Lancashire Lantern
Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers
Part of the Lancashire Lantern network, the Pioneers gives details of people who were famous local people in science, technology and innovation. These pioneers were either born in Lancashire or their endeavours made a significant contribution to the development of the County.
John Mercer - Early Life
John Mercer was born in Great Harwood on 21st February 1791. His father had a spinning mill at Dean, but later found work handloom weaving.
The young John started work as a bobbin winder at the age of nine, later also becoming a handloom weaver.
His father died in 1802, and the family were left very poor. John moved about round various relatives as circumstances varied. His mother later married a Thomas Mercer and had a further child.
Back o'Bowley Farm
Spinning Mill at Dean
The family tree of John Mercer. Click the image to see it full size
Ordnance Survey map from 1848 showing area of Great Harwood where Mercer lived.
(click the image to enlarge)
Copy from baptismal register of Great Harwood showing John's baptism
(click the image to enlarge)
(Courtesy of Lancashire Record Office and Rev Janet Heil, Vicar of St Bartholomew's Great Harwood)
Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in the Lancashire Lantern Website is correct and up to date. However, Lancashire County Council does not accept liability for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any inaccuracy or omissions within these pages. Read the full disclaimer.