Obituaries

Obituaries and death notices for individuals with connections to the Spen Valley district. Some names may already mean something to you, others maybe not...

These are currently listed by surname order and there may be some additional notes, in brackets, which have been added from my own research. 

NEW entries appear on this page, older ones are listed by surname on the buttons below them:

BLACKBURN, William (1834-1907)
Publication: Shipley Time and Express - Friday 18 January 1907
The funeral took place at St. John's church, Cleckheaton, on Monday, of Mr. William Blackburn, of Bromley Road, Shipley, formerly a very successful worsted spinner in Cleckheaton, who died on the 11th inst., at the age of 72.
Originally an overlooker, and afterwards for some years a schoolmaster, Mr. Blackburn began business as a spinner on his own account when about 30 years of age, and was continuously successful until about eight tears ago, when the extensive business he had built up went into liquidation, and he retired into private life.
He built one of the largest mills in the Cleckheaton district, and was the pioneer in the production of botany mixtures for the highest class of Huddersfield cloths, out of which he made money rapidly. He was a past President of the Cleckheaton Conservative Club, and a member for three years of the Cleckheaton Local Board, but was not, generally speaking, actively concerned in public affairs.
There was a numerous attendance at the funeral of Cleckheaton business men, former workmen and other friends.

CRABTREE, Newman (1868-1927)
Publication: Shipley Times and Express - Friday 18 March 1927
The death occurred at a Leeds nursing home on Tuesday of Mr Newman Crabtree, of Baildon, a member of the firm of Messrs. Clough, Crabtree and Ineson, solicitors, Cleckheaton.
Mr Crabtree has been in failing health ever since the war, when he retired from the Army with the rank of Captain. He had been unable to attend to the business since about the middle of January.
He was a native of Kidderminster, and while at Cleckheaton was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Spen Valley Employment Committee. He was a Freemason and one of the founders of the the Cleckheaton Golf Club and of the Spenborough Ex-Service Men's Club. He leaves a widow.
(Newman's widow is Helena Catherine (nee Sykes). He father was Dr. Benjamin Clifford Sykes and her mother was Mary Jane, daughter of Samuel Law of Moorland Mills)

CROSSLEY, George (1825-1897)
Publication: Cleckheaton Guardian - Friday 10 December 1897
Cleckheaton has lost one of its well-known and familiar characters in the death of Mr. Geo. Crossley, engineer, which took place early on Tuesday morning, in the 73rd year of his age.
Deceased belonged to an old Cleckheaton family of wheelwrights, who resided in the house now known as "The Old House at Home," a beerhouse situate in Albion Street. In the early days of George's grandfather, who last carried on the business, this house and the workshop adjoining, stood in a field, which subsequently gave place to Albion Street and a block of buildings at the foot known as the Old Pigeon Cote.
George's father, James (sic. should be Joseph), was however, a millwright, and subsequently occupied his father's premises, after alterations, but he dying in mid-life, his son took up the business, and being a very active, industrious man, succeeded so well that the old premises became too small for his requirements, and nearly twenty years ago erected larger premises in what is now known as the Serpentine Road.
At the age of a little over 22 he married Ellen, daughter of Mr James Longbottom of Hunsworth Mills. The issue of the marriage was a daughter and subsequently a son. The former is the wife of Mr Alfred Messenger, maltster, of this town. The son, Arthur, grew up to be a very fine young man of good business qualities, who proved of great use in extending his father's trade connection, but unfortunately, when 38 years of age, he was overtaken by illness and died nearly seven years ago, leaving a wife but no issue. Soon after his son's lamentable death, Mr Crossley, who had made a competency, desiring to be relieved from the cares of business, floated his concern as a limited company under the title of George Crossley, Limited. Since then, he has spent a large portion of his time at Blackpool, occasionally accompanied by his wife. The air of the popular seaside resort seemed to agree with his health better than that of his native place, and since he made investments in the various spirited commercial enterprise of recent years there, he became more and more attached to the place.
On the 6th of December last year, he and his good wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, at which time they were both in the enjoyment of good health, and looking very well. Some time after the happy event above recorded, the health of the pair became affected. Mr Crossley suffered from an affection of the liver, whilst his partner had the misfortune to be overtaken by paralysis, which took away the use of her hands and enfeebled her much.
Deceased returned Blackpool two or three weeks ago, and was going about until about ten days since, when he took his bed, from which he was never again to rise. During this last illness he happily suffered no pain, but virtually slept himself away - a year and a few hours after his fiftieth wedding day.
During different periods of his life he devoted part time to the affairs of the town. In the days of the old local surveyors, before the introduction of Local Boards, he did good service. At that time the road to Scholes in the vicinity of the Old White Chapel, was almost impassable. The road bounding the chapel yard was so contracted that two vehicles could not pass, and the only available road for pedestrians was through the chapel yard. All this Mr Crossley altered; the wall on the south was set back and a substantial roadway formed, which has been and will be a benefit for all time.
The Cleckheaton Local Board came into existence in 1863, and Mr Crossley was elected a member in 1864, and sat for three years. He would willingly have continued to serve the town in that capacity longer, but the unhappy difference between "the old Board," so called, and the Co-operative Society made him unpopular for the time. He was, however, re-elected to the Board in 1889, and sat for another three years, during which period he was a very active member.
The funeral will take place at the Old White Chapel at 12 o'clock this day.

