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Date: | Fri, 6 Dec 1996 15:38:33 -0500 |
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While undertaking research into the history of Wortley Top Forge in England,
it has recently come to my attention that one of the Ironmasters at Wortley,
John Cockshutt appears to have visited America and may have been engaged in
some form of business enterprise.
A letter dated 20 March 1738 refers to him being in America and a second
reference describes him as 'being engaged in his American venture.' Other
sources show that Cockshutt had returned to England by 1744 at the latest.
In terms of the types of activities with which Cockshutt was later
associated in Britain, these included; furnaces, forges, wire mills,
slitting mills and possibly a tin plating works, it is therefore not
unreasonable to assume that he would have been likely to have engaged in
similar activities in America during his time overseas.
Historically, He also made a significant contribution to the Parliamentary
debate concerning the question of repealing the import duties on American
iron (he was for the maintenance of import duties), c. 1750, having
interupted the debate from the public gallery, and being subsequently asked
to speak privately to the Prime Minister concerning this matter.
I believe it is a fairly unusual name, therefore any information that can be
provided on Cockshutt's in America between 1735-44 would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
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Jeff Morris AMInstCES PIFA Email [log in to unmask]
Wortley Top Forge Archaeological Survey
Wortley Top Forge Industrial Museum
Wortley Village
Wortley
Sheffield
S30 7DN
A Research Project of the South Yorkshire Industrial History
Society (formerly The Sheffield Trades Historical Society)
Registered Charity No. 506339
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