Obituaries A - G

Recently added obituaries appear on the Obituaries Home Page and will be transferred to the page relevant to their surname when newer ones are added.

ANDERTON, Arthur (1848-1904)
Publication: Bradford Daily Telegraph - Saturday 24 December 1904
It is with regret that we record the death of Alderman Arthur Anderton, J.P., which took place at Southport yesterday, shortly after two o'clock in the presence of Mrs Anderton and members of his family.
The late Alderman was regarded in Cleckheaton, the Spen Valley and far afield as a most able politician, as well as a recognised authority on educational matters, and one ever ready to aid all causes tending to the religious and social advancement of the people.
Born in November 1848 at Upper House, Cleckheaton (the eldest son of the late Mr James Anderton), he had reached 56 years of age. He received his education at the Huddersfield College, and whilst there attended Highfield Independent Chapel. Leaving school at a comparatively early age, he entered on his commercial career at Victoria Mills, Cleckheaton, founded by his grandfather in 1832, a concern which is probably now the largest engaged in the worsted spinning industry in the Spen Valley. In 1900 he had Parliamentary ambitions and in that year contested, in the Liberal interest, Central Bradford.
Severing his connection with the firm of Geo. Anderton and Son, Ltd., in 1902, he took up his residence at Cracoe, Skipton-in-Craven, and whilst there he was prevailed upon by the South Westmorland Liberal Association to become their candidate, and in this capacity he won the esteem and admiration of the electors throughout the division, and it was on account of a physical breakdown that he ultimately withdrew his candidature.
From his earliest youth, he had been actively associated with the Congregational Church at Providence Place, Cleckheaton - for many years as a Sunday School teacher, trustee and deacon.
Ald. Anderton's labours on the West Riding County Council, notably on the Education Committee, cannot be over-estimated, and it is believed that the physical and mental strain upon an overwrought constitution was one of the material causes of his ultimate breakdown.
As chairman of the Education Committee and Technical Instruction Committee, his services were frequently brought into requisition by various educational organisations throughout the West Riding. Mr Anderton was also a member of the "Mosely Commission" which recently visited the United States.
The loss which Cleckheaton, the Spen Valley and the West Riding generally have sustained by the death of this estimable and exemplary gentleman cannot be over-estimated and quite a gloom has been cast over the inhabitants of his native town, which will not readily be removed. The Town Hall bell was tolled and the flags at the Town Hall and the Liberal Club hoisted yesterday at half-mast.
The funeral leaves Skipton station on Monday at 12 noon for Rylston, where the interment takes place.

ANDERTON, William (1821-1901)
Publication: Bradford Observer - Monday 7 January 1901
The death took place on Saturday, in his eightieth year, of Mr. William Anderton of Elm Bank, Cleckheaton, a member of the firm of George Anderton and Son, Limited, worsted spinners, Victoria Mills.
Up to the summer of 1899 Mr. Anderton retained his physical vigour in a more than ordinary measure, but he then contracted an ailment which necessitated a surgical operation of a grave character. It was thought, however, that he might be spared for a few more years with a fair degree of activity. For a time after the operation it seemed as if this would be so, but towards the close of the year he was again confined to his bed and was not able to leave his room afterwards. Happily, however, he retained his mental faculties almost unimpaired, and he was able for another year to take a keen interest in affairs.
Some two days ago there was a distinct change for the worse, and the end came about 9.30 on Saturday morning. Immediately upon the news becoming known, the flags at the Liberal and Conservative Clubs were flown at half-mast. The committee of the Liberal Club also took steps to cancel, if necessary, a children's tea and ball arranged to be held in the Town Hall, but the family signified their unwillingness that this should be done, as it would have deprived over 500 children of an eagerly anticipated pleasure; and the gathering accordingly took place.
Mr. Anderton was the son of the late Mr. George Anderton, one of the Andertons of Cullingworth, who founded the business at Cleckheaton about the year 1819. He received his early education under Mr. Moses H. Williamson, formerly head of Silcoates School, having amongst his school-fellows the late Sir Francis Crossley and Mr. Samuel Shaw, of Stainland. Afterwards he was a pupil of Mr. William Hoole at Blackburn College, an institution subsequently merged in the Lancashire Independent Collage. He took a deep interest in education locally as far back as sixty years ago, having an active part in the founding of the Cleckheaton Mechanics' Institute in 1838, and teaching some of the classes.
For many years also, he was a manager of the British School, and for more than fifty years regularly taught the young men's Bible class at Providence Place Sunday School. The appreciation of the young men themselves of the labour which was expended by Mr. Anderton for their benefit was testified at the termination of his active service at the chapel by the presentation to him of some handsome candelabra and a clock in silver.
He also held the offices of deacon and church treasurer at Providence Place, and filled responsible offices in connection with the Yorkshire Congregational Union, the United College and the Crossley-Porter Orphanage. A sturdy and consistent Liberal throughout his long life, he also held office in connection with the Liberal Association of the old Birstall polling district and subsequently became president of the executive of the Spen Valley Liberal Association and the Cleckheaton Liberal Club, continuing in these positions to the last. He frequently presided and spoke at public meetings up to a few years ago. Latterly he had been accustomed to spend the winters in the South of France.
Mr. Anderton was twice married, first to Miss Lyon of Liverpool, and in 1859 to Miss Fielding of Mearclough House, Halifax, whom he survived. He had four sons and one daughter. One of the former was Mr Henry Lyon Anderton, barrister, who was fatally stricken with typhoid fever while on circuit at the Leeds Assizes in 1873. Mr C. P. Anderton, another son, is a partner in the business and well-known on the Bradford Exchange. The third son, the Rev. W. E. Anderton, is in the Congregational ministry and resides at Woodford in Essex. The fourth son, Mr. George Anderton, a son of Mr. Anderton's second wife, at present lives abroad. The daughter married Dr. Balkwill of London, and since his death has resided with her father, being with him to the last.
The surviving partners in the firm are Mr C. P. Anderton and his cousin, Mr Arthur Anderton, the Liberal candidate for the Central Division of Bradford in the last Parliamentary election. Mr William Anderton was a Justice of the Peace for the West Riding, and sat regularly at the Bradford Court, when at home, up to two or three years ago. He was a generous supporter of all benevolent works in the town and in connection with his church and denomination, and abundantly shared the public spirit which has done much for the progress of Cleckheaton, especially during the last twenty years.
(features on a gravestone at Cleckheaton Old Cemetery)

