Joseph Highley and the Todmorden Relief Committee

The Todmorden Relief Committee was formed in January 1862 to address the widespread unemployment and distress in the area caused by the American Civil War and the resulting cotton famine. After a year it had collected over £26,000 for distribution, and operated a soup kitchen, along with organizing sewing classes as a form of relief. Its purpose was to provide relief to the large number of unemployed cotton workers in the Todmorden area, who were suffering from the lack of raw cotton imported from America due to the Civil War.

The pages below are taken from the Todmorden and Hebden Bridge Historical Almanack for 1890.

As a member of the Relief Committee Joseph might have been required to collect subscriptions locally (from millowners, tradespeople, churches, and private citizens), identify and assist local families in need, and help with “relief works” or “useful employment” schemes, which might include stone-breaking, drainage, road work, or public improvements.

The 1861 census shows Joseph, born in 1821, living at 9 Patmos, Todmorden with his wife Mary Ann (nee Lord) and children Elizabeth Ann, William, Charles, Agnes and Lilie. His occupation is shown as Cotton Manufacturer employing 8 people.

Joseph moved to Rochdale in later life and died there in 1890.