Biographical Details E to H

BIOGRAPHICAL Details: E to H. SOUTHERN & NORTHERN

 SOLDIERS OF WW1 & 2 PRINTED Italics

Listings

Percy Earl

Yorkshire Evening Post 6th Sept 1916 ANOTHER LEEDS MAN DECORATED. Another Leeds soldier. Sergt. Percy Earl, West Riding Field Ambulance Brigade, has gained distinction in the war. The  brave soldier, who is 23 years of age, was awarded the Military Medal for good work in the field July 6th last. He is a single man. and the -Youngest son of  Mr. John Earl saddler of 1. Earl St..Woodhouse Lane  Leeds. Before the outbreak of the war, Earl held a responsible position with the Public Benefit Boot Company.

Bert East

Former employee of Skegness Branch  Skegness Standard Aug 1942 Some interesting impressions of life out East are embodied in a letter written by Lance-Sergt Bert East, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. B. East, “Glenesk,” Algitha Road, Skegness. Sergt East will be well remembered a former employee for several years of the Public Benefit Boot Company at Skegness, and also an active worker in the Toc H movement locally. Writing to his parents, he says: “It is pouring with rain at the moment and the thunder and lightning are something terrific, but I’m well dug-in and doesn’t bother me much. One good thing about it is that it’s much cooler, but brings the mosquitos and all sorts of other insects and queer things seeking refuge in the dry . . Mail has been pretty good these past few weeks, and I’ve quite a pile to be answered yet. But it’s one of the most pleasant ways of Occupying the evenings, which usually takes some filling. We still play bridge, and there’s usually something to read, or plenty of washing to be done, while at the moment I am studying for a nursing orderly examination. There’s nothing to spend money on in this place, except the usual things, like cigarettes, which are very cheap, and toilet articles. There is a cinema of sorts not far away, but I never seem to muster enough energy or enthusiasm to get there. The food Is quite good, and we pay extra messing for odds and ends not in the ration, like sauces and eggs, but there is not a lot to buy. Eggs are nine pence a dozen but look like pigeons’ eggs against those we used to have at home. There is quite a good fresh fruit issue, too, which includes bananas, tangerines, limes, and sorts of  sugar melons. It is still raining, and I must have a scout round in case any snakes  have decided to come and lodge here for the night. The rain washes them out of their holes, and I’ve noticed one or two suspicious holes close by .. P.S.— SIGNALLER Barrie Hind, son of Special Constable Douglas Hind, of Skegness, writes to say that be has arrived at Durban, and is quite fit and well

John Henry Semmens Eddy

Salisbury Times Dec 1905 Boots Outside Shops. Herbert Gibson was charged on remand with stealing a pair of boots. George Eddy, salesman employed by the Public Benefit Boot Company, of 16, Catherine Street, said on Saturday evening, shortly after eight o’clock, he missed a pair of boots from the front of the shop…excerpt from the court case for full story consult Salisbury Southern branches P-Z

Salisbury & Winchester journal 1906 DISTRESSING SUICIDE AT SALISBURY.  A distressing tragedy occurred at Sunday evening. About five o’clock, Mr. G. Eddy, manager of the Public Benefit Boot Company’s premises in Catherine Street, was summoned by the servant at No. 18, Catherine.Street to Mr. Walter Clarke, who in March last opened a milliner’s and drapery business under the name of Mrs Marguerite….for full story consult Salisbury Southern branches P-Z

Hampshire Chronicle Sept 1907 Salisbury Shop Manager Ruined by Betting. —At the Salisbury City Petty Sessions on Monday George Henry Semmens’ Eddy, manager the Public Benefit Boot Company, 16, Catherine Street Salisbury, was brought up on remand charged with stealing £128 4s. 6d., the moneys of the Company, between April and September of this year. Mr. Brown, one the inspectors for the Public Benefit Boot Company…For the full story consult Salisbury Southern Branches P-Z

Nigel Eggleton worker at Benefit Central Repairs Factory Templar St. Leeds

Reuben Thomas Eggleton

Born 1902 at Leicester, son of Thomas Henry EGGLETON, clerk and commercial traveller, and his wife, Elizabeth SAW. He worked all his business life in the shoe trade, initially with Norvic Shoe Co. He then spent three years in the USA gaining further experience in shoe manufacturing and retailing. He was appointed director and general manager of Benefit Footwear in 1929 and managing director in 1937, a post he held for at least a decade. In 1966 he retired from the boards of British Shoe Corporation and its subsidiary, Benefit Footwear, after 37 years’ service with companies in the group. His first marriage to Kathleen BUCKLEY ended with a divorce in 1934 and several years later he married Dorothy Banham GALE. They had children Dorothy J EGGLETON 1937, Nigel T Gale EGGLETON 1939 and Judith E EGGLETON 1946. His son Nigel EGGLETON may have worked at the Benefit Footwear repair facility at Templar Street, Leeds. He died at Northampton in 1977 aged 74 and his wife Dorothy died at Leeds in 1989 aged 78.

Photo Miss L Eldred 

With Miss Bridie Promoting Cardboard Joe at Skegness 1926

Joan Eley 

Assistant Babbington Buildings Derby 1950’s/60’

Kate Ellis

Born abt 1871 at Hull, Yorkshire, daughter of Johnson Ellis, boot maker, and his wife Emma DEAN. In 1891 she worked as a boot dealer’s assistant at the Gainsborough branch of the Public Benefit Boot Co managed by her brother-in-law Tom Coulson.

Nelson Ellis

Born 1862 at Bramley, Yorkshire, son of Joseph Ellis manager of a shoe factory, and his wife Harriet STEAD. In 1885 at Bramley he married Sarah Ann Ashworth, daughter of Baptist minister Abraham Ashworth. Their children born at Bramley included Joseph Arthur A ELLIS 1886, Anne 1889 and Harriet Isabel  1889. He worked in the shoe trade firstly as a clicker then as a commercial traveller. In 1897 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 144 High Street, Stockton and died the following year aged 36 years.

Photo: William Ellis

Born circa 1870 he died in 1927-  last job was working in the receiving and passing room at St. Pauls’ Street and began working at the Bramley factory in 1897, one of Dickinsons’ stalwarts. His image is to be found on the front row left of the group of warehouse managers at ST. Pauls Street Leeds in the receiving department checking stock.

Mr Ellis 

New manager late assistant at Moorhead Branch sent to Ferryhill Branch 1^st QTR 1927. Sent to Heeley Branch 3^rd QTR 1928

Percy Alfred Elton

Born 1884 at Kings Heath, Worcestershire, son of Charles Elton, licensed victualler, and his wife Eliza PALMER. He married Beatrice Helena DAFT in 1910 and their children included Muriel B. 1912, Stanley  1915, Margaret H. 1923 and Dorothy J. 1924. In 1911 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 46-48 Pelham Street, Nottingham in 1911 and possibly beyond. He died at Birkenhead in 1948

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

Manager W B Emslie Prospect Street Hull 2^nd Row 2^nd from the right

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

W B Emslie Hull Branch Back Row 2^nd to last on the right

 Photo W. B. Emslie 

Manager of Prospect Street Hull 1912 -1925

Nancy English 

Mrs  worked as a shop assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at Regent Street, Blyth, Northumberland 1938-1941.

George Edward Evans…….Consult Northern Branches A-G for full details

Born 1874 at Brimington, Derbyshire, son of Matthew EVANS, blacksmith, and his wife Hannah. From 1891 until 1892 he worked as a shop assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co store at Chesterfield, Derbyshire. He assisted the owner & director John Kirby. George was caught embezzling the company and was prosecuted in 1892. In 1894 he married Louise Frances BALL and they had six surviving children including Harold  1895, Reginald 1896, George Matthew 1900, Maud Frances  1901, Zoe  1904 and Patty 1906. He later worked as a bricklayer’s labourer and a blacksmith’s striker and died in 1949 aged 74.

R. S. Evans 

Manager of Keighley Branch found in 1st Qtr 1925 at Rhyl found in 4^th Qtr 1927

 Photo: R. Falcon

Manager of the Gents Floor his photo is to be found on the front row middle of the group of warehouse managers at ST. Pauls Street Leeds.

Mr Falkingham 

Manager of Westgate Branch Bradford 1882 as a Franchise. Consult Northern Branches A-G for details.

Mr Falkingham

Manager sent From ‘Lion House’ Kirkgate to the Hunslet Branch      1^st QTR 1927.

John Thomas Farrington 

Born 1862 at Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, the son of Thomas FARRINGTON, a boot manufacturer, and his wife Elizabeth TAYLOR. In 1885 he married Laura Clara HARRIS and they had one surviving son John Harold  1886. In 1881 he was in the boot manufacturing business with his father but from at least 1898 to 1901 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co branch at 52 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man. By 1911 he was managing premises in Sheffield.consult Isle of Man Southern Branches H-O for a long letter by Mr Farrington 

Photo found on The North Party at Middleton One Row July 22^nd 1925

H J Farley South Shields Branch Middle Row last on the right crouching

Photo: From North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

H J Farley South Shields Branch 2^nd Row 5^th from the right

Photo   H J Farley 

Manager South Shields to1924- 1927 then 2^nd Qtr 1927 & 1928 Leamington Spa.

Photo: From North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

E Farmery

Pickering Branch Third Row 8^th from the left

William Ernest Fear


Born 27 November 1895 at Weston Super Mare, Somerset, son of Charles Fear, County Court Bailiff, and his wife Frances (Fanny) Mary House. He worked in the company’s Weston Super Mare premises as a shop assistant and served in WWI. In 1922 at Newport, Monmouthshire, he married Edith M Thomas and they had a daughter Frances L Fear 1923. 