ASPINALL, James Edward (1906-1989)
Publication: Spenborough Guardian - Friday 10 February 1989
A former trustee of the National Executive of the Licensed Victuallers Association and well-known former publican of the Walkers Arms, at Scholes, has died suddenly aged 83.
Throughout his working life, Mr James Edward Aspinall of Scholes Lane, held a strong and committed link with the Licensed Victuallers Association, and was honoured on a number of occasions for his work for the County Association. He was a past president of the Cleckheaton LVA, before its amalgamation with the Spenborough branch which he served as secretary and treasurer for many years. Later he was elected to the Yorkshire and District executive, and was appointed junior vice-president and held the senior position before taking over the president's chair.
The pinnacle of his career came in 1974 when he was elected as trustee of the National LVA - a position he held for two years before retiring from the Association. He held the licence of the Walkers Arms for almost half a century.
The funeral service took place at Scholes Parish Church on Tuesday. Cremation followed at Oakworth Crematorium, Keighley.

ASQUITH, Harry (1871-1955)
Publication: Bradford Observer - Tuesday 11 January 1955
The death of Mr Harry Asquith of Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, founder of the printing firm of Harry Asquith Ltd., occurred yesterday at his home. Aged 83, he had been associated with the firm until a short time ago.
Formerly he was a member of Spen Valley Chamber of Commerce and had served on the old North Bierley Board of Guardians. He was a Freemason and one of the oldest members of Cleckheaton Golf Club.
Mr Asquith leaves a widow and two daughters. One of his daughters, Mrs Lilian Holland of Bailiff Bridge, died at Christmas.

ATKINSON, Charles (1844-1900)
Publication: Batley News - Saturday 8 September 1900
A gentleman who was highly respected in the Spen Valley, passed away on Tuesday after a long illness, in the name of Mr Charles Atkinson of Howard House, Cleckheaton, and head of the firm of William Atkinson & Son, worsted spinners of St. Peg Mills, Cleckheaton.
The deceased was the younger son of the late Mr Edward Atkinson, who died in 1872, and grandson of the founder of the firm, which was established in the early years of the century. He had not, however, been actively identified with the business for some years, having spent a good deal of time in travel and abroad.
He leaves a widow (a daughter of the late Mr James Anderton of Cleckheaton), one daughter - who is married and settled in India - and two sons. The elder son is Mr Arthur E Atkinson, who is associated with the business, and is Captain of the Cleckheaton Company of Volunteers; and the younger is Lieutenant H S Atkinson, at present serving in South Africa with the Active Service Section of the Halifax Volunteers.
The deceased, who was fifty six years of age, took no prominent part in public affairs, although he held a number of semi-public offices from time to time, including those of president of the Conservative Club and president of the Spen Victoria Cricket and Bowling Club. In the prosperous days of the Cleckheaton Agricultural Society, he was one of its most assiduous friends.