HALL, Rev. Frederick (c.1839-1917)
Publication: Bradford Daily Telegraph - Monday 23 April 1917
The death took place yesterday at the age of 78 years, of the Rev. Frederick Hall, retired Congregational minister. Following a short business career, Mr. Hall, who was a native of Shields, entered Airedale College in 1867. His first pastorate was that of the Kipping Church, Thornton, Bradford, where his ordination took place in 1870. Seven years later he resigned to take up the pastorate of the Upper Independent Chapel, Heckmondwike, which he did not relinquish until 1893, the church having made great progress whilst under his charge, and a handsome new building having been erected.
He left to go to the Worple Road Church, Wimbledon, where he laboured successfully until 1898, when he resigned in order to become pastor of the Bar Congregational Church, Scarborough, which position he held until ill health compelled him to retire in 1905, and thus close a ministerial career extending over 39 years. Subsequently he recuperated in Switzerland for a couple of years, and on returning to this country took up his residence at Harrogate.
Mr. Hall was chairman of the Yorkshire Congregational Union in 1890; for some time was vice-chairman of the Yorkshire United College, and for many years a director of the London Missionary Society and a Governor of the college named. He was three times married, and his widow is a daughter of the late Sir Thomas Firth, Bart. Of eight children, three sons and two daughters survive.
The interment will take place at Upper Chapel, Heckmondwike, on Wednesday.

PEEL, Frank (1831-1900)
Publication: Dewsbury Reporter - Saturday 14 April 1900
Passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 68 years, Mr Frank Peel, journalist of Union Street, Heckmondwike after a long and painful illness. The deceased was a native of Great Horton and served his apprenticeship to drapery business in Bradford. When about 24 years of age he came to Heckmondwike and established a business in the Market Place. Shop life had little fascination for him and he developed a strong liking in literary pursuits and commenced to write on a variety of subjects for the local press and became a correspondent for the "Heckmondwike Reporter." He eventually disposed of his drapery business and threw himself entirely into journalism.
He is widely known as the author of "The Rising of the Luddites," "Nonconformity in the Spen Valley," and "Spen Valley - Past and Present," and many other pamphlets. His works were highly appreciated by a very large section of the reading community and his memory will be perpetuated for generations to come, especially by his work on the history of the Spen Valley. Mr Peel also figured prominently as an antiquarian, being one of the most active members of the old local society. The Antiquarian Society of Scotland conferred upon him the distinction of F.S.A.S, in recognition of his valued services.
Mr Peel served for a term of three years on the Heckmondwike Local Board. He was secretary to the Heckmondwike Chamber of Commerce for a period of ten years and also a past secretary of the Heckmondwike Tradesmen's Association. He was involved with the Mechanic's Institute and was an ardent supporter of the religious work of the town. In politics he was a Radical.
For several years the deceased gentleman had not enjoyed good health and had been confined to the house since a year last Christmas. He suffered acutely from sciatica. He leaves a widow, two sons and three daughters. The funeral took place at Heckmondwike Cemetery yesterday, attended by upwards of 3,000 onlookers.

