Harry Lawton

Oldham Tribunal 5 July 1916
Reported Oldham Chronicle 8 July 1916

Several Oldham men appealed to the Oldham Tribunal on Monday afternoon for exemption from service on the ground that they hold a conscientious objection against war and against having connection with the war …

… Harry Lawton, of 36, Malton-street, manager of a drapery shop at Mumps, Oldham of which Mr. S. Ardern is the proprietor, personally asked for exemption on conscientious grounds, and his employer wanted him exempted as being indispensable to the carrying on of his Oldham business. Mr. Shimeld, solicitor, represented the employer on the business claim.

Lawton wrote that as a believer in and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came not to destroy human lives, but to save them, and who has left an example we should follow, he could not take up arms contrary to the will of his Master. He did not take part in Parliamentary or municipal affairs, beyond paying what was demanded of him, as did also Christ. He was thankful to have been born in England, and he desired to be law-abiding, and to regard the Government with becoming respect as a Christian.

Temporary exemption to Sept. 1st was granted on the employer's appeal. The appeal on conscientious grounds can be heard at the next hearing if desired.

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Oldham Tribunal 27 September 1916
Reported Oldham Standard 28 September 1916

More conscientious objections to military service were preferred before the Oldham Tribunal on Wednesday …

… Messrs Ardern and Co., drapers, Mumps, Oldham, appealed for H Lawton, aged 35 and married of Malton-street who also had in a personal claim as a conscientious objector.

It was stated that he was a manager and buyer for the firm and he wrote that as a believer in Christ and a follower of His word he objected to participation in war but, on the other hand, he would not resist the law. Whatever was decided by the Tribunal he would obey the law and trust in God. Still on principle he objected to either combatant or non-combatant service.

His employers appealed for the man as being indispensible in the carrying on of their business. Other employees had been taken and this man was the only one they had appealed for.

Mr Shimeld, solicitor, appeared in support of the employers' appeal and on the masters' claim the man was put back until December 1st.

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Nothing further found in December 1916

Not found 1911 census

Contributed by Dorothy Bintley