Mercer, John, 1791-1866

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John Mercer was a calico printer and chemist. Born on Feb. 21, 1791 in the parish of Great Harwood, England, he was the son of Robert Mercer, a hand loom weaver and farmer. Mercer's father died in 1800, so at the age of nine John became a bobbin winder and later, a hand loom weaver. In 1807 he became interested in dyeing and began learning the techniques. He entered into a partnership that lasted a little more than a year. In 1809, Mercer began an apprenticeship in a print works. By 1810, he had returned to hand loom weaving, inventing many ingenious designs. During this time, he studied mathematics and chemistry. In 1813, he resumed work as a dyer. From 1825 to 1848, Mercer was a partner in the firm, Fort Bros. During his career, Mercer developed a process known as Mercerizing, through which cotton fabrics become thicker and shorter. Mercer died in 1866, having been ill for two years.

From the description of Letter, 24 Sept. 1844. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 122555844

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Antebellum and Civil War Collection, 1832-1935, undated. Atlanta History Center, Kenan Research Center / Cherokee Garden Library
creatorOf Mercer, John, 1791-1866. Letter, 24 Sept. 1844. Winterthur Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
Place Name Admin Code Country
England
Subject
Calico printing
Dyes and dying
Textile fabrics
Textile fabrics
Textile industry
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1791-02-21

Death 1866-11-30

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SNAC ID: 50117531