PEEL, William Holdsworth (1866-1935)
Publication: Unknown - June 1935
The death took place on Saturday of Mr. William Holdsworth Peel, of 49 Brooke Street, Cleckheaton, who was 69 years of age. Mr. Peel had lived in the town all his life. Thirty years ago he and his father founded the business of Messrs. Robert Peel & Son, curriers and leather merchants, occupying premises now used by the Spen Valley Brewery Co. The firm later removed to Westgate. On the death of his father, Mr. Peel became principal of the firm.
For nearly 20 years he was a prominent member of the Spen Victoria Cricket Club, and one of four brothers who were playing members. He was an excellent batsman, and indeed was in his hey-day described as "one of the prettiest in the Spen Valley." His connection with the club in recent years was maintained as one of its vice-presidents. He was also a member of the Cleckheaton Conservative Club. He leaves a widow.
The funeral took place at White Chapel on Tuesday, the Rev. F.J.T. Baines officiating at the interment and at a service in the church preceding it. The chief mourners were: Mrs Peel (widow), Mr A.E. Peel, Mr S. H. Peel, Mrs Denham, Mr & Mrs Hartley, Mrs Charles Peel, Mr Harold Denham, Mr Thomas Denham, Colonel S.W. Adderley, the Rev. J.H. Hutchinson, Mr F.A. Hutchinson, Miss Adderley, Miss A Blamires, Miss M Blamires, Mr Joe Blamires, Mr F Robinson, Mrs Hartley and Miss Hartley.

SELLERS, Arthur Edwin (1880-1954)
Publication: Bradford Observer - Tuesday 12 January 1954
The interment will take place at Whitcliffe Road Cemetery, Cleckheaton, today, of Mr Arthur Edwin Sellers, The Homestead, Newsome Road South, Huddersfield, a former Mayor of Huddersfield, who died on Sunday, aged 73. It will be preceded by a service at Newsome Parish Church.
Entering municipal life in 1920, Mr Sellers served Huddersfield Town Council as a Liberal Councillor and later Alderman for Newsome. He was Mayor in 1940-41.
A native of Scholes, Cleckheaton, Mr Sellers was chairman of the directors of Sellers and Co. (Huddersfield), Ltd., textile engineers, Chapel Hill.
Mr Sellers leaves a widow and two sons.

SENIOR, Thomas Wilby (1838-1885)
Publication: Batley News - Saturday 19 December 1885
We have to record the death of Mr. Thomas Wilby Senior, printer and newspaper proprietor, which occurred at his residence, Cheapside, Heckmondwike, on Friday evening last. The deceased had been incapacitated for business during the past nine months owing to an affection of the lungs, and prior to that time he had been under medical treatment, but it was only within the last few days that he was wholly confined to his bed.
Mr. Senior commenced business as a printer at the Top of Heckmondwike about twenty years ago. In the course of time he removed his business to premises at Shaver Hill, and took the office in Cheapside some seven years back. About ten years ago he established the Heckmondwike Herald, and subsequently added to it the Mirfield Herald. He was a Liberal in politics, and was attached to the Congregationalist body. He took an active interest in the Sunday School of Upper Chapel, of which church he was for several years a member.
The remains of the above gentleman were interred on Tuesday in the Upper Chapel burial ground, in the presence of a large assemblage of onlookers. The cortege consisted of the hearse and four mourning coaches, and there was a long procession of tradesmen, commercial men and others. The service in the chapel and at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. F. Hall. In the chapel Mr. Hall delivered an impressive address, in which he briefly sketched the life of the deceased.
Amongst those present at the funeral were Mr. T.F. Firth, Mr. Jos. Stead, Rev. M. Pearson, Rev. J. Armitage, Rev. E.J. Travis, Mr. J.J. Stead, Mr. John Siddall and Mr. John Firth of Cleckheaton, Mr Miles Armitage, Batley and Mr George Burnley, etc. The coffin, borne to the grave by employees of the Herald office, was made of pitch pine, with silver-plated mountings. The lid of the coffin contained several beautiful wreaths of flowers , one of which was sent by the teachers of the Upper Sunday School.

