James Craig (MP for Newcastle)

James Craig (1834 – 28 August 1902)[1] was a British Liberal Party politician who served as Member of Parliament for Newcastle-upon-Tyne from 1886 until 1892.

Career

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Craig was born in 1834 to Thomas Craig, a brushmaker, and his mother Elizabeth Jobling; he was educated at St. Thomas's school, Newcastle upon Tyne. He began working as a clerk in the firm of Messrs. Borries and Co., export merchants and shipbrokers in Newcastle, and later became a partner when the firm's name changed to Borries, Craig & Co. Ltd. He was known as an authority on mercantile matters, and spoke several languages.[2]

Craig was active in local politics in Newcastle, and was a member of the River Tyne Commission. He was elected to the House of Commons in the 1886 general election, but was defeated at the next election in 1892.[3] He contested the seat again in 1895, but was unsuccessful.[3]

He died on 28 August 1902 at Reading, Berkshire, where he had been living since retirement for the later years of his life.[2]

Family

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Craig married first, in 1858, Annie Eliza Jordan, daughter of Joseph Jordan, of Hornsey. He married secondly in 1865 to Kate Sophia Hould, daughter of James Hould, of Wanstead.[2] Their son was Herbert James Craig (1869–1934), who likewise was a Liberal Member of Parliament.

References

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  1. ^ Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs – Constituencies beginning with "N" (part 1)
  2. ^ a b c "Obituary - John Craig". The Times. No. 36859. London. 29 August 1902. p. 7.
  3. ^ a b Craig, F.W.S. (1989) [1974]. British parliamentary election results 1885–1918 (2nd ed.). Chichester, UK: Parliamentary Research Services. p. 157. ISBN 0-900178-27-2.
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Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Newcastle-upon-Tyne
18861892
With: John Morley
Succeeded by