Cornelius John Fenton

Born 1862 at Deptford, Kent, son of Richard FENTON, coach maker, and his wife Lucy Stilliard. In 1888 at Wem, Shropshire, he married Hannah CARR and their children included Dorothy Ann  1890, Norah Lucy 1891, Hilda Mary  1893 and Leslie Carr  1895. He worked at various Public Benefit Boot Co branches when he was based at Stroud, Pendleton and (Pride Hill, manager in 1891) Shrewsbury. He died in 1938

George Fenton 

Manager of the Chester shop in 1946 consult Northern Branches A-G for details

Clara Ellen Finch

Born 1887 at Worcester, daughter of James FINCH, button manufacturer, and his wife Mary Lucy MOGFORD. In 1911 she worked as a boot shop assistant in the company’s premises managed by her brother-in-law, Herbert James BOOL at 1 King Street, Swansea.

 Clarence Burgoyne Finch

Born 1893 at Worcester, son of James FINCH, button manufacturer, and his wife Mary Lucy Mogford. In 1911 he worked as a boot shop assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Worcester. In WWI, he served as a Lance Corporal with the 14^th Battalion Welsh Regiment and was killed in action in France on 10 July 1916 aged 22

Ethel May Finch

Born 1882 at Worcester, daughter of James FINCH, button manufacturer, and his wife Mary Lucy MOGFORD. In 1901 she worked as a boot shop assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Worcester before marrying Herbert James BOOL who at the time managed the company’s branch at Swansea. She died in Hampshire in 1946 aged 63 and he died at Bristol in 1951 aged 73.

Herbert Firth

Born c1870 at Halifax, Yorkshire, son of William FIRTH, cotton warper, and his wife Elizabeth Ann NICHOL. On 26 June 1894 at Huddersfield he married Amelia GRAYSON. In 1911 he managed the company’s boot and shoe dealership at 15 Saville Street, Malton, Yorkshire.

Henry George William Fisher

Born 1879 at Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire, son of Henry George FISHER, peddler of iron merchandise, and his wife Elizabeth. In 1903 at Christchurch, Hampshire, he married Edith Maud Nicklen. They had a daughter Lilian Maud FISHER 1908. In 1911 he was managing the boot dealership at 88 Wimborne Road, Winton, Bournemouth. He died at Bournemouth 14 December 1930 aged 51 and his widow Edith died there 15 August 1932  

Mr Fisher

Manager of Dudley Branch in 1924 

Edward Alfred Fleet 

Born 1870 at Bristol, Gloucestershire, the son of Richard Palmer FLEET, printer’s compositor, and his wife Elizabeth Ann SLADE. He and his American-born wife Edith Ann COLES had the following children in Sutton, Surrey: Albert Edward R FLEET 1902, Esme Madeline E FLEET 1904, John Alexander FLEET 1906 and Harold Newberry FLEET 1908. He managed the company’s premises at 101 High Street, Sutton 1902-1911 and later the premises at 407 Harrow Road, Paddington, London West circa 1911. His wife Edith died in 1941 aged 66 – at the time he was listed as a retired boot salesman.

Frank Ford

Born 7 April 1875 at 14 Lovell Street, Bristol, Gloucestershire, son of Henry FORD, a cooper originally from Witheridge, Devon, and his wife Mary Jane MAGGS, from Bristol. He married Florence Bendall c1897 at Cardiff and their children included Elsie Gladys 1899, Dorothy Phyllis 1901, Leslie Cecil 1904, Gilbert Bernard 1907, Cyril Frank 1912 and Irene Florence 1914. Circa 1899-1903 manager of 7, Commercial Street Aberdare. In 1911 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 176 City Road, Roath, Cardiff and 58 High Street Hornsey by 1914 he was managing the company’s branch at 21 Bridge Street, Spalding, Lincolnshire. His wife Florence died at Spalding in 1940 he died there in 1964

Sir Walter Forrest

Born 28 July 1870 at Yeadon, Yorkshire, the son of William Croft FORREST (later Sir William and seven times Mayor of Pudsey, Yorkshire), and his wife Ellen SMITH. Walter became a partner in his father’s textile manufacturing business and in 1890 at Bradford he married Kate Stillings. They had one son, Harold Stillings FORREST born in 1893. His first wife died in 1913 aged 47 and he married secondly in 1915 at Sheffield to Mary MacDuff. He served on Pudsey Town Council 1900-1919 and was mayor 1909-1912. He was a British Liberal, later Liberal National politician. He developed business interests in a number of companies, including investment trusts and insurance as well as heavy industry. He was chairman of Lennards Limited and was knighted for political and public service in 1935. He died 18 July 1939 aged 68 and is buried in Pudsey with his father and second wife.

Ernest Victor Forse

Born 1870 at Marylebone, London, son of Frank John FORSE, seal engraver, and his wife Sarah Matilda GOLDFINCH. He married Australian-born Catherine RYAN in 1901 and their children born at Hornsey, Middlesex, included Victor Francis FORSE 1902 and Hilda FORSE 1907. He initially worked as a boot salesman in Battersea in the 1890’s and in 1911 managed the company’s premises at 58 High Street, Hornsey. He died in 1939 aged 69.

Thomas Foster

Manager:  Norwich Mercury 4th July 1885 disturbance in High Street Thomas Foster of Pub Benefit Shop in the High Street Kings Lynn assisted a policeman by blowing his whistle robustly summoning lots of help. The assailant was handcuffed and transported to the Police station in a wheel barrow

Mr W H Foster

Manager of the new Leamington Spa branch found 4^th Qtr 1924 Sent to manage the Skegness Branch in 1926

Miss Foster 

Assistant at 11 & 40 Northumberland Street, 1950’s

Photo: T. Fradgley 

1926 Manager of 59 Coleshill Street repair facility since 1901

Clifford Franklin

Born  at Hoby in Leicestershire, to parents Horace Franklin Born 1879 in Hull and Rosetta Burdett Turner born Newark 26th October 1878. They married  7th June 1904 somewhere in Newark.  The family emigrated to Canada( Horace had made the journey earlier in 1911)Montreal landing at Quebec on the White star liner Teutonic from Liverpool sailing on 31st may 1912. Clifford sailed with some of his siblings Vera J. aged 6,   Francis J. aged 4  Robert aged 2 and Horace G.E. described as an infant. A domestic servant accompanied them Miss E.Williamson aged 23. Clifford married Marjorie a schoolteacher and he was an engineer. They had one child Lloyd he was cared for in a care home. Clifford and Marjorie came to England around 1960 where Dave Bean met them at Bridlington at the age of eight. Clifford was trying to find information on his Grandfather  George Edward Franklin and the  Public Benefit Boot company but met with little success. When Dave became a young man in 1986 he became involved in helping his mother who had failing eyesight conduct letters to their pen friends in America ( Cliff and Marjorie). Upon discovering his reasons for coming to England Dave began researching the Public Benefit Boot company and sending his results to America. As a result of this Clifford’s Niece Anne Seddon nee Franklin learned of the research and her husband Brian a professor of Art and design in Melbourne Monash university made contact with Dave and they met in Hull Xmas 1988.They decided to collude their efforts and thus in 2004 they produced ‘Well Heeled’ the book on Public Benefit Boot Company. Too late for Clifford he had died earlier but Marjorie was able to read it and pass it on to her only son Lloyd who was still  being tended in a care home.

Frederick Franklin

Born 1866 at Elton, Huntingdonshire, son of Richard Franklin, baker and grocer, and his wife Eunice Harker. At the age of 15 Frederick was an assistant in one of the Public Benefit Boot Co shops in Hull and he went on to manage company premises in Hull and Grimsby, Cleethorpes Road 1899-1913. In 1888 he married Alice Drinkall and they had three daughters. Frederick died in 1938 aged 72.For details of siblings consult Richard & Eunice

Photo: George Edward Franklin

Born 1849 at Elton, Huntingdonshire, son of Richard Franklin baker and grocer, and his wife Eunice Harker. In 1872 at Grimsby he married Elizabeth Hunn. George and Elizabeth came to Hull in 1873 opening a grocery store with a beer license at 91 Trinity Street close to where his parents were living in Stanley street. Three of their children were born in Hull: Gertrude Elizabeth 1873, George Harold 1876, & Horace 1879. Five born Derby:William Herbert 1882. Eunice 1883, Richard Bernard 1885 (died 4 months old oct 31st 1885) Mabel 1888 and Claude Edward 1893. Later he joined his brother William Henry Franklin in the very early days of the Public Benefit Boot Co. Subsequently based at Derby from where he managed the company’s branches in the region, he and his wife resided at a large mansion ‘The Field’ on Osmaston Road, Derby.  A talented organist, antique collector and horse breeder, he entered Derby Town Council in 1898 to 1900. He was a major shareholder and served on the board of the Public Benefit Boot Co. He also had a relationship with a woman said to be a former Housekeeper Gertrude Brown to whom he sired three children. Gertrude was 26 years younger than George their children included: Gertrude (Gertie) Brown born Coventry 1903, George Edward Brown born 1902 Coventry & Bernard Eric Brown bornTendring,  Clacton in 1911. Bernard who preferred to be called Eric was a double of George Edward Franklin, Eric lived in Duffield, a kindly gentleman. George Edward  died in Hadleigh Suffolk on 7th June 1913 aged 64.For details of siblings consult Richard & Eunice

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

H.Franklin Gainsbrough Branch Back Row 1^st on the left

Photo:  Henry (Harry) Franklin

Born 1877 at Elton, Huntingdonshire, son of William Franklin, shopkeeper and baker, and his wife Ellen Brown. He was a nephew of Richard Franklin and in 1900 at Peterborough he married Louisa Alice Done. Harry worked initially at Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 147 Cleethorpes Road in 1882; 148 Porter Street Hull in 1904-5 and he later managed the company’s branch at 38 Market Place, Gainsborough for almost 40 years. His wife Louisa died in Gainsborough in 1918 aged 41 and he married secondly to Betsy Elizabeth Benson. He died at Gainsborough in 1943 aged 66 and his widow Betsy died there in 1968 aged 83.

