Joseph William Livesey

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http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3422306/3422308/18

DEATH OF MR JOSEPH LIVESEY.

Mr Joseph Livesey, the pioneer of total abstinence and originator of the teetotal pledge, died on Thursday after- noon, at his residence, Bank-parade, Preston, aged 91 years. Originally a hand-loom weaver, and self-educated, the late Mr Livesey became an author, publisher, and lecturer. He was a man of great originality and benevolent character, wrote the first teetotal pledge, and took great interest in the temperance cause. He delivered his celebrated Malt liquor lecture in all the great towns of England at his own expense. He took an active part in the repeal of the Corn Laws and the amelioration of the Poor Laws. He established the Preston Guardian, and published many works bearing on the temperance cause, and social and political questions. He was a member of the principal Preston institutions, including the first reformed Preston Town Council. He had seen five Preston guilds. Deceased was a munificent supporter of local charitable organisations.