ATKINSON, James (1821-1882)
Publication: Bradford Observer - Wednesday 14 June 1882
We regret to have to record the death of Mr James Atkinson, which took place at his residence, Stanley Villa, Cleckheaton, on Sunday morning. The deceased gentleman, who was 61 years of age, was the eldest son of Mr John Atkinson of Leeds and grandson of Mr William Atkinson, founder of the well-known firm of William Atkinson & Sons, worsted spinners, St. Peg Mills, Cleckheaton.
For many years he carried on an extensive malting business, which he followed till the time of his death. Some two years ago he sustained, by a paralytic seizure, the loss of the use of the lower extremities, but he was not wholly confined at home in consequence, having been borne to and from his place of business in a bath chair. Even as late as last week he attended to business affairs, and a week ago on Sunday he was in his pew at the Providence Place Congregational Chapel, of which he had for many years been a member.
Mr Atkinson at no time took a very prominent part in public affairs, but he was for a short period, a member of the Cleckheaton Local Board, and of he also served the township as a Guardian. He was one of the founders of the Zetland Lodge of Freemasons and was likewise a Past Provincial Officer of the Order. In politics he maintained from early life an unwavering attachment to Liberal principles.
The funeral will take place at the Cleckheaton Cemetery on Saturday.
(features on a gravestone at Cleckheaton Old Cemetery)

BENTLEY, John (1834-1907)
Publication: Unknown Publication - Mar 1907
The death took place on Sunday afternoon, at the house of a nephew at Earlsheaton, with tragic suddenness, of Mr John Bentley, of Scholes, at the age of 72 years. He attended morning service at St. John's Church, Cleckheaton, took part in the choral celebration of Holy Communion, and afterwards went to dinner to one of his sons at Rawfolds - Mr John Hy Bentley. He partook of a hearty meal, and was bright and cheerful. Later in the day he travelled by car to Dewsbury and from there walked to Earlsheaton, and on arriving at the house of his nephew he sat down and expired almost immediately.
On Monday, an inquest was held by Mr Maitland, and after formal evidence had been tendered a verdict that death had resulted from heart failure was returned.
The deceased gentleman had a long and honourable connection with St. John's Church choir, Cleckheaton, having served as a chorister for a continuous period of 60 years, and only retired at the end of April last year. He became a choirboy about 1845, thirteen years after the consecration of the church, and while the Rev. John Seaton, father of the late vicar, was yet in the prime of life.
In those days the place of the choir was in the gallery at the west end of the church, where also was the organ. It was a mixed choir, and Mr Bentley sang with the female voices, and then for a short time as alto, but he began to develop very early the fine, deep bass with which the congregation of St. John has long been familiar.
In later years the choir was moved down into the nave, while the organ still remained in the gallery, but when the chancel was built in 1868 provision was made for both choir and organ, practically as now. Through all these years Mr Bentley was a tower of strength both to his own choir and to the Dewsbury Choral Union which was instituted and conducted by Mr Seaton.
Apart from his connection with the church and choir, the deceased gentleman always took a deep interest in music generally, and he owed to its practice the recollection of many happy social hours.
Mr Bentley was a native of Cleckheaton, having been born in a house off Westgate, which was demolished in his boyhood to make room for the railway. For many years in earlier life he was employed in the woollen trade, commencing to work at Brook Mill, but for 32 years, up to his retirement some ten years ago, he was in the service of Messrs George Anderton and Son at Victoria Mills.
After this, he removed to Scholes, and since then, with rare exceptions, he regularly walked to and from Cleckheaton on Sundays in all weathers. Not the least of his excellencies as a member of the choir has been his regularity and punctuality.

BENTLEY, William Henry (1854-1894)
Publication: Batley Reporter & Guardian - Saturday 10 March 1894
The death is announced of Mr W.H. Bentley, organist of St. Mary's, Studley Royal. Mr Bentley was a native of Cleckheaton, where his father, the late Mr John Bentley, was for over fifty years the organist of St. John's Church.
Mr W.H. Bentley, who was educated at Cleckheaton School and at St. Mark's College, Chelsea, was appointed by the Marchioness of Ripon as organist at St. Mary's in 1876, and also to the assistant mastership at Aldfield School.
He was conductor of the Ripon Choral Society, the members of which, in December 1891, presented him with an ivory baton, silver mounted. The presentation was made by the Bishop, who said that Mr Bentley had been a great help and benefit to the people of Ripon, and had enabled them to understand some of the noblest works of the noblest composers.