Louisa Franklin

Born 1862 at Elton, Huntingdonshire, daughter of Richard Franklin, baker and grocer, and his wife Eunice Harker In the early 1880s she assisted her brothers and father at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Hull. In 1891 she married Edward Dolan. For details of siblings consult Richard & Eunice

Sketch: Nellie Franklin

Wife of William Henry Franklin seen laying a stone on 27^th September 1901^St Augustine’s church Cottingham. Sketched by a roving artist from the Hull daily Mail

Richard Franklin

Born 1823 at Elton, Huntingdonshire, son of John Franklin, baker, and his wife Elizabeth Rudkin. He married Eunice Harker in 1846 at Crowland and they had 15 children of whom 10 survived to adulthood. Using the 1861 Census reveals their Elton home has the following siblings: William Henry, born 1848,  George Edward born 1849  Richard born 1850, Elizabeth born 1854, Mary S. born 1855, Emily born 1858 and Samuel born 1860. Jane?, Louisa born 1862  & Frederick born 1866 all born in Elton.Richard after the death of his father (1865) moved to Grimsby Lincolnshire. He worked most of his life as a grocer and baker and managed the early branches in Hull from 1876 until he went to manage the Grantham premises. Richard died in 1889. There are several felony cases in Hull Prospect Street where he was a witness from 1876 to 1878 and some in Grantham at 7 London Road in the 1880’s. 

 Photo: William Henry Franklin

Born 1848 at Elton, Huntingdonshire, son of Richard Franklin, baker and grocer, and his wife Eunice Harker. He married Ellen Sarbutt in 1883 at London, and they had three children:  Ethel May 1884, William Henry 1886 and Hilda Constance 1890. In 1875 William opened the first Public Benefit Boot Shop in Hull and a driving force behind the growth of the business into a nationwide network of stores, repair shops and factories. He was a major shareholder, served on the board of the Public Benefit Boot Co and died in 1907.  He often managed various branches within the network, the Hull branches in the early days, plus he has been found at 175 South Street West Sheffield branch, 1882, 14 Call Lane Leeds between 1894-95, Sunbridge Road Bradford 1887 & 1894. For details of siblings consult Richard & Eunice

Photo  The North Party at Middleton One Row July 22^nd 1925

G M Frear Blyth Branch Middle Row 4^th from the right

Photo: From North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

G M Frear Third Row 4^th from the right

Photo: George Marmaduke Frear 


Born 1895 at Hartlepool, Co Durham, son of Marmaduke FREAR, a railway porter, and his wife Mary Jane SIMPSON. At the age of 19 he enlisted and served in France with the 10th Battalion Liverpool Scottish Regiment. He was wounded in action in August 1916 and returned to duty some months later. He married Rebecca Arbuckle in 1922 at Hartlepool and their children included Arnold M FREAR 1924, Joan FREAR 1926 and Beryl FREAR 1933. During the 1930’s and 1940’s he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co branch at Regent Street, Blyth, Northumberland. He rode a bicycle to work and half a century later his former employees still fondly remembered him. His wife Rebecca died in 1976 aged 78 and he died in 1981 aged 85. 

 William Frisby

Born c1850 at Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire, son of Joseph FRISBY, farm servant, and his wife Lucy DUFFIN. He married Sophia Poulter in 1878 and their children included John Arthur FRISBY 1879, Lilly Agnes FRISBY 1880, William Joseph FRISBY 1882 and Frederick George FRISBY 1889. His wife Sophia died in 1899 and he secondly married Alice Sarah WILSON in 1900 and their children included Horace FRISBY 1902 and Muriel Florence FRISBY 1905. William worked initially as a domestic butler and then as a boot salesman. From at least 1891 until 1911 he managed a boot dealership on South Street, Dorchester, thought to be part of the Public Benefit Boot Co group. He died at Dorchester 13 December 1924 aged 74. His son Joseph founded the firm Joseph Frisby Ltd that operated a chain of footwear stores.

 Mr Frost

A new manager sent to new Branch Hillsboro 1^st QTR 1926. Sent to Wrexham Branch 3^rd QTR 1928

Alfred Fry

Born 1844 at Butleigh, Somerset, son of Charles FRY, saddler and harness maker, and his wife Charlotte KNIGHT. In 1871 he married Elizabeth CHARD and their children included Anne May FRY 1872, Charles Norman FRY 1874, Amy Helena FRY 1876, Constance Kate FRY 1879, Ernest Alfred FRY 1880, Edith Mary FRY 1881 and Gertrude Maud FRY 1883. He trained as a boot maker and in 1891 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at Fore Street, Chard, Somerset. He died at Bath in 1924 aged 79.

George Percy Fry

Born 1882 at Southampton, Hampshire, son of George James FRY, outfitter’s porter, and his wife Louisa DREW. He married Florence Maud GROVEN in 1907 their children included Leonard George FRY 1909 and Edith Florence FRY 1911. He managed the company’s premises at 4-5 Bridge Street, Southampton 1911. He married secondly in 1923 to Winifred Ivy THOMPSON and he died 12 February 1934

Mrs Furse

Royal Cornwall Gazette April 1908 Miss Warwick, of Bosvigo, was driving through Nicholas street Truro a pony & trap on Saturday afternoon, when the pony became restive. Mrs. Furse. of the Public Benefit Boot Company, was struck by the vehicle, and knocked through Mr. lake’s shop window, and was conveyed to the Royal Cornwall Infirmary

Ronald Gahan 

listed as the manager of Hessle Road Branch 1938

Ernest Galsworthy 

Born 1893 at Bideford, Devon, son of Alfred GALSWORTHY, house painter, and his wife Elizabeth Ann ROOKE. In 1911 he worked as a boot shop assistant in Bideford.  With his wife as assistant they managed Chapel Street Exmouth from 1931-1950 followed by a removal into new premises 36 The Parade up to 1957 He died in 1975.

Elizabeth Ann Galsworthy nee Rooke assisting her husband Ernest they managed Chapel Street Exmouth from 1931-1950 followed by a removal into new premises 36 The Parade up to 1957

Edwin Stanley Gange

Born 1871 at Bristol, son of Rev Edwin Gorsuch GANGE, Baptist Minister and Pastor of the Broadmead Chapel, Bristol, for 24 years, and his first wife Ann Hackett. He married Alice Maud Denning in 1895 at Bristol and they had two sons, William Stanley  1896 and Gerald Henry 1900. He was a merchant, JP, Member of Parliament for Bristol North 1922–1923. He was a director of Lennards Real Property Co Ltd, Bristol and died 29 February 1944

 H. Gardner 

Found 3^rd QTR 1925

 Henry Gardiner 

Manager aged 40 at 21 Witham Bank Branch Reported that 75% of their eligible men were in the army and requested they be allowed to retain a few of the older men to keep the business going. 142 Women had been engaged and the appeal was allowed up to April. He again applied on 14^th July 1917 and was granted until October 11^th. Boston Guardian 3^rd Feb 1917

Corporal Thomas William Garner

Shields Daily News  March 1942 Official notification has been received Mr and Mrs Harry Garner, of the City of Newcastle Golf Club. Gosforth. and formerly of the United Services Club, North Shields, that their son Corporal Thomas William Garner, of the Royal Corps of Signals, has been posted as missing while serving in Malaya. Born in Tynemouth. Corporal Garner was educated at the Priory and Queen Victoria Schools and was employed by the Public Benefit Boot Company at North Shields to the time he joined the army in 1936. He served for three years in Singapore and was then posted to Malaya. He is the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Garner and his brother is a Quartermaster Sergeant in the Royal Army Medical Corps

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

Miss A Garnett Hucknall Branch 2^nd Row 4^th on the left

Photo: Found on Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

Manager Miss Garnet of Hucknall branch 3^rd Row 7^th from the left

Photo: F. W. Gaunt 

Upon the death of Wallis Goddard Gaunt the son in law of Brow Dickinson was invited to join the board 1927

Mr Gaynor 

New manager sent to St Anne’s’ Morecambe 4^th QTR 1926

Photo:   Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

Miss Gee In the charabanc seated 4^th from left she is from the Worksop Branch

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

Miss F E Gee Worksop Branch 2^nd Row 3^rd on the left

Mr H. Gee 

Manager found 2^nd Qtr 1925 suffers ‘break in’ at the Wicker Branch. Given management of the new London Road premises Sheffield 3^rd QTR 1925. In 1927 still at London Road Sheffield he entered a window dressing competition at Manchester winning a silver medal 2^nd Prize shown in 1^st QTR 1927

Albert Lewis Gibbs

Born 1869 at Cardiff, Glamorganshire, son of Thomas GIBB, a stoker originally from Berrynarbour, Devon, and his wife Sarah Ann FOLLAND. He married Maude Annie WILLIAMS in 1895 and their children included Trevor Mortimer GIBBS 1896, Ena Constance GIBBS 1898, Ada Folland GIBBS 1899, Clifford James GIBBS 1900, Frank GIBBS 1901, Albert Percy GIBBS 1904 and Elsie Maud GIBBS 1907. His wife Maude died in 1908 and he married secondly the following year to Rosalie ELLISON. He was initially a boot and shoe shopkeeper in Aberavon, Glamorganshire and from 1901 until at least 1911 managed the company’s premises at Market Street, Ebbw Vale, Monmouthshire. He died in 1923 aged 53.

Frank Gigeon 

Sunderland Daily Echo & Gazette Gunner Frank Gigeon Royal Flying Association Killed in action 19^th October 1918 he was from Hull and a manager of the Houghton Le Spring branch

Harry Gill

Born 1872 at Derby, son of Peter GILL, labourer, and his wife Selina HOLMES. In 1901 he managed the company’s boot shop at 48 Stapleton Road, Bristol, and in 1911 he managed the premises at 102 High Road, Chiswick, Middlesex. In 1914 he was a Lennards Ltd shareholder. He died in 1932 aged 60 and his widow Amy died in 1952 aged 77.

