William Marsland

Born in Hurst near Ashton-under-Lyne, Marsland worked from an early age as a half-timer in a hat factory.When he was 13, he began working full-time at a cotton mill and joined the Ashton Spinners' Association, while spending much of his spare time studying.As a result, in 1898, when the secretaryship of the Ashton Spinners became available, he took the top place in an examination, and won the post.In 1905, he was additionally appointed as secretary of the International Federation of Textile Workers' Associations.He also served on the committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions, and on the council of the British Cotton Growing Association, for which in 1911 he went on a fact-finding trip to the Caribbean.
William MarlandBritishtrade unionistAshton-under-LyneBoard of GuardiansAmalgamated Association of Operative Cotton SpinnersGeneral Federation of Trade UnionsCaribbeanTrades Union CongressEdward JudsonHenry BoothmanWilliam Henry WilkinsonInternational Federation of Textile WorkersTom Shaw