Record

CodeDS839
Dates1836-1914
Person NameChamberlain; Hon; Joseph Austen (1836-1914); politician
SurnameChamberlain
ForenamesJoseph Austen
PreTitleHon
Epithetpolitician
ActivityEDUCATION AND TRAINING

Joseph Chamberlain was educated at University College School, London.

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

At the age of sixteen Joseph Chamberlain moved from London to Birmingham to join his uncle's screw manufacturing business, Nettlefold and Chamberlain. He soon became active in local educational and political affairs becoming a member of the Birmingham Education Society, and the National Educational League, and chairing the Birmingham School Board from 1868-1873. He was a member of Birmingham Town Council from 1872-1880, being Councillor for St Paul's Ward, and Mayor of Birmingham from 1873-1876. Activity on a local political level preceded his representation at Parliament and appointment to Cabinet positions. He was MP for West Birmingham, 1876-1914, President of the Board of Trade, 1880-1885, President of the Local Government Board, 1886 and Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1895-1903. In addition, he was Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, 1901, and Lord Rector of
Glasgow University.
Relationships1st wife Harriet Kenrick (1835-1863); 2nd wife Florence Kenrick (d 1875); 3rd wife Mary Crowinshield, nee Endicott, later Carnegie (1864-1957). Children by Harriet Kenrick: Sir Joseph Austen (1863-1937), and Beatrice (1862-1918); children by Florence Kenrick: Hon Arthur Neville (1869-1940), Hilda, Ida (d 1943), and Ethel (d 1904).

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