J.Gill

(driver) son of Mrs J.Gill Upper Denmark Street Harrogate, worked at the Public Benefit boot shop in Harrogate prior to enlisting. Harrogate Herald 13th October 1915

John Ferguson Gillison 

Born 1855 at Birmingham, he married Sarah Jane WALKER in 1879 and their children included John Ferguson GILLISON 1880, Norman Weir GILLISON 1882 and Elizabeth Jane GILLISON 1886. John was a salesman and the family lived variously in Lancashire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire. He was a shareholder in the Public Benefit Boot Co

Mr Gleeson 

Previously from Oldbury Branch replaces previous manager who left the company at Wolverhampton Branch 4^th QTR 1928

Photo: Joseph Wallis Goddard

Born 16 February 1852 at Leicester, son of Joseph GODDARD, pharmaceutical chemist, and his wife Eliza. As a chemist and county analyst in the 1830’s, Joseph Goddard senior was often called upon to assay fine silver owned by England’s wealthy families. Following the discovery of electroplating, silver-plated serving-ware became affordable to the average English home. The initial exuberance of those who bought new silverware, however, quickly turned to disappointment. The commonly used mercurial silver polish ate away the thin-layered silver-plate. In 1839 Goddard perfected a polish that would safely remove tarnish from even the thinnest plated silver and the fame of Goddard’s non-mercurial plate powder quickly spread. In 1885 his products won six gold medals for excellence at the American Exposition. For decades Goddard’s products, have been used to maintain priceless treasures and antiques in renowned museums, state houses, hotels and private estates throughout the world. Joseph Wallis GODDARD, who trained initially as an architect, designed a new factory to produce his father’s non-mercurial plate powder. He subsequently joined his father in the business, working as a manufacturing chemist. In 1878 at Leicester Joseph Wallis GODDARD married Ellen Jane VICCARS and their children included Dorothy GODDARD 1879, Margaret GODDARD 1880, Annie GODDARD 1882, Joseph Holland GODDARD 1883, Janet Mary GODDARD 1884, Eric Edwin GODDARD 1885, Charles Vicars GODDARD 1888, Harold Warner GODDARD 1890, Jane B GODDARD 1896 and Emily Rosamond GODDARD 1896. He was a shareholder in Lennards Brothers of Leicester, and served on the boards of the Public Benefit Boot Co of Leeds and Lennards Ltd of Bristol. He died 9 April 1927 aged 75.

Mr Godden 

Manager of 4 Gaolgate Street Stafford in February 1917

Elkan Goldman

Born 1855 in Russia, he and his wife Zara joined other Jewish immigrants in Leeds in the 1870s. A Public Benefit Boot Co shareholder, initially a slipper manufacturer and with other family members moved into shoe and boot making. 1927 operating from 22-24 lady Lane, Leeds. He died at Leeds on 23 October 1935 aged 80. Children included Jacob (Jack) GOLDMAN 1877, Leah (Cissy) GOLDMAN 1882, Israel (Manning) GOLDMAN 1883, Maurice GOLDMAN 1886, Abraham GOLDMAN 1888 and Alexander GOLDMAN 1889. His only son-in-law Herbert KLEIN drowned when the Titanic sank in 1912.

John William Goldsack

Born 1881 at Dover, Kent, son of John Goldsack, gardener, and his wife Susan Mary Ann GREEN. He married Eva Janet Elphick in 1904 and they had a daughter Eva Daisy Goldsack 1907. In 1901 he worked as a boot shop assistant in Willesden and by 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 331 Old Kent Road, London. His wife Eva died in 1963 aged 80 and he died in 1965 aged 83.

John Goodchild

Born 1875 at Burnley, Lancashire, the son of William Goodchild and his wife Mary Durden, both confectioners. In 1897 at Hull, East Yorkshire, he married Susannah Townsend and they had a daughter Mary TOWNSEND 1908. In 1891 he worked as an assistant in the Public Benefit Boot Co premises on St James Street, Burnley and he managed that branch from at least 1901 to 1911. His cousin Florence WILKINSON also worked as a shop assistant at the Burnley branch around the turn of the century. He died at St Anne’s-on-Sea, Lancashire on 11 Nov 1932 aged 57 and his widow Susannah died there in 1959 aged 83.

 George Goodhand

Born 1845 at Bonby, Lincolnshire, son of Elijah GOODHAND, shepherd, and his wife Mary. George worked variously as a carter on a farm, a preacher and a stone quarryman before getting involved with the boot trade. He married Eliza Beacock of Bonby in 1870 and they had a son Charles Henry  in 1879. Following the death of Eliza at the age of 41, George married secondly to Mary Jane DRINKALL in 1892 and their children included Harold  1894, Ernest  1897, Elsie  1900 and Fred  1903. George managed the boot and shoe shop situated on High Street, Barton on Humber from 1891 to 1913.

William H Goodland

Born 1911 at Bristol, Gloucestershire, son of Charles John Goodland, commission agent, and his wife Adelaide Hamblett Underwood. He was appointed a director of Lennards Limited in 1969.

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

Manager W J Goodman Grantham Charabanc seated 2^nd left 

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

W J. Goodman Grantham Branch Third Row 7^th on the left

Photo:  William John Goodman 

Son of entry below began at Grantham 1924

William John Goodman 

Born 1872 at Great Bridge, Staffordshire, son of Bartholomew Henry Goodman, railway fireman, and his wife Mary Ann CUND. He married Kate TILLEY in 1899 and their children included William John  1903 and George Henry  1904. From 1898-99 at 2, Newark Lane Nottingham branch as a shopman and boot trade manager.                                      Nottingham Evening Post Nov 1899 RUNAWAY HORSE IN NOTTINGHAM.  breaking of a shaft frightened the horse attached to a Corporation dray in John-street soon after nine o’clock this morning, and the animal bolted away at a gallop through Coal-pit Lane and down the crowded thoroughfare of Hockley . A drayman named William Bowman made a futile attempt to stop the runaway. which causing no little commotion. and ultimately William Goodman manager of the Public Benefit Boot Company, succeeded, with the assistance of P.c, Dunsmore in checking its wild career in Sneinton-Strect. Fortunately no damage was done. From 1903 he managed the company’s premises in Grantham, until retirement in 1935 he established the branch He died at Grantham 6 August 1935 aged 62 at which time his son William was a boot shop manager. 

John Goodwin

Employed in 1882 by Peoples Benefit Boot company a Freeman & Hardy Willis Branch  Chesterfield  designed purely to offer stiff resistance to Public Benefit Boot company trading in chesterfield by John Kirby

  consult Northern Branches A-G for full details of the case

Peggy Goodwin 

Assistant Babbington Buildings Derby 1950’s/60’s

Lucy Goodwin

Born abt 1839 at Datchet, Buckinghamshire, daughter of Thomas GOODWIN, manager of a gas manufactory, and his wife Elizabeth. In 1859 she married Francis Bloye RICHES, a medical assistant, and in 1961 they had twins Francis Goodwin Bloye RICHES and Emily Ada Lucy RICHES, followed by Leonard Thomas RICHES 1862, Cyril RICHES 1869 and Francis Goodwin RICHES 1873. Her husband Francis died in 1874 aged 38 and in 1876 Lucy married Robert Peter TOW, a bootmaker. They had two children Bernard Christopher TOW 1877 and Helena Maud TOW 1878. Her second husband Robert died at Windsor, Berkshire, in 1882 aged 47. From at least 1891 until 1901 she was the proprietor of the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 142-143 Peasecod Street, Windsor. In 1901 her son Leonard Thomas RICHES was manager of the business She died in 1915 aged 76.

Olive Gospell

Born 1917 in Northumberland, daughter of Thomas Henry GOSPELL, boot maker, and his wife Isabella Agnes JACKSON. She commenced work in 1934 aged 17 at the Public Benefit Boot Co branch at the seaside town of Whitley Bay where the staff consisted of two female sales assistants, a manager and an errand boy. During the difficult war years Olive took over management of the branch. After the war her future husband James SMEATHAM took over management of the Whitley Bay branch and they married in 1952. Olive continued to manage or work in various branches including Newcastle, Gosforth (1960’s), North Shields, Bedlington, Redcar and Carlisle. James died at Carlisle in 1973 aged 58. Olive retired from Benefit Footwear in Carlisle the following year and in 1974 married her brother-in-law John S SMEATHAM.

Photo:  Charles Edward Gower 

Managing the Kirton Lindsey Branch Y.P. 3 October 1930 theft with evidence required from P.B. staff. Boot inspector disallows the action saying he will deduct money from their wages if they attend court 

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

In the charabanc standing first on the left Mr Charles Edward Gower Kirton Lindsey branch 

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

C E. Gower Kirton Lindsey Branch Front Row last on the right

Photo:  North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

W Grainger Houghton Le Spring Second Row 7^th from the left

Photo: Christopher Colbourne Graham

Born 1857 at Lambeth, Surrey, son of Christopher North GRAHAM, wholesale grocer, and his wife Isabella McAndrew. In 1883 at Hull he married Mary Johnstone Bremmer of Glasgow and their children born in Hull included Christopher Norman Graham 1884, Hugh Colbourne GRAHAM 1888 and Mary Bremmer Graham 1890. He worked as an analytical chemist and in 1891 was secretary to a paint company. In 1897 he was appointed a director on the first board of the Public Benefit Boot Co and he was a director of the Scarborough Hospital. His brother Norman Child Graham, an artist and sculptor based in Guildford in the 1890s, was also a Public Benefit Boot Co shareholder. His wife Mary died at Scarborough in 1910 aged 48 and he died there in 1943 aged 86.

George Graham

Born 1869 at Carlisle, Cumberland, son of William GRAHAM, boot manufacturer, and his wife Dinah Chambers HENDERSON. He married Margaret Ann CORBY in 1894 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and their children included Ella Elsie GRAHAM 1895 and Rothes Olga GRAHAM 1898. He followed his father and his brothers William GRAHAM and John GRAHAM into the boot trade. In 1891 he was a boot salesman in Newcastle and after spending some years at Middlesbrough, by 1901 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 19 High Row, Darlington.

William Grant 

Born c1867 at Burlescombe, Devon, he married Selina Elizabeth KEYES in 1903 at Bristol. In 1911 he managed the boot and shoe depot at 2-3 Green Market, Penzance, Cornwall.