BIRKBY, William Beiver (1820-1896)
Publication: Cleckheaton Guardian Friday 1 January 1897
On Saturday last there passed away, in his 78th year, Mr William Beivers Birkby, formerly of Cleckheaton, but in more recent years a resident of Holly Bank, Liversedge.
Deceased was a member of the firm of William Birkby & Sons, needle-point card manufacturers, who forty years ago carried on business at Marsh, Cleckheaton. Through the inventive faculties of his brother John, the firm very speedily realised an independency. John's close application to inventions and business affairs caused his health to break down, and whilst yet in the prime of life he retired from business and took up his residence at Morecambe, where his vigour became re-established and he lived to a tolerably old age.
William, the younger son, continued to carry on the business until about thirty years ago, when he retired whilst in the prime of life. He resided in the good house erected and occupied by William Booth, woolstapler and farmer, some sixty years ago, on the site now occupied by the Central Chapel, which he had to leave to make way for that stately erection.
We may say in passing, that the William Booth here referred to was the father of three daughters who inherited much property in Cleckheaton, of which the newly formed street connecting Whitcliffe Road with Moorend formed a part, and which takes its name from the family.
Mr Birkby leaves two daughters, his wife having died many years ago. The funeral took place at the Cleckheaton Cemetery on Tuesday, being attended by several Cleckheaton friends in addition to members of the family.

BLACKBURN, Samuel (1817-1887)
Publication: Batley News - Saturday 16 July 1887
Mr Samuel Blackburn, a partner in the well-known firm of Firth and Blackburn, corn millers and maltsters, Spen Mills, Cleckheaton, died at his residence, Toft Villa, on Tuesday. The deceased attained his seventieth year on the 6th of March last.
Owing to failing health, he had not taken an active part in the business of the firm for a number of years, but his end was hastened by bronchitis, to attacks of which he was frequently subject.
Mr. Blackburn had been connected with Spen Mills during the greater portion of his life, first as an employee, many years ago, of Messrs. J. Mann & Sons. In 1850 he entered into partnership with Mr. Woodcock, and became one of the proprietor of the mills and subsequently entered a joint partnership with Messrs. Firth, and the style of the firm became Messrs. Firth & Blackburn.
The business at first comprised corn milling only, but subsequently the malting business was added and also the manufacture of starch. In 1867 Mr. Blackburn became a member of the Cleckheaton Local Board and for two years, 1867-9, was chairman of that body. This was an important period in the history of Board, being just prior to the acquisition of the gasworks by the Board on behalf of the ratepayers.
In politics the deceased was an ardent Liberal, and in religion he favoured the views of the Nonconformists. Mr. Blackburn was married and his wife died about two years ago. The issue of the marriage was two daughters, both of whom survive and are married, the elder to Mr. Arthur Firth and the younger to Mr. Henry Law.
Mr. Blackburn, we may add, was a staunch Free-trader. The interment took place on Friday and the body was placed in the vault at the local cemetery containing the remains of Mrs. Blackburn.

BLAMIRES, George Cyril (1905-1989)
Publication: Cleckheaton Guardian - Mar 1989
A former organist at Gomersal Parish Church for 50 years, Mr George Cyril Blamires (83) of Pyenot Hall Lane, Cleckheaton, died in Dewsbury District Hospital on Tuesday after a short Illness
Mr Blamires continued as deputy organist for a further seven years after retiring as the full-time organist. During his time at Gomersal he served under eight vicars.
Before becoming the organist at Gomersal at the age of 23 he spent a short time playing at All Soul's Church, Liversedge. Once he played at Wakefield Cathedral.
Nearly all his working life was spent at the Cleckheaton building firm of Robinson and Crowther Ltd., where he was foreman joiner.
In his spare time he enjoyed a game of snooker and followed cricket matches at Spen. A widower with no family he is survived by a brother.
Cremation takes place on Monday after a service at Gomersal Parish Church conducted by the vicar, Rev. Mark Thomas.