SYKES, George (1847-1917)
Publication: Bradford Daily Telegraph - Monday 10 September 1917
The interment took place at the Cleckheaton Old Cemetery, on Saturday, of Mr. George Sykes, for over forty years headmaster of the British Schools, Cleckheaton, and for nearly fifty years also secretary of the Cleckheaton Chamber of Commerce.
The Rev. T. Porritt (Congregational Minister) conducted the service at the graveside. There was a large attendance at the funeral, the institutions represented being the District Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the scholastic profession, the Technical Institute, the Cleckheaton Female Benefit Society, the Cemetery Trustees, Providence Place Chapel, the Cleckheaton Liberal Association, the old Cleckheaton Rugby Football Club and the Whitcliffe (Friendship) Club. Many businessmen in the town and old scholars of the British School also attended.

SYKES, Rawdon (1852-1890)
Publication: Brighouse Echo - Friday 6 June 1890
Mr Rawdon Sykes, sole partner in the firm of Kemp Bros., flannel manufacturers, Central Mills, Cleckheaton, died at his residence, Collins Cottage, in that town on Sunday morning, after a brief illness.
Mr Sykes was taken ill at Scarborough, and on returning to Cleckheaton, he was attended by Dr. Sutherland, and seemed to be steadily recovering until Saturday morning, when inflammation of the lungs set in.
Mr Sykes was the eldest son of the late Mr. Joseph Sykes, who died about twelve months ago. He was thirty-eight years of age and leaves a widow and a son and daughter, the son, the eldest of the children, being eleven years old.
Mr Sykes had a very genial disposition, and was much esteemed. The funeral took place on Wednesday, the remains being interred at Cleckheaton Cemetery, amidst general signs of mourning. Amongst the ministers present were the Rev. F.J. Briggs, Brighouse and the Rev. T.G. Davies, vicar of Batley.

TAYLOR, Jane Lister (1815 - 1887)
Publication: Dewsbury Chronicle - Saturday 27 August 1887
On Friday morning the death took place of Mrs. Taylor, Red House, Gomersal, the widow of the late Mr. Joshua Taylor. The Taylor family is one of the oldest and most widely known in the Spen Valley.
The Red House was erected in 1660. From that date to the present time the family has been engaged in the cloth trade, the present premises at Hunsworth having been originally built in 1785.
The family has been made illustrious also by Charlotte Bronte's novel "Shirley," the deceased's father-in-law being the "Hiram Yorke" of that work and his three sons - Joshua, John and Joseph - representing respectively Matthew, Mark and Martin therein. His two daughters also were the Rose and Jessie. The family residence, Red House, is the Briarmains of the novel.
Mrs. Taylor has been ill for some time. Shortly before Whitsuntide she and her daughter visited Harrogate, but after five weeks' stay, Mrs. Taylor was compelled to return home, the illness terminating fatally about one a.m. on Friday. During her illness, Mrs. Taylor was constantly attended by Dr. Steele of Gomersal.
She was born May 7th 1815, and was thus in her seventy-third year. By her marriage there were fours sons and two daughters, of whom the following survive: Mr. Joshua Taylor, Spen Hall, the present representative of the family, who carries on the business at Hunsworth; Mr. Thomas Taylor, who is now in America; Mr. Edward Taylor, London; and Miss Susan Taylor.

UNTHANK, Dr. William Robert Elstob (1883-1935)
Publication: Yorkshire Post - Saturday 23 November 1935
The funeral took place yesterday at Norton-on-Tees of Dr. William Robert Elstob Unthank, of Highfield, Cleckheaton.
Dr. Unthank, who was the elder son of the late Dr. R.E. Unthank, of Appleton Wiske, saw active service as surgeon with the Royal Naval Division, and, on demobilisation, he entered into partnership with Dr. W. Shaw at Cleckheaton. A brother is vicar of Cawood, and his sister (with whom he lived) is commandant of the local V.A.D. Detachment.
Before the cortege left for County Durham a number of local residents assembled to pay their last respects, including representatives of the Zetland Lodge of Freemasons, the Spen Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Spenborough District Council, the National Provincial and Lloyds Bank, doctors and business men and members of the West Riding Constabulary.
Dr. Unthank was Deputy Medical Officer of Health for Spenborough, a surgeon to the Spenborough Clinic, factory surgeon for the district and police surgeon.

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