Donald George Gray


worked at a boot and shoe repair apprentice for Benefit Footwear Ltd in 1956.

Charles Green

COURAGE FAILED HIM. JAIL FOR BOOT SHOP MANAGER.

Belfast telegraph August 1908 Three ago Charles Green. 31. left his overcoat and a  farewell letter on the river bank at Cardiff. Shortly afterwards he was arrested at Glasgow, and yesterday wan sentenced at Cardiff to ten -weeks hard labour for embezzlement. Green was local manager to the Public Benefit Boot Company, and the prostration alleged the loss of about £300 A solicitor for the defence said prisoner had contemplated suicide, but, at the last moment. his courage failed him.

Ernest Green 

Manager of the Taunton Branch “foul incident 3rd december 1902 Source missing. Ernest was fined 5s with 7s costs for allowing the chimney to be foul being the cause of it setting alight. the case proved by P.C. Bartram

April 1902 Defendant said she did not take the boots off the hook, she was only looking at them, and did not intend to steal them.— Mr. Ernest Green, manager for the Public Benefit Boot Company, also gave evidence, and said that about the 1st February, he saw the defendant outside the shop. He was inside, and looking through the window, when saw her unhook a pair of boots, which were hanging on a rod outside, and put them under her cape then walk away in the direction of Fore-street. He could not leave the shop, he sent his errand boy after her, and he brought her back with the child and the pair of boots. Excerpt consult Taunton Southern branches P-Z

Harry Green

Worked at the Benefit Footwear repair facility at Templar Street, Leeds 1950’s/60’s. His brother Norman is below

Norman Green

Worked at the Benefit Footwear repair facility at Templar Street, Leeds 1950’s/60’s.

John Tyrel Green

Born 1848 at Oxford, son of Richard GREEN, coffeehouse keeper, and his wife Jane Elizabeth GREEN. He and his first wife Sarah Ann had the following children: Charles Percy GREEN 1873, Lizzie Maud W GREEN 1875, Minnie Jane GREEN 1877, Maggie Ethel GREEN 1879 and Ernest John GREEN 1881. He married secondly to Mary Ann KNIGHTS in 1893. Over many years John managed boot shops in Oxford, Rochdale, Gateshead and in 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 7 Parsons Street, Banbury, Oxford.

George Greenslade

Born 1867 at Bristol, Gloucestershire, he married Sarah Ann GOSS in 1889. He managed the company’s retail outlet at Bedminster, Bristol, in 1891 and a few years later he managed the company’s premises at 19 Stall Street, Bath, Somerset 1895-1896.

Florrie Gregg

Born 1890 at North Shields, County Durham, daughter of Henry GREGG, caterer, and his wife Betsy WATSON. She worked at Public Benefit Boot Co premises at Whitley Bay and Bedlington, Northumberland. In 1911 she married Arthur Norman PARK and their children included William H 1913, Arthur N 1917, Henry L 1922 and John 1924. She died in 1964 and husband Arthur died in 1977

 Matthew Gregory

Sandwich Board Man at the Old Swindon Branch at 5 Regent Circus Swindon. He died at the branch reported in Swindon Adv., & N. Wilts Chronicle 28^th November 1896

Mrs Gregory

Market Place Grantham 1940-1960 approx.

Mr Griffiths 

New manager given new Llangefni branch found 3^rd Qtr 1924

Edwin Percy Grigg

Manager of two branches Wells and a repair facility Central Somerset Gazette Feb 1917  The military representative successfully appealed against the exemption of three months granted by the Wells City Tribunal to Messrs. Lennards, Ltd., who had applied for the ex, emption of their manager of the Wells and Glastonbury shops, Edwin Percy Grigg, (28), married, of 10, High-street, Wells. The firm stated that the man managed their two shops in which they had two lady assistants, and supervised the repairing shop. Grigg also had applied for exemption on domestic grounds. After consultation the Appeal Tribunal upheld the appeal of the Military Representative and altered the time granted to March 15th. Mr Grigg and his family lived above the shop

Arthur Watts Grinley

Born 1857 at Woolwich, son of Arthur William Grinley, shoe manufacturer, and his wife Mary Ann DAVISON. In 1911 at the age of 53 he was unmarried and managed the company’s premises at 5 Powis Street, Woolwich. He died at Hove, Sussex, in 1931 aged 73.

 William Guest

Born c1866 at Menthorpe, Yorkshire. His widowed mother Margaret Guest managed the company’s boot shop at 10-11 Finkle Street, Selby, in 1891 and he assisted with the business. By 1911 he had married and was managing the boot dealership previously run by his mother still at 10-11 Finkle Street.

Miss Hackenby 

Assistant at 11 & 40 Northumberland Street, 1950’s

 Joseph Haigh

Born 1866 at Leeds, he married Emily BOOTH of Leeds in 1889. Around that time, he was the resident manager of the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 22 Toll Gavel, Beverley, Yorkshire. Ten years later he and his wife Emily lived at South Shields.

Anna Marie Hainsworth

Born c1870 at Shipley, Yorkshire, daughter of Alfred Hainsworth, boot-maker, and his wife Annie Maria Butterfield. From 1891 until 1901 she worked as a boot shop assistant at the Driffield premises managed for many years by her uncle and aunt, William and Mary Butterfield

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

Halderthay

Charabanc- Seated L-R 1^st in dark suit C L Halderthay Retford branch

Charabanc seated 3^rd from left Mrs Halderthay

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

C L Halderthay Retford Branch Third Row 3^rd from the left

Mrs Halderthay Second Row 2^nd on the left

Photo  C L Halderthay 

Manager of Retford Branch 1924-27

John William Hale

Born 1872 at West Bromwich, Staffordshire where in 1896 he married Elizabeth BLIZZARD. Their surviving children included Gladys S May HALE 1896, Ivy Elizabeth HALE 1900, John William HALE 1905 and Gilbert HALE 1909. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 55 Church Street, Bilston, Staffordshire. He died at West Bromwich in 1930 aged 58.

 John W. Haley

Born 1875/6 died early 1925 born Bramley began working at the Dickinson factory as an errand boy and by 1891 and 1901 was a riveter along with two of his brothers Harry A. born 1878 & Joseph H. born 1870 and a sister Anne 1873 who became a machinist. 1911 sees John managing the ‘Mens’ floor at St. Pauls’ Street Leeds accomplishing 36 years of loyal service

Alfred Hall 

Franchisee ……Alfred Hall, bootmaker, carrying on business under the title the Public Benefit Boot Company, identified the prisoner, neither did he miss the boots until the constable called his attention to them……Consult Bath in Southern branches A-G for full story

Photo  The North Party at Middleton One Row July 22^nd 1925

J E Hall High Street West Sunderland Branch Back row last on the right

Mrs Hall front row squatting 8^th from the left her the young girl her daughter miss Hall is in front of her

Photo:  North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

J E Hall Darlington 2^nd Row crouching 4^th from the right

Photo: J. E. Hall 

manager of Darlington 1924, Manager of Sunderland in 1925 & Appointed inspector for the North-East region in 1927

P.H.Halls

Manager of Redruth shop   Western Morning news two women who went on a stealing spree were reported in the newspaper of stealing four pairs of boots from The public benefit Boot shop Mr P. H. Halls was the manager. The women stole so much that they were sentenced to 2 months hard labour on each case amounting to six months. one of them had five children her husband was a miner

Frederick Henry Halse

Born 1878 at Exeter, son of Charley HALSE, a warder at Her Majesty’s Prison, Exeter, and his wife Ellen SELLEY. By the turn of the century he worked as a boot shop assistant at 211 High St Exeter where he married Jane ALLEN in 1904. They had a son Albert Frederick HALSE 1906. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 82 Fore Street, Redruth, Cornwall, and 1913-19 he managed the Lennards Ltd branch at 212 High Street, Exeter. He died at Exeter in 1952 aged 73 and his wife Jane died there in 1961 aged 83.

Cornubian and Redruth times May 1906 Theft of Shoes at Redruth. Mary Miller, of Stithians, was charged with stealing a pair of shoes from the Redruth Branch of the Public; Benefit Boot Company Friday last, valued at 2a. id. Frederick Halse, manager of the Public Benefit Boot Co. Redruth…. excerpt from the court case for the full story consult Redruth Southern branches P-Z

Photo: F. Hammond

Inspector of Birmingham district as seen in 1924

Walter Hampson

Born 1876 at Leicester, son of Ebenezer Hampson, elastic web weaver, and his wife Mary Hannah NEALE. He married EthelMay BEAVER in 1902 and they had a son Noel Walter Hampson 1905. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 19-20 High Street, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. He died at Kings Lynn 5 August 1929 aged 53 and his widow Ethel died 2 February 1933

J Handford 

Manager 40-51 Smithford Street Coventry 1921 -22

Herbert Harding

Born c1879 at Wallsend on Tyne, Northumberland, he married Minnie STEVENSON in 1903 and their children included Herbert HARDING 1904, George Edwin HARDING 1907 and John HARDING 1908. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 45 High Street, Wallsend on Tyne. 

J.Harding

Sheffield Independent Moorhead annual outing 22 June 1900 Public Benefit Boot Company’s annual excursion —The employees of the Sheffield Public Benefit Boot Company, Moorhead, had their annual outing yesterday, and were conveyed by coach via Fox House. Grindleford, and Derwent Valley to Castleton. ‘They were entertained at dinner at the Peak Hotel, Castleton. which was thoroughly enjoyed. The chair was taken Mr. A. W. Cooper (Northampton), who proposed the usual loyal toast. Mr. H. J. Lane proposed ‘Our Defensive Forces”, Mr. W. Legge of the Public Benefit Boot Company. limited, and J. Harding “The Chairman and Supporters,” all of which were heartily accepted. The places interest were afterwards visited. Mr. H. J. Lane acting as guide to the Blue John Mines, Mr. P. Durbridge looking after those who preferred the rambles in the vicinity. Despite the fact that the weather was not as bright as might have been, the outing was thoroughly enjoyed.