BOOCOCK, Irvine (1890-1941)
Publication: Yorkshire Evening Post - Tuesday 18 November 1941
A former Bradford City and international footballer, Irvine Boocock, of Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, was cycling home last night from Dewsbury, where he was groundsman to the Dewsbury and Saville Cricket Club, when he fell in Walkley Lane, Heckmondwike, and died almost immediately.
Mr Boocock, a native of Cleckheaton, was about 50 years of age. He began his football career with Bradford City in 1907-8, as an inside forward, but later became a full-back. He played for the English League against Scotland, Ireland and the Southern Leagues. During the last war he served in France, after which he returned to Valley Parade and was the City's regular left-back for several seasons.
Mr Boocock was also a well-known cricketer, having played professional with Eccleshill, East Bierley and Hastings. For 31 years he assisted Cleckheaton Cricket Club. He leaves a widow, one son and one daughter.
(remembered on a gravestone at Cleckheaton New Cemetery)

BRAYSHAW, Edith Annie (1873-1963)
Publication & date: Unknown
News of the passing of Miss Edith Annie Brayshaw of Scholes, in her 90th year, was received with regret throughout the village for there was hardly a resident who did not know her. By young and old alike she was looked on as a woman of strong Christian principles and indeed by many as a result of all the good work she did as a saint.
She lived and worked for people and since December, when she had been in failing health, the residents of Whitechapel Estate had asked daily after her health. Her work for the Scholes Parish Church was unbounding. She gave unstintingly and attended faithfully until illness prevented her being taken by car by her numerous friends.
Her greatest love in church life was missions. She assumed the leadership and secretaryship of the Scholes Church Mission Group 40 years ago and had been unerring in her work for the cause. Small garden parties which she held at her home were for the missions. Produce which was grown in her garden by youngsters from the Whitechapel Estate, who tended it in organised plots under Miss Brayshaw's direction, were sold for the missions. Even if some friends paid her bus fare or gave her a lift, the pence she would have paid the bus company was placed in the missions box.
There is no doubt that many children on the Whitechapel Estate would have found mischief for idle hands to do but for her interest in them, With the persuasive, but kindly powers of an ex-schoolteacher, she taught them many things. When she was given a Corporation bungalow following the demolition of her home to make way for the large Foldings Estate at Scholes, she said her work was on the Whitechapel Estate.
Miss Brayshaw went to live at the Foldings, then a number of houses and open fields, at the age of four. She was a member of a large family but it did not prevent her from achieving her ambition to be a teacher. After teaching at Moorend Church of England School, Cleckheaton, she left for Norway where for several years she tutored children of millionaires. She eventually returned to Scholes to look after an ailing sister and resumed teaching at Moorend, retiring in 1922. Miss Brayshaw is survived by several nephews and nieces. 

BULL, George Thomas (1838-1892)
Publication: Bradford Weekly Telegraph - Saturday 3 September 1892
On Thursday, after a prolonged illness, the death took place at his residence at Cleckheaton, of Mr George T Bull, chairman of the Local Board of that town.
For many years Mr Bull took a prominent part in public affairs, being first elected on the Local Board in 1879 and having served almost continuously since that time. Combining business, ability and tact, with a genial disposition, he was elected to the chairmanship of the Board for the third time.
He took a very active and prominent part in the promotion of the scheme for the erection of the Town Hall and in the long round of festivities associated with the opening thereof, and it is not improbable that the strain upon his already enfeebled constitution was more than he could fairly bear. Since then, his attendance at the meetings of the Board has necessarily been intermittent.
He was associated also with the scheme for the erection of the public baths and the inauguration of the new gasworks, and was always solicitous for the success of every public undertaking. His demise in middle life will be greatly regretted by his many friends and Cleckheaton loses a public servant who will long be remembered with respect.

BURNUP, Thomas (1804-1888)
Publication: Bradford Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 25 April 1888
Mr Thomas Burnup of Heaton House, Cleckheaton, died at his residence early yesterday morning, in his eighty-fifth year.
About three months ago, while staying at Bournemouth, he caught a cold, which hastened his death.
For over sixty years Mr Burnup had been a well-known figure in Cleckheaton. For many years he was on the directorate of the West Riding Union Banking Company.
In politics he earnestly allied himself with the Liberal party, but in religion he was attached to the Established Church.
The interment will take place at Whitechapel on Friday.
(this is very likely to be who the street Burnup Grove was named after. The location of this street is just above where Heaton House was. He features on a gravestone at Whitechapel church)

