James Brogden (industrialist) facts for kids

James Brogden (born April 7, 1832 – died January 26, 1907) was an important British businessman. He was the fourth son of John Brogden (1798–1869) from Manchester. James spent most of his adult life in Mid Glamorgan, first living in Tondu and later in Porthcawl. He was a junior partner in his family's company, John Brogden and Sons.

James Brogden: A British Businessman

Early Life and Business Beginnings

In the early 1850s, the Brogden family business bought an iron and coal mining company in Tondu, Mid-Glamorgan. This company had belonged to Sir Robert Price, 2nd Baronet. Sir Robert had faced difficulties during tough times for the iron trade in the 1840s.

In February 1854, James Brogden, who was only 22 years old, was sent by his father, John Brogden, to take over and improve the business. It was in a very run-down state. James quickly reorganized the works and made his home at Tondu House, which he rebuilt. By 1861, James reported that he was employing 900 men. He also managed a large farm of about 1,100 acres (4.5 square kilometers) with 20 workers.

Changes in Family Life

In September 1859, James married Helen Dunbar Milne in St George's, Hanover Square. Helen was the granddaughter of Lady Helen Dunbar. Later, James married his second wife, Mary Caroline Beete, in 1874. Mary was the daughter of John Picton Beete.

When James's father, John Brogden Senior, passed away in December 1869, James's brother, Alexander, took over as the head of John Brogden and Sons. Alexander came to Tondu to manage the business. This change in leadership affected James's role in the family company.

An Adventure in New Zealand

James Brogden traveled all the way to New Zealand for the family business. His mission was to work out deals with the New Zealand government to build railways. These railways would be built using people who had moved from the UK.

He left Liverpool in August 1871 and returned to England in early 1873. James kept a detailed diary during his journey. It was over 100 pages long and described the difficult talks he had. It also gave a very interesting account of the places he visited and the people he met.

James had a few companions on this long trip. They included his son, Duncan Dunbar Milne Brogden, nicknamed "Dunny." He also traveled with his servant, "Fielding," and a friend called "Llewellyn." This friend was most likely Robert William Llewellyn (1849-1910). Robert was the right age for such an adventure. He later inherited important estates near Tondu.

New Beginnings and Porthcawl's Growth

While James was in New Zealand, his brother Alexander took control of the family's business in South Wales. Alexander created a new company called the Llynvi, Tondu and Ogmore Coal and Iron Company. Since James was no longer needed at Tondu, he made his new home in Porthcawl.

After the original company, John Brogden and Sons, was dissolved, James's wife, Mary Brogden, bought about 30 acres (120,000 square meters) of land. This land was next to the new Porthcawl dock that James had bought for the company in 1865. By the end of the 1800s, Mary had started to develop what would become the modern town of Porthcawl.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1906, the Great Western Railway company, which owned the dock, decided to close it. This happened because trade had moved to newer docks in Port Talbot and Barry. The closure of the dock reduced the value of Mary Brogden's properties.

James Brogden passed away at his home, the Esplanade Hotel, on January 25, 1907. After his death, much of Mary Brogden's property had to be sold. She then moved to a different home where she died on November 5, 1927.