Mr Harold Hardcastle 

New manager for the Bentley shop found 1^st QTR 1926

The prisoner was Harold Hardcastle (37), formerly manager of the Bentley branch Bentley 1927. Consult Northern Branches A-G for full details

Mr Hardman 

New manager of a new branch Wilford Road Nottingham 1^st QTR 1926

Image: Edith Ann Harker

Born 1869 at Stevington, Bedfordshire, daughter of Samuel HARKER, boot dealer, and his wife Jane BURTON. At the age of 22 she was, with her brother and sisters, assisting in her father’s Public Benefit Boot Co shop in Coventry. In 1893 at Coventry she married Jonathan BRAY, bank actuary. He died at Coventry in 1943 aged 78 and she died there in 1963 aged 94.

Elizabeth Harker

Born 1870 at Peterborough, daughter of Jabez HARKER, boot dealer, and his wife Mary Ann ADAMS. For at least a decade Elizabeth worked as a boot and shoe saleswoman in her father’s Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Nottingham. She did not marry and died in Kent in 1955 aged 85.

Image: Frederick John Harker

Born 1867 at Stevington, Bedfordshire, son of Samuel HARKER, boot dealer, and his wife Jane BURTON. In 1897 at Warwick he married Maria COLLEDGE. He worked at the Public Benefit Boot Co dealership set up by his father in Smithfield Street, Coventry and died 1952 Loughborough aged 85. Children all born in Coventry were George Frederick Herrenden HARKER 1898 and Muriel May HARKER 1902.

IMAGE: Gertrude Ruth Harker

Born 1879 at Bedford, daughter of Samuel HARKER, boot dealer, and his wife Jane BURTON. At age of 12 she joined her brother Frederick and sisters Edith and Miriam, assisting in her father’s large Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Smithfield Street, Coventry. At the turn of the century she lived with her parents at ‘Avonhurst’, Waverley Road, Kenilworth, and in 1903 she married Walter Edward NOBLE, an accountant. He died in 1938 she died 1947

Photo: Jabez Harker

Born 1840 at Crowland, Lincolnshire, son of William Herrenden HARKER, tailor, and his third wife, Susannah PARKER of Thorney, Cambridgeshire. In 1864 at Peterborough Jabez married Mary Ann ADAMS of Maxey and they had five children. He first worked as a grocer and tea dealer in Peterborough but by the 1880s he had joined forces with the Franklins (with whom he had family connections). For some decades, he managed the large Public Benefit Boot Co premises in the Albert Buildings, Derby Road, Nottingham and in 1897 served on the first board of directors of the company. He died in London in 1912 aged 71.

Image: Miriam Harker

Born 1873 at Bedford, daughter of Samuel HARKER, boot dealer, and his wife Jane BURTON. At the age of 18 she was, with her brother and sisters, assisting in her father’s Public Benefit Boot Co shop in Coventry. In 1898 at Kenilworth she married Frank HEWSON, stationer and leather goods dealer and their children born in Coventry were Miriam Winsome HEWSON 1899, Christine Ruth HEWSON 1904, Frances Margaret HEWSON 1905 and Frank Samuel HEWSON 1911. Her husband Frank died at Coventry in 1938 aged 66 she died 1955 

Nellie HARKER

Born 1874 at Peterborough, daughter of Jabez HARKER, boot dealer, and his wife Mary Ann ADAMS. Between 1891 and 1901 Nellie worked as a cashier in her father’s Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Nottingham. She did not marry and died in Kent in 1944 aged 69. 

Samuel Harker

Born 1828 at Crowland, Lincolnshire, son of William Herrenden HARKER, tailor and draper, and second wife Mary GROUND. Samuel married Jane BURTON in 1861 at Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire and their children included: Mary Sophia  1863, William Burton  1864, Frederick John  1867, Edith Ann  1869, Miriam 1873 and Gertrude Ruth  1879. Samuel had strong family connections with the founders of The Public Benefit Boot Co and many of his family members were involved with the company in various capacities. He worked in drapery and lace manufacturing in Bedford before establishing a large boot dealership in Smithfield Street, Coventry. He died at Coventry in 1907 aged 79 and his widow Jane died there in 1930 aged 95. 

Susannah Harker

Born 1865 at Nottingham, daughter of Jabez HARKER, boot dealer, and his wife Mary Ann ADAMS. In 1889 at Nottingham she married John Henry Taylor, a boot and shoe salesman. Following his death in 1907 at the age of 42, she took over management of the Public Benefit Boot Co branch that he had managed at 21 Park Square, Luton, Bedfordshire. In the 1920’s and 1930’s she lived in retirement at the Tower Cliff Hotel in Bournemouth, Hampshire.

William Herrenden Harker

Born 1868 at Peterborough, son of Jabez HARKER, boot dealer, and his wife Mary Ann ADAMS. He married Eleanor DERNALEY in 1894 at Barton on Irwell, Lancashire. He had connections with the Rendable Shoe Co and managed Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Bolton, Chester and Urmston. He died at Bournemouth in 1953 aged 85.   Dissolved partnership taken from London Evening  Standard  April 1904 . W. H. Harker and E. J. Dernaley. trading as the Public Benefit Boot Company and Harker. Dernaley, and Co.. Manchester. Bolton, and Ashton-under-Lyne, boot dealers

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

In the charabanc seated at the back (front) Arthur Harness of Hessle Rd. Branch

Arthur Harness

Born 1876 at Hull. In 1911 at Hull he married Alice Mary HOYLE and their children included Emily HARNESS 1913 and George HARNESS 1915. He worked firstly as a boot shop assistant and 1911-16 managed the Public Benefit Boot Co shop at 152-154 Hessle Road, Hull. His sister Ada also worked as a boot shop assistant 1901-11. During WWI, he served as a gunner with the Royal Regiment of Artillery in France. His wife Alice died at Hull in 1955 aged 71 and he died there in 1960 aged 84.

George William Harrison (Suicide victim)

Sheffield Telegraph April 1910 Sheffield Boy’s sad Suicide. The popular magazine “The Penny Dreadful’ has been cited as having a good deal to do with the downfall and suicide of George William Harrison age 16 whose body was recovered from the canal at Attercliffe. George was an errand boy for the Public Benefit Boot Company at their Wicker establishment. Described as a healthy boy he wrote a note to his mother. “Mother forgive me: your bad, unworthy son, Billy. P.S. when you read this my soul will be in heaven or hell”  Mr Horace Jones the Manager for the Boot company said the boy had a good character. George had been pocketing payments from customers when he delivered their footwear. This had been going on for about six weeks prior to his death. Sadly there were 34 complaints against him from customers. Fear of going home or returning to the shop had prompted him to take his own life and a verdict of suicide through temporary insanity was declared. There are many witness accounts within the article….. 

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

Manager R Hartley South Normanton Branch seated front row 8^th from the left

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

R Hartley South Normanton Branch Front Row 2^nd to last

John James Hartopp

Born 1856 at Leicester, eldest son of Thomas HARTOPP, stocking maker, and his wife Elizabeth GROOCOCK. He started in the Leicester boot and shoe trade as a warehouseman. He married Maude Mary SHARPE in 1903 at which time he was a director of the Leicester boot manufacturing business Walker Kempson & Stevens Ltd. He was a shareholder in both the Public Benefit Boot Co of Leeds and Lennards Ltd of Bristol. He died in 1927 

John Stephen Hatch


Born 1890 at Bridgemary, Hampshire, son of Henry HATCH, coachman, and his wife, Mary Ann FIELDER. In 1911 he worked as a boot shop assistant at the company’s Portsmouth premises. He enlisted at Fareham, Hampshire and served as a Sergeant in the 14th Service Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment. He was killed in action at the Somme, France, on 3 September 1916 aged 26.

Sarah Hathaway

Franchisee  12 -13 St.Peters’ Street Hereford1902 a Franchise under Sarah Hathaway a Boot & shoe seller

Thomas Hatton

Born 1876 Manchester, son of James HATTON and his wife Ellen. He married Emily GRIFFITHS 1899 at Leicester children included Phyllis Emily 1900, Frederick Thomas c1903 and Samuel c1906. Along with his brother-in-law Samuel BRIERS, Thomas was involved in boot and shoe manufacturing. He was a director of Lennard Bros Limited in Leicester 1903-09 

Edward Thomas Haughton

Born 1841 at Leeds, son of Thomas HAUGHTON, grocer, and his wife Ann. He married Sarah Ellen SUNTER in 1863 and their children included Alice  1864, Arthur Hockley  1868, Maud  1870, Florence  1872, Frederick  1875 and Jessie 1877. He was a salesman in a Leeds woollen warehouse before moving into the boot trade. Both he and his son Frederick were salesmen for the Public Benefit Boot Co and in 1891 Edward managed the company premises at 1891-1903 Roundhay Road, Potter Newton, Leeds. He was a Public Benefit Boot Co shareholder and died in Leeds in 1903 aged 61.

Samuel George Hawkins

Born 1873 at Maldon, Essex, son of Samuel HAWKINS, mariner, and wife Elizabeth Ann PEARMAIN. In 1899 at Southampton he married Anne DUFTY. At age 17 he worked as a shop assistant in Taunton and at age 25 he worked as a salesman in the Co premises at 4 & 5 Bridge Street, Southampton 1899.

Hampshire Advertiser Dec 1899 LENIENT PROSECUTOR. John Cooper was charged with stealing a pair of boots from the Public Benefit Boot Companys premises, Bridge-street. Samuel Hawkins, manager, identified the boots as the property of his employers. On Saturday night prisoner and two other men came into the shop and purchased a pair of boots. As he was leaving witness noticed that prisoner looked bulky, and on stopping him he found the boots under his coat. The boots were worth 10s. 6d.— Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said it was all through drink.— Prosecutor did not wish to press the charge.— Fourteen days’ hard labour.

Miss Hawley 

Assistant Babbington Buildings Derby 1950’s/60’s

Margaret Hay

Born 1930 at Wetherby, Yorkshire, daughter of Thomas HAY and his wife Maud M DARLEY.  She commenced working at the age of 14 at the Public Benefit Boot Co repair facility at Templar Street, Leeds. When this closed in 1961 she, along with other workers moved to the Queen Victoria Street repair facility where she continued until the factory closed in July 1988.

