James Hayes Raper (1820-1897)
One of the most popular orators of the Temperance movement.
Temperance Movement
In 1743, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Churches, stated ‘that buying, selling, and drinking of liquor, unless absolutely necessary, were evils to be avoided’.
The National British Women’s Temperance Association
James Raper was brought up in Carlisle by his mother and grandmother, who were both strict Wesleyans. James attended his first temperance meeting aged just 15, and signed a pledge of abstinence the following year. He went on to dedicate his life to speaking out about the problems of alcohol for individuals and communities.
Orator
James, who worked as a schoolteacher, was a gifted orator and a respected lobbyist. He spoke around the country on the temperance question, and was closely involved with the United Kingdom Alliance, who were working towards prohibition. He even visited Canada and the United States to find out more about prohibition.
Raper was clearly a man of strong principles and convictions. He was also involved with many other causes, including anti-slavery, anti-smoking and vegetarianism. He died in Kensington in 1897, following complications from influenza, and was survived by his second wife, Amelia.