Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion : Foldout

James Booth [1829-1907]

James Booth was born in Shipley [1st October 1829], the son of James Booth, gentleman.

He moved to Halifax in 1861.

Around 1868, he was associated with Saltaire and was responsible for the application of light-running looms to the weaving of worsted coatings in and around Bradford.

He was manager of the Ovenden Worsted Company's Holmfield Mills. He was MD of the Ovenden Worsted Company Limited [1873].

In 1876, he went into business at Ovenden as James Booth & Son.

He was

A worsted spinner / manufacturer employing 39 men, 88 women, 61 girls & 31 boys [1881].
He introduced worsted coatings to the district.
He invented and patented Kyrle cloth which was used for making gloves.
He invented a machine for making stockingette plush which did not fray when cut.
In 1887, he filed a patent for

improvements in machinery for raising cloths or piece goods
Chairman of the High Level Railway Company
Chairman of the Yorkshire Iron & Coal Company
Chairman of the Ovenden Local Board [1873].
In 1873, he was one of those who received anonymous death threats from Jonathan Priestley.
Vice-chairman of the Halifax Commercial Bank
A director of the Calder & Hebble Navigation Company
An Alderman [1881];
A Justice of the Peace for the West Riding [1892]
President of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce [for 3 years]
Mayor of Halifax [1887-1890] and [1893 (August-November)], taking over from James William Davis from August to November 1893;
President of the Halifax Liberal Association;
President of the Elland Liberal Association;
Unsuccessful as Liberal candidate for Halifax [1895]
An Honorary Freeman of the Borough [1907]

He was one of the people to whom J. R. Smith dedicated one of his prints.

On 24th August 1853, he married (1) Susanna Lupton [1832-1855] at St Peter's Church, Leeds.

Susanna was born 21st February 1832, the daughter of John Lupton [1793-18??], cloth manufacturer, of Leeds

Children:

John Lupton [b 1854]

Susannah died in 1855.

On 18th August 1857, he married (2) Hannah Cruse Reynolds [1834-1921] at St Peter's Church, Leeds.

Hannah was born in Womersley, Doncaster, the daughter of Leethem Reynolds, farmer

The family lived at

Spring Field House, Bramley [1861]
The Grange / New House, Ovenden [1881]
Spring Hall, Halifax [1891, 1905, 1907]

In 1888, he bought Birks Hall. Reserving about four acres for the railway, he transferred the other 56 acres to the Corporation for £19,625.

He owned – and lived at – other local properties, including The Grange / New House, Ovenden and Spring Hall.

James died at Spring Hall [5th November 1907].

Probate records show that he left effects valued at £1,500. Probate was granted to his widow.

Hannah died at Eastmoor, Skircoat Green [16th December 1921].

Probate records show that she left effects valued at £728 8/6d. Probate was granted to son John and Julia Frances Woodhouse (spinster)

See Akroyd Branch Library and Birks Hall Tip

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