George Edwin Haydon 

Manager of 37 Market Place Newark 1891-1892, 1895 -1902 manager of 7 Parsons’ Street Banbury

Henry John Hayes

Born c1874 at Bristol, Gloucestershire, he and his wife Tesse lived at Guildford, Surrey where they had a daughter Tesse Violet HAYES 1908. Henry worked as a boot shop assistant at the company’s premises at 6 Market Street, Guildford became manager of the Branch in 1911.

 George Hayter

Born 1875 at Salisbury, Wiltshire, he married Ada Eva BAZELL in 1900 at Southampton. Their children included Harold George HAYTER 1900, Vera Dorothy HAYTER 1903, Hilda Eva HAYTER 1904 and Leslie Bazell HAYTER 1908. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 88 Fisherton Street, Salisbury.

Photo: From North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

J Hazelip Company secretary, Leeds Front row 1^st on the left

L W Heath 

New manager sent to Bentley Branch 4^th QTR 1927

Catherine Healey  seen in a photograph standing outside the Dublin 37 Capel Street branch in and around 1900 where she worked up to her getting married and having their first child. Ireland was experiencing turbulent times. Here are  Ciaran’s notes sent to me and have faithfully reproduced them.

She was born in 1880 in Cork St Dublin. I think she was around 20 years old in the picture.  My mother used to say that she also worked for the Army and Navy stores. I’m afraid I don’t know for sure how long she worked in the Public Benefit Boot Company store, but  she married in 1907 to John O Connell. They had just one child who was my mum (who lived to 98!).   As was the case in those days, Catherine became a stay-at-home mum, so she would not have been at the store by 1908, and maybe earlier if she was also as the Army and Navy stores, at some point. Though, you then got thinking that Catherine, was in fact in the Army and Navy stores during the war, as I can now recall my mum saying that.  So that seems to  have her working in Public Benefit Boot Company, up until 1907.  I know she was working there in 1904, as she met my grandfather, while on the way to work at that very point. He was working on the nearby Guinness /Iveagh Buildings.

As we know women were enlisted as a major part of the effort and a whole different story playing out in Ireland by then.   Families were divided. Tens of thousands of Irish men went to support the war effort, including members of my own family.  Others were on the home rule side, which then turned into the republican movement. .  So Catherine lived through quite a number of key happenings in Ireland. Until the 1870s, her family had been serious landowners in Co. Wicklow.  For example, their land was on one side of Lough Dan in Co Wicklow and the major landowner on the other side of the lake was the Guinness family! 

Somehow they came on more difficult times, which is why they were living in Dublin only a few short years later, and in quite modest circumstances. Being Protestants, they had further challenges. Ireland being predominantly Catholic, was going through a revolutionary phase, culminating in the 1916 rising and all that came from that. In marrying my grandfather, she converted to Catholicism. He  ran his own building company and amazingly around 1918 he created trap doors and hideaways/getaways in key buildings in Dublin for Michael Collins, during the Irish war of Independence. What a personal conflict my granny may have had!   

It’s all very muddled, as meanwhile her own Heatley family to whom they were both very close, were still very much part of what these days is called “the establishment” or the old guard! .  For example, my mother told me of being brought by her mum,  as a small child by horse drawn carriage from her Aunt’s exclusive residence, where they all lived together for a time, to Dublin’s most elite stores. On arrival, the doormen would doff their hats, and put her on a high stool to watch the adults buying. (I have another barely believable story on her Aunt, part of which involves, even, Queen Victoria, herself!)  Soon after Catherine was moved with my mum from their own more modest home to somewhere safer, during the 1916 rising, as the bombs came down on the city centre …two completely different worlds in the one family! Catherine and John were actually quite gentle people, and through her life,  she lived with us and was a great support to my mum in raising our entire family – all 8 of us!.  

What a fascinating read and proves once again it is the ordinary folks who write history

Thomas Bertie Hedge

Born 1876 at Longford, Ireland, son of Robert John A HEDGE, a police constable, and his wife Louisa PEARCE. He married Fanny Elizabeth DURK in 1900 at London their children included Robert Ezra D 1901, Stanley Francis 1904 and Louis Archibald F 1908. In 1901 Thomas worked as a boot shop assistant at Maidstone, Kent. From circa 1911 until 1914, as a shareholder of Lennards Ltd, he managed the company’s premises at 137-138 St Mary’s Street, Southampton His Wife Fanny died in 1955 at Southampton and he died 1956

 Alice Helliwell

Born c1862 at Bradford, daughter of Hobson HELLIWELL, worsted weaving foreman and later milk dealer, and his wife Hannah CROWTHER. Alice married George TILLOTSON, shoemaker, and their children included John Willie TILLOTSON 1883, Lily TILLOTSON 1886 and Addie TILLOTSON 1888. Following the death of her husband, Alice married Edward WILLIAMS, a police constable. Firstly, as Mrs Alice TILLOTSON and later as Mrs Alice WILLIAMS, she managed the company’s boot dealership at 146 Langworthy Road, Salford, Lancashire, where her daughter Lily assisted in the business.

William Hempsall

Born 1879 at Newland, Lincolnshire, the son of Edward Hempsall, a joiner, and his wife Ann Glenn SWAIN. In 1901 at Nottingham he married Mary Grace Elizabeth CLARKE. They had twins John William HEMPSALL 1901 and Albert Edward HEMPSALL 1901, as well as a second set of twins that died as infants Cyril Wilfred HEMPSALL 1908 and Joseph Harold HEMPSALL 1908. He worked firstly as a shop assistant and then as manager of Public Benefit Boot Co premises Nottingham. He died in 1951 aged 71 and his widow died in 1962

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

F Henderson Front Row 2^nd on the left. Began as a errand boy at Hyson Green, assistant at Doncaster then Wombwell as manager 4^th QTR 1928 

Sydney Hepburn

Assistant at the Stapleton Road branch under Henry Collins

Bristol Mercury April 1899 THEFTS FROM SHOPS, Martha Wilshire. 28, and Eliza Bennett of Dursley. 33, both living in Twinnell road, were charged with stealing articles from shops in Stapleton road—a pair of shoes, the property of Henry Collins; 5 shirts, the property of Samuel Barrett Cole; yards of flannel or print belonging to Philip Harris; a pair of shoes, belonging to ‘Charles Tovey, a pair of boots, belonging to the Public Benefit Boot Company; and 19 yards of velveteen, belonging to William Joseph Lane. Bennett was further charged with stealing two pairs of shoes, the property of Emma Haskins. Sidney Hepburn, assistant at the boot shop of Henry Collins, of Stapleton road, said that on Friday last he saw Wilshire pull at pair of shoes hanging outside…….. The story goes on with names of those involved…witnesses …shopkeepers and so on.

Photo: From North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

G E Hepworth Manager Sunderland Branch Second Row Third from the left crouching

Mrs Hepworth Front Row 4^th from the right

Pte Samuel Wm Herringshaw 

West Yorkshire regiment P.O.W. in Germany Lincolnshire Echo 1^st may 1918. Prior to his joining up 12 months previously he was employed by the company at Grantham

Photo:  People outing to Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

G Herrod 

Manager Anlaby Road branch Hull 3^rd row 6^th from the right

George Edwin Heydon

Born 1865 at Hook Norton near Banbury, Oxfordshire, son of Joseph HEYDON, farm worker, and his wife Mary. He married Ada Ellen FISHER at Bedford in 1888 and their children included Laura May HEYDON 1891, Olive Ada E HEYDON 1892, Lily Annie HEYDON 1894, Elsie Maud HEYDON 1897 and Mabel Grace HEYDON 1901. George managed the Public Benefit Boot Co branch in the Market Place, Newark, until around 1895 when he took over the management of the company’s premises at 7 Parsons Street, Banbury.

Albert Hickinbottom

Born 1882 at Brightside, Sheffield, he married Christina HAWKSLEY in 1908 and they had a son Albert in 1909 at Attercliffe, Sheffield. In 1911 Albert senior managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 231 Main Road, Darnall, Yorkshire. He died at Darnall 21 June 1918 aged 36      Sheffield Evening Telegraph 24^th June 1918  died June 21^st at 660 Staniforth Road aged 36 his wife was Christiana. He was for 22 years an employee of the Public benefit

 Mr Hicks

Loughborough Manager married found 3^rd Qtr 1924 & in 1927

Walter Hickey 

Worked in the 1950’s/60’s at the Templar Street repairs factory

 J. Higgs

Bench-man at Birmingham for 22 years 

Michael Higgins

Leeds Mercury May 1911 DEATH OF A RESPECTED LEEDS CASHIER. CASHIER’S SUICIDE, SHOOTS HIMSELF SEATED IN END OF ILLNESS. Mr. Michael Higgins, aged 46 years, head cashier to the Public Benefit Boot Company, St. Paul-street, Leeds, committed suicide yesterday morning at his home in Burley Lodge-terrace. Dr. Clarke, of Burley-road, was summoned the house at about a quarter-past one o’clock, and there found Mr. Higgins sitting in a chair in the front room in an unconscious condition, and with blood issuing from a wound in his forehead. He did not regain consciousness, and died about thirty five minutes later. Police-constable Ison was informed of the affair by Dr. Clarke, who met him in Burley-road, and he went at once to the house to make inquiries. Mrs. Lena Higgins, the widow, told the constable that when her husband came home at midnight he appeared to be in his usual state of health. A little later he went into the front room, but as he did not return she went to look for him. The room was in darkness, but she could hear her husband groaning, and on obtaining a light she saw him sitting in an easy chair with blood running down his face. 

