Thomas Cook’s Campaign for Temperance Made Him a Great Travel Businessman

Thomas Cook was born on November 22, 1808 in Melbourne, South Derbyshire. His father, John, a laborer, died when Thomas was just four. His mother remarried. The family had a difficult financial circumstance so Thomas was forced to work as a boy.

When he was 13, his mother introduced him to the Baptist faith. At that time, Thomas also started an apprenticeship as cabinet maker and wood turner with his strong Baptist uncle John Pegg. Thomas became a Sunday School superintendent and an active member of the local Temperance Society. He strongly campaigned against alcoholism.

Thomas ended his apprenticeship in 1827 to become an itinerant missionary, he went from one village to another throughout the counties of south midland, preaching God’s Word, planting Sunday schools, and distributing Gospel tracts. His work as a missionary was the beginning of his career in travel.

When his salary as missionary became insufficient to support his family, Thomas started a wood turning business. At the same time, as a member of the Temperance Society, he published pamphlets containing his speeches against alcoholism. Later, his temperance beliefs led him to a new business: the Children’s Temperance Magazine.

Using the Midland Railway, Thomas started a rail excursion from Leicester leading to Loughborough where the Temperance Society meets. Each passenger pays one shilling, which includes the fare and food while on the journey. When the venture looked successful, Thomas made the rail excursion as his new business. He had a large scale mission of benevolence and goodwill while earning income.

Soon, Thomas was able to set up a printer and bookseller that focus on temperance literature. He also established a few temperance hotels located in Leicester and Derby. His rail excursion business continued and earned the reputation as the businessman who can provide the cheapest railway rates. He was described as the “Napoleon of Excursions” for taking the tours up to Europe.

Thomas moved to London with his businesses and incorporated his company under the name Thomas Cook & Son. Thomas Cook & Son offered world tours later.

Thomas retired and his son John took over the business. He died on July 18, 1892 at Knighton, Leicester.