West Ham ILP gives a socialist farewell to Barr Colonists

A few weeks ago this very charming "farewell" was published on "West Ham Labour" Facebook page by William Truscott, who is the Canadian Great Grandson of George & Hannah Truscott.

Modern day William Truscott described how his great grandfather had signed the nomination papers of the first ever Labour MP, Keir Hardie (elected 4 July 1892 for South West Ham) and placed his four sons at the four corners of the stage that Keir was speaking, armed with barrel staves to protect him.

The Independent Labour Party was formed by Keir Hardie in 1893 and eventually become part of the Labour Party.

A quick google search revealed that the family (including 11 children) left West Ham in 1903 to become farmers in what is now known as the "Barr Colony" in Western Canada.

I offered to show William around the Old Town Hall in Stratford where Keir Hardie was actually elected the next time he comes to visit the UK. He has accepted. 

South West Ham Independent Labour Party - "Wanted £2000 For New Buildings"

Hat tip Captain Swing who noticed this in an ebay auction. I am not sure who "Treasurer Alderman W. Bell 15 Mafeking Road E16" or what was the "New Building" appeal or why the "Bullfinch"? but suspect he is the former Mayor of West Ham mentioned here http://www.newhamstory.com/node/2219

"West Ham Electricity Offices Key

A key presented to Alderman W.T. Bell Mayor of West Ham, With the West Ham coat of arms. On the reverse:- Opening first block of electricity offices Romford Rd West Ham. 24th October, and an engraving of the building. This is in its own fitted box, by Elkinton & Co. Ltd".

I also think he is listed as an Alderman in 1932 here in the "West Ham Annual Report by the Medical Officer" which is well worth a read if pretty shocking. The death rate for illegitimate infants under age of one was 125 out of every 1000. Nowadays for all infants under one in England and Wales it is 3.8 per 1000. Which is dreadful enough but imagine a death rate nearly 100x worse for the most vulnerable in the life time of my father.

If anyone has any further information on this please let me know.