CARVER, Harry Lionel (1888-1918)
Publication: unknown
The family of Private Harry Lionel Carver, Victoria Terrace, Cleckheaton, received official intimation last Friday morning from the Lichfield Infantry Record Office to the effect that he had been killed in action.
Private Carver's last letter home was dated 11th April, and the continued absence of field cards since caused considerable anxiety in the family circle. Enquiries regarding him elicited from official quarters the brief and sad intelligence stated above.
Private Carver was well known and greatly esteemed by all who knew him; he was a very successful breeder of poultry and dogs, and these hobbies brought him in touch with people far beyond the confines of Spen Valley. He had been in the army about seventeen months and was drafted to France last July, where he contracted trench fever.
He enlisted in the 21st Northumberland Fusiliers, but on coming out of hospital was transferred to the Notts and Derby Regiment, which unit he had only been with about a fortnight before making the supreme sacrifice.
He was 29 years of age and in civil life was employed at Messrs Alfred Hall's Ltd, ironmongers, Cleckheaton.
The late Private Carver married during the war to Nurse Marie Mordecai, who for some years previously was attached to the nursing staff of the North Bierley Joint Hospital at Oakenshaw, and more recently held a similar position at the Wharfedale Nursing Home at Otley. She had nursed Russian soldiers in Bradford, and whilst nursing a private case at Hemsworth she unfortunately contracted typhoid fever, to which she succumbed last November.

COCKROFT, James (1819-1870)
Publication: Dewsbury Chronicle - Saturday 13 August 1870
It is with feeling of regret that we announce the death of Mr James Cockroft of Providence Mills, Cleckheaton, wire manufacturer, which took place about three o'clock on Thursday afternoon. Mr Cockroft was in the prime of life, and had for several years carried on business very successfully.
In April 1867, he was chosen to fill one of the vacancies caused by the resignation of four members of the Local Board, and in the following March, 1868, he was also elected. On the 1st of May that year, Mr Cockroft and three other newly elected members resigned their offices in consequence of the memorable "Quo Warranto"; and on the 3rd July following, he and the other three gentlemen who had been objected to, were chosen to fill the vacancies caused by their own resignations. By his death, a vacancy is created in the Board.
Mr Cockroft was very attentive to the duties of his office, and throughout the negotiations in connection with the purchase and transfer of the gas works, he took an active part. In the discharge of his duties he was one of the most punctual members of the Board and always kept a jealous watch over its finances.
He was of robust constitution, but latterly he had not enjoyed good health. On Thursday evening week, Mr Cockroft took part in the transfer of the gas works and was more cheerful than usual, retiring to bed in good spirits. During the night he was attacked with paralysis on the right side, and on Wednesday he had another attack which resulted in his death . He leaves a wife and numerous family to mourn their loss.

ELLIS, John (1836-1901)
Publication: Batley Reporter and Guardian - Friday 1 November 1901
The death took place on Tuesday, in his 65th year, of Mr John Ellis, cabinet maker of Cleckheaton. He had been ill for 12 months or more, suffering from anaemia and had been confined to his home for about two months.
He was held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen, both for his private character and personal qualities, and for his public spirit.
He was one of the founders, and for over 30 years the Superintendent of the Cleckheaton Fire Brigade and was also one of the founders and honorary secretary of the West Yorkshire Fire Brigades' Friendly Society. He was also a member of the governing body of the Cleckheaton Technical School (formerly the Mechanics' Institute), which he had been connected with from boyhood.
He never served on the local authority, but he took a deep interest in all the town's affairs. 30 years ago he was associated with the movement for the acquisition of the gasworks by the Local Board, and more recently he took part in the movement for building the Town Hall.
For many years he was actively connected with the Providence Place Independent Chapel and Sunday School. In politics he was a consistent Liberal, and his sympathies were as consistently with the temperance party. He leaves a widow but no family.
(John was a cousin of Tom Ellis, whose obituary also appears on this page. John is remembered on a gravestone at Cleckheaton Old Cemetery).

ELLIS, Tom (1859-1936)
Publication: Yorkshire Post - Thursday 13 August 1936
The death has occurred, at the age of 76, of Mr. Tom Ellis of Westcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, who was for 42 years headmaster of the old Westgate and South Parade Schools, Cleckheaton.
He was a former member of Spenborough District Council and a member of Spenborough Education Committee. For 20 years he was assistant secretary of the Yorkshire Fire Brigade Friendly Society, and from 1901 to 1932 held the position of secretary.
He was closely associated with Spen Valley Liberal Association. For over 25 years Mr Ellis was secretary of Cleckheaton Liberal Club, and for nearly 20 years was secretary of Cleckheaton Liberal Association, and had been president. He was one of the founders of the Seven Days' Rest Society, in connection with the Liberal Club, and had been secretary since its formation.
(Tom was a cousin of John Ellis, who was the Superintendent of the Cleckheaton Local Board Fire Brigade for many years. Tom features on a gravestone at Cleckheaton Old Cemetery)

