Alexander Brogden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Brogden
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| Born | 3 November 1825 Manchester, Lancashire, UK
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| Died | 26 November 1892 Croydon, Surrey, UK
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| Occupation | Railway contractor, iron and coal master |
Alexander Brogden (born November 3, 1825 – died November 26, 1892) was an important British businessman and politician. He was known for his work in building railways and for being a Member of Parliament (MP) for Wednesbury, England.
Contents
Early Life and Family Business
Alexander Brogden was born in Manchester on November 3, 1825. He was the second son of John Brogden, who owned a big construction company. Alexander went to school in Blackburn and later studied mathematics at New College Manchester and King's College London.
In 1848, he married Anne Garstang. Two years earlier, in 1846, he had joined his father's company, John Brogden and Sons. He was originally planning to become a lawyer, but his father convinced him to help with the family business instead.
Building Railways and More
Alexander quickly got involved in the family business. Some of his first jobs included supervising projects for major railways like the Manchester, South Junction and Altrincham Railway. He also worked on parts of the Manchester and Birmingham Railway and the East Lancashire Railway.
Around 1850, the Brogden company took over the management of the South Staffordshire Line railway. Alexander managed this line for about six years. He also oversaw the building of the Ulverston and Lancaster Railway. Later, he became the first chairman of the Solway Junction Railway.
In 1855, Alexander's older brother, John, passed away suddenly. As his father grew older, Alexander gradually took over the family business. By 1869, after his father's death, Alexander was fully in charge. During the 1860s, he and his wife lived on Holme Island, near Grange-over-Sands.
The Brogden family also owned most of the Ulverston Mining Co. in 1857. Alexander became the sole owner of this mining business in 1872.
Life as a Politician
Alexander Brogden was a member of the Liberal Party. In 1865, he tried to become an MP for Great Yarmouth but didn't win. However, in December 1868, he was elected as the first MP for Wednesbury. He served as their representative in Parliament for 18 years.
In 1878, Alexander Brogden paid for the organ that is still used in the West Bromwich Town Hall. People said that when Parliament wasn't meeting, he traveled a lot. He could be found in many different places, from England to France and even Russia, all within just 10 days!
Later Life and Passing
In 1884, Alexander Brogden's business, John Brogden and Sons, faced financial difficulties. This meant he had to declare bankruptcy. Because of this, he decided not to run for his parliamentary seat again in the 1885 election.
Alexander Brogden passed away on November 26, 1892, in Croydon, at the age of 67. He had been unwell for some time. Sadly, he had an accident at home where he fell against a fireplace and was badly burned. He left behind his wife and a married daughter. His son, James Garstang Brogden, had passed away earlier in 1885.
See also