Mr C H Hiles 

New manager takes up management at Ilkeston 2^nd QTR 1926

Charles Hill

Shop assistant at the Doncaster premises 41-43 St Sepulchre Street of the Public Benefit Boot Co in 1896. Gave evidence of a crime committed at the shop E-H for details

 Photo  Mr G Hill 

Due to ill health leaves the company 2^nd QTR 1926 from the Ilkeston Branch held since 1924

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

Manager G Hill  Ilkeston Branch 2^nd Row last on the right

Photo: Notts.& lincs.at Arboretum Nottingham 26^th June 1924

G Hill Ilkeston Branch Third Row fourth from the end

Harry Hills

Born 1876 at Bromley, Kent, he married Rosa FITCH in 1906 and they had a son Leonard Fitch HILLS 1909. In 1911 Harry managed the company premises at 4 The Broadway, High Street, Bromley.

Stephen Hilton

Born 1845 at Leicester, married Harriet GIBSON in 1867 their children were Rosannah 1868, Mary Ann 1870, Joseph Arthur 1871, George Edward 1873, Harriett 1876, Stephen 1877 and Frederick James 1883. He was a boot and shoe factor and in 1892 was listed as the proprietor of the Public Benefit Boot Co branch on High Street, West Bromwich, Staffordshire. His sons were also involved in the family footwear business that traded under the name of S Hilton & Sons. He was a JP and was appointed Mayor of Leicester 1904-1905. He died 16 March 1914 his widow Harriet died 14 March 1916

Walter Arthur Hobbs

Born 1885 at Stroud, Gloucestershire, son of George William Hooper HOBBS, shoeing and jobbing smith, and his wife Alice Jane CLISSOLD. In 1909 at Bedford he married Alice LARKINS and their children born there included George W HOBBS 1910, John A HOBBS 1913 and Edward C HOBBS 1924. At the age of 16 he worked as a boot salesman in Rodborough, Gloucestershire and by 1911 he managed the company premises at 62 High Street, Bedford.

John Hoddle

Born c1878 at Olney, Bucks, son of William HODDLE, shoemaker, and wife Jane BURROWS. He married Ann. had a daughter Elsie Newman Hoddle 1902. 1911 managed the company’s boot shop at 61 Spring Hill Road, Birmingham. 

G. Hodnett

Manager of Totnes Branch 

W.T.Hodnett

North devon Journal Aug 1898 BURGLARY AT BARNSTAPLE. A daring burglary was committed Barnstaple on Sunday night. Early on Monday morning, Mr. W. T. Hodnett, local manager of the Public Benefit Boot Company, reported to the police that the shop in High-street (situated not far from the Police Station) had been entered and a sum of £22 odd stolen. Mr. Hodnett balanced his accounts on Saturday night, and there was then cash in the till to the amount of £22 7s. 10£ d., £15 £16 being in gold. He wrote a letter in the shop on Sunday afternoon, and everything was then all right…..for the full story consult Barnstaple Southern Branches A-g 

Miss Milly Holland,

Shop assistant at Regent Street Blyth 1930’s

 Thomas George Hollings

Born 1873 at Enisworth, Hampshire, he married Annie Priscila HARVEY in 1894 at Westminster. Their surviving children included Clara Alice  1899, Cicely Annie 1904, Daisy  1906 and Violet Marjorie 1909. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 307 Mare Street, Hackney, London. He died at Hackney in 1923 aged 50.

Sir Henry Nicholas Holmes

Born 1868 at Norwich, son of Joshua Henry HOLMES, inspector of weights and measures and collector of cattle market dues at the Norwich Markets, and his wife Emma SKIPPER. He married Gertrude Flora HUTCH in 1894 and their children included Gertrude Edith HOLMES 1895, Doris May HOLMES 1898 and Geoffrey Nicholas HOLMES 1900. He was apprenticed to the boot and shoe industry under Mr Bostock and in 1891 he formed a partnership with W E Edwards. The business started in a little back bedroom at the Edwards home. Henry did the ‘clicking’ while Edwards did the ‘making’ and his mother the machining. The business slowly took off and they started to take on workers making shoes. First in Pitt Street but after that place burnt down they moved to Pottergate and then again before settling in Esdelle Street, Norwich. The partnership was dissolved in 1902 but huge expansion took place under the name of Edwards & Holmes and by 1912 the firm employed one thousand people. Henry was a Lennards Ltd shareholder, magistrate, alderman and Lord Mayor of Norwich 1921-22 and again 1932-33. He died at Norwich 19 January 1940 aged 71. His son Geoffrey Nicholas HOLMES and grandson Peter HOLMES continued in the family shoe business.

 Mr Holt 

New manager of St Anne’s on sea new branch opened May 2^nd Qtr 1924  Sent to Leamington Spa branch 1^st QTR 1926. Sent to Bank Hey Street 4^th QTR 1926.

June Hood 

Assistant Babbington Buildings Derby 1950’s/60’s

Augustus Ernest Hopkins

Born 1881 at Dalston, London, he married Ellen HUTCHINS in 1905 and their children included John Ernest Henry HOPKINS, c1908 and Dorothy Ellen May HOPKINS 1910. In 1911 to circa 1925 he managed the company’s premises at 101 High Street, Sutton, Surrey.

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

Mr J H Hopkins Mansfield Branch standing in the charabanc at the end(right)

Mrs Hopkin 3^rd row 5^th from the right

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

J H Hopkin Mansfield Branch Back Row 3^rd from the right

Mrs Hopkin second Row crouching last on the right

Mr Horner 

New manager at Dewsbury branch 1^st QTR 1926

R.F. Hotham

The Cornish Telegraph April 1906 Mr. R. F. Hotham, of the Public Benefit Boot Company. Penzance, has been awarded second prize for window dressing in the* annual competition, open to Great Britain, organised by the “Boot and Shoe Trades Journal. The prize is a gold medal, supplemented by two guineas by the Nugget Boot Polish Company.

Photo:  North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

Percy Howe Third row second to last on the right

Percy Howe


Born 1901 at Scarborough, Yorkshire, son of Walter HOWE, commission agent, and his wife Eva Elizabeth BOXELL. In 1924 he became manager   at Bridlington where he began his career as an errand boy and 1925 he married Dorothy FEARNLEY children included Herbert G 1926 and Jill 1934. He managed premises At Bridlington in the 1930’s up to 1936 and in 1937 he took over management of Lion House Kirkgate opposite the market hall into the 1940’s. After serving time in the army during WW2 he returned to the company and was made Inspector for the Yorkshire region.

Photo: Notts. & Lincs. At the Arboretum Nottingham June 26^th 1924

R Howden Selby Branch Third Row & Mrs Howden 2nd Row 2^nd on the right

Photo:  Nott’s & Lincs ‘on their tour 1925

R. Howden 3^rd row 3^rd from the left

Mrs Howden Front row fifth from the left seated bunch of flowers in her hat

 Photo:  North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

H M Howes Beverley Branch 2^nd Row 6^th from the left

Photo: North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

Mr P Howe

Bridlington manager

William Howkins

Born 1851 at Markfield, Leicestershire, son of John HOWKINS, cordwainer, and his wife Martha MORRIS. The children of William and his wife Emma included Emma Elizabeth HOWKINS 1873, John HOWKINS 1874, William HOWKINS 1877, Herbert HOWKINS 1880, Alexander HOWKINS 1882 and Lucy Ellen HOWKINS 1885. Following the death of his first wife Emma in 1897, William married Cecelia KITCHEN in 1899 at Leicester. From the age of 10 William worked in the shoe trade and by his 30’s he was a boot and shoe manufacturer. He was a shareholder in the Public Benefit Boot Co.

Photo The North Party at Middleton One Row July 22^nd 1925

W Howson South Bank Branch Back Row Standing 4^th from left

Photo:  North managers at Roundhay Park Leeds July 9^th 1924

W Howson South Bank Branch Back row last man standing on the right

Albert Hoyle

Born 1879 at Bridgwater, Somerset, he married Eliza Jane MANCHIP in 1902 and their children included Leslie HOYAL 1905, Albert HOYAL 1904 and Blanche HOYAL 1907. He worked for some time at Southampton found in 1904 Southern echo 28^th April  and by 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 8a Regent Street, Swindon, Wiltshire.

Hampshire Advertiser July 1904 GIRL THIEVES. Elizabeth Cruse and Florence Tubbs, school girls, both of Marsh-lane, were charged with stealing pair lady’s shoes, value 2s. 11d., outside 4. Bridge-street, the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company, Friday.—P.C. Baker stated that yesterday afternoon he noticed  two girls outside the Public Benefit boot shop in Bridge-street…excerpt full story Consult Southampton Southern Branches P-Z

Photo: Arthur R Hudson


Joined Benefit Footwear in March 1947 following three years of wartime service in the Royal Navy. In 1960 he took over management of the Benefit Central Repairs Factory in Templar Street, Vicar Lane, Leeds. In 1961 upon the merger with British Shoe Corporation, a new company was formed, BSC (Shoe Repairs) Ltd, an amalgamation of all the repair divisions of Benefit, Saxone, Freeman Hardy Willis, True Form, Dolcis & Manfield. The new company was responsible for servicing the entire 2,200 retail outlets that comprised the British Shoe Corporation. His initial responsibility at the formation of this new company was as Area Manager for the North of England and Ireland. In 1978 he was appointed Chief Executive and remained in that position until the disposal of the repair company in 1988, a decision to his mind and in the minds of many others, that triggered the ultimate decline of the British Shoe Corporation. In 1985 he became President of the National Association of Multiple Shoe Repairers (NAMSR). Upon his retirement from British Shoe Corporation in 1988, he was invited by the industry to take on the mantle of Chairman of the Shoe Repair Industry Training Organisation (SRITO). During his period of office 1988 to 1994 he worked in conjunction with the City & Guilds of London Institute and was responsible for the successful introduction of National Vocational Qualifications into the shoe repair industry in 1994. He served on the National Wages Council from 1976 until 1988 and following his retirement in 1994, he continued as an industry consultant until 1998.

Charles Henry Hudson

Born 1855 at West Bromwich, son of George Allen HUDSON, stationer, and his wife Mary. He married Louisa Mary PARFETT in 1883 and they had a daughter Louise Katie HUDSON 1884. He worked initially as