The central committee was provided by the local branch in the town, and Harnott's willingness to move meant that he was soon by far the most experienced union official.
His support gradually increased, the biggest turning point being in 1863 when a threatening letter and rope tied in a noose were sent to him, suspected to be from Henry Faulkner, a leader of the Manchester branch.
[1] Harnott led the union through successive victories, facing down an 1858 attempt by a new Federation of Master Builders to introduce hourly payments with national strike action.
[1] By 1870, Harnott was suffering from declining health, but he continued to work long hours, with Dyer assisting, effectively as a clerk.
On his death, the Manchester Times declared that Harnott has been "as well known in trade circles as Mr Gladstone is in the political world".