ELLISON, Henry Swires (1902-1939)
Publication: Yorkshire Evening Post - Thursday 2 November 1939
The death has occurred suddenly of Mr Henry Swires Ellison, of The Manor House, Birkenshaw, son of Mr Henry Ellison, of Brookleigh, Calverley and grandson of the late Mr Henry Ellison, of Cleckheaton, founder of the firm Ellison Limited, with which is now associated the Yorkshire Tar Distillers,
Mr Henry Swires Ellison, who was 37, leaves a widow and three children.
He was a director of several companies. He was president of Cleckheaton Central Conservative Club and treasurer of the Spen Valley Conservative Association and was formerly a member of Spenborough District Council.
(Henry features on a gravestone at Cleckheaton New Cemetery)

FENTON, Charles Miller (1931-2013)
Publication: Spenborough Guardian Online - 10 Sep 2013
The funeral took place this week of the former chairman of BBA, Charles Miller Fenton, who has died at the age of 82.
Mr Fenton was born in Cleckheaton in 1931, the great-grandson of a Scots weaving manager who invented and manufactured a new kind of power transmission belting under the company name, British Belting Company.
It set up its headquarters in Cleckheaton and by 1914 was producing 40,000 feet of transmission linings a week for Henry Ford’s famous car, the Model T. Mr Fenton worked for the BBA group all his life, as managing director between 1970-1985 and chairman from 1985-1989.
With numerous overseas subsidiaries, yet retaining its headquarters at the Royds in Cleckheaton, the group was the largest Yorkshire-based company with around 26,000 employees by the time he retired. After retirement he remained chairman of the BBA Retired Employees’ Association. Mr Fenton was the son of Sir William and Lady Fenton.
He went to Woodhall and Uppingham schools, and he firmly believed that he later became a successful management man because, when he was 13, he suffered from osteomyelitis, a debilitating bone disease. He wanted to be out on the playing fields, but instead had to sit and watch others. It taught him to be a perceptive observer and gave him the determination to fight his battles elsewhere.
He graduated from Leeds University with a diploma in Textile Industries, and was later appointed a Fellow of the Textile Institute, and a Companion of the Institute of Management.
During his business career he was chairman of BBA, chairman of British Mohair Holdings PLC and a director of Barr and Wallace Arnold Trust PLC.
He had been a council member of The City and Guilds of London Institute which conferred an Honorary fellowship on him in 1994 in recognition of his outstanding professional contribution to industry and commerce. He was also a member of the newly-formed Guild of Educators.
An active committee member, chairman or president, Mr Fenton’s sense of humour and quick wit could always smooth ruffled feathers.
He had a knack of encouraging meetings to reach his own preferred conclusion, and could cut through the “waffle” with a humorous but down-to-earth suggestion.
Outside his business interests, he was actively involved in West Riding life. He was a trustee of West Riding Cheshire Homes and the A M Fenton Trust; president of the Dewsbury and District League of Friendship for Disabled people; and chairman of the Whitcliffe Mount Scholarship Trust.
Mr Fenton was a JP on the Dewsbury Bench for 33 years, taking a one year leave in 1981 to fulfill his duties as High Sheriff of West Yorkshire.
He loved to holiday in Tangier and on one occasion while visiting the local Cheshire Home, he found the children there hot and with nowhere to cool off. He returned to the UK and arranged for a swimming pool to be built at the home and he later flew out there to open it.
He was a director of the Yorkshire Fly-fishers for over 50 years, vice-president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a Yorkshire Taverner and a founder member of the Yorkshire CC Charitable Youth Trust.
For more than 30 years he was president of Cleckheaton Sports Club and was particularly proud of its junior sections. He was also president of Spen Valley Billiards Club.
In 1982 he was appointed OBE in the Queen’s Honours List in recognition of his services to the community.
Mr Fenton is survived by his son, Nigel. His wife, Shirley and daughter, Charlotte, both pre-deceased him. The funeral service took place on Tuesday in Mr Fenton’s home town of Halifax.

