George Augustus Lee facts for kids

George Augustus Lee (born 1761, died 1826) was an important British businessman. He owned a cotton mill in Salford. This mill was special because it was one of the first buildings made with an iron frame. George Lee also helped bring new ideas like steam power and gas lighting to factories.

George Lee's Early Years

George Augustus Lee was the only son of John Lee, who managed a theater. His sisters, Sophia and Harriet Lee, were famous writers.

In the 1780s, George worked as a clerk. He was at a cotton mill owned by Peter Drinkwater in Northwich. In 1791, Mr. Drinkwater made him the manager of a new cotton mill called Piccadilly Mill in Manchester.

The next year, George Lee left to become a managing partner. He joined a mill in Salford owned by George and John Philips, Peter Atherton, and Charles Wood. This company later became known as Philips and Lee.

Innovations at the Salford Mill

George Lee loved science and learning new things. He was very good at seeing how new inventions could be used to improve businesses. He worked hard to make his big plans happen.

He was friends with William Strutt and William Murdoch. They used the latest technology at the mill. George Lee quickly saw the benefits of the steam engine. So, he installed steam power for the cotton-spinning machines.

A new mill building was built from 1799 to 1801. It was designed by Charles Bage and William Strutt. This building was made with an iron frame. It was only the second building of its kind in Britain.

George Lee also knew about William Murdoch's experiments with gas lighting. In 1805, gas lighting was put into the mill. This was the first time a cotton mill used gas lights. The machines at the mill were always being improved. Steam was also used to heat the building. The company even had a plan to help workers when they were sick.

George Lee was known for being a fair and honest businessman. He thought carefully about his decisions. He also had a good understanding of how business worked.

The company did very well, even during the Napoleonic Wars. The Salford mill was seen as a great example of a modern factory. Many business owners and scientists came to visit it. It was one of Manchester's famous sights.

George Lee's Family Life

In 1803, George Lee married Mary Ewart. She was the daughter of Reverend John Ewart. They had five children together. Sadly, Mary died in 1811.

George Lee continued to run his business for many years. He retired not long before he passed away. He died at his home in Cheetham Hill on August 5, 1826. His oldest daughter, Mary Ann, married William Ewart in 1829. William was a politician and a cousin.