperance, and unrelaxing industry."

The election which occurred as the consequence of Mr. Cobbett's death, was more severely contested than any other which has yet taken place in this borough. The nomination of candidates took place on Friday, July 3, 1835, in front of the George Inn, Yorkshire street. Three gentlemen were proposed as suitable for representatives : John Morgan Cobbett, John Frederick Lees, and Feargus O'Connor, Esqrs. Mr. J. M. Cobbett, a radical reformer, is the second son of the late Mr. Cobbett. Mr. John F. Lees, a conservative, is the eldest son of the late Edward Lees, Esq., of Werneth lodge, the possessor of considerable property in the township. Mr. F. O°Connor, an ultra radical, was once a member for the county of Cork, and the proprietor of that well known newspaper, The Northern Star. On a show of hands the returning ofiicer declared Feargus O'Connor, Esq., duly elected. The other candidates then demanded a poll, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, July 6 and 7, 1835, under the direction of John Taylor, Esq., of Hargreaves, returning oflicer. The number of electors on the revised list for 1834-1835 was 1029. Early in the forenoon of the first polling day, Mr. O'Connor retired from the contest, when he had polled 32 votes. The numbers at the final close of the poll were as follows : Lees 394, Cobbett 381 - majority for Mr. Lees 13. The number of electors polled was 807 - the number of qualified electors at the time of the election was 929. John Frederick Lees, Esq., who was accordingly elected as member in the room of Mr. Cobbett, owed his success

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