FIRTH, Fred (1865-1936)
Publication & Date: Unknown
Mr. Fred firth, a former well-known resident of Scholes, passed away at Calne, Wiltshire, on Sunday, at the age of 70. A native of the village, Mr. Firth was for over 50 years associated with the firm of Messrs. Firth, Holdsworth and Co., spinners of Albert Mills, Scholes, where he succeeded his father, the late Mr. John Firth, as manager, many years ago. He was a nephew of one of the founders of the firm and retired in 1930 and about six months ago went to live with his son in Wiltshire.
Mr. Firth took an active part in church affairs at Scholes, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent and member of the choir at St. Philip and St. James Church. Later he became associated with White Chapel. For over 10 years he was secretary of the Scholes Cricket Club, in which he took a keen interest, and was for a period actuary to the Yorkshire Penny Bank at the Scholes branch. Chemistry interested him a great deal and at one time he conducted evening classes in chemistry and biology at Cleckheaton. A keen supporter of the Workers Educational Association, he was a member of the Spenborough branch and was a tutor in the movement for 11 years. Gardening was a hobby of which he was particularly fond. He leaves a widow and one son.
(Fred features on a gravestone at Whitechapel church)

FIRTH, John (1819-1903)
Publication: Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Friday 14 August 1903
Mr. John Firth of Whitcliffe, Cleckheaton, proprietor of the "Cleckheaton Guardian" newspaper, died yesterday in his 84th year. Notwithstanding his advanced age, Mr. Firth retained his capacity for business up to a week ago, and was at his office on several days last week after a short holiday at Harrogate.
He was formerly an auctioneer and estate agent, and built up the "Guardian" newspaper in the midst of his business activities. From his original business he retired about twelve years ago, but he continued to actively interest himself in the management of the paper.
On Sunday afternoon he had an attack of paralysis, and this yesterday proved fatal. He leaves a widow, but no issue. He was a Conservative and a Churchman, and for many years took part in local public life.
(features on a gravestone at Whitechapel church)

GILL, John (1831-1901)
Publication: Brighouse News - Friday 22 February 1901
Mr. John Gill died on Saturday forenoon at his residence, Eldon House, Cleckheaton, in his 71st year. Mr Gill came to reside in Cleckheaton from Birstall upwards of forty years ago, and during this long period took an active part in public affairs - religious, parochial, educational and political; though during his later years he ceased to take the same work as formerly.
His connection with the Sunday school and Chapel of the United Methodist Free Church (Central), as a teacher, trustee and in other official capacities in the denomination, was most highly valued.
For many years he served on the Local Board, being chairman for two years; and for nearly a dozen years he was one of the Overseers of the Poor for the township.
For many years he carried on the business of flannel manufacturer at Water Lane and Waterfield Mills, which was ultimately converted into a limited company and joined by his two sons, Mr Jas. Arthur and Mr Percy Gill. In 1893 the business was relinquished.
After a few years of practical retirement from business life, he took up a responsible position with a private firm in the town, and was in the active discharge of his duties up to ten days ago.
(features on a family gravestone at Cleckheaton Old Cemetery) 

GOLDTHORP, Robert Heward (1828-1871)
Publication: Bradford Observer - Monday 3 April 1871
We regret to announce the death of Major R. H. Goldthorp, of the staff of the 1st Administrative Brigade of W.Y. Artillery Volunteers, which took place on Saturday at his residence, Pyenot Hall, Cleckheaton.
The deceased gentleman, who was about forty-five years of age, was a partner in the firm Messrs. R. & E. Goldthorp, card makers, Cleckheaton. He has been a member of the Artillery Corps for about four years.
For some time past he has been in bad health, and his malady resulted in dropsy, which was the immediate cause of death. He was a member of the Congregational Church at Cleckheaton, and being an excellent and enthusiastic musician, he did much to improve the musical standard of the community amongst which he resided.
The deceased was a warm and generous friend to all classes of persons and he was much respected by his brother officers. Major Goldthorp has left a widow and six children.
(features on a family gravestone at Cleckheaton Old Cemetery) 

GOODALL, Armitage (1860-1944)
Publication: Bradford Observer - Tuesday 18 January 1944
The death has occurred at his home, Oakdene, Grange Road, Cleckheaton, of the Rev. Armitage Goodall. He was 83 and for some ten years was head master of Millbridge National School, later becoming Inspector of Schools for St. Albans Diocese.
On leaving Cambridge University he held several curacies and then accepted the position of School Inspector for the diocese of Wakefield, resigning to become Rector of Grimston, Norfolk.
He had been blind for several years, but retained a keen interest in historical events right up to his death, publishing a book on West Yorkshire place names some years ago. His wife died in 1938.
(Armitage had a further book published after his death called Spenlandia. He was the older brother of Walter & Percy Goodall who owned the Savoy Cinema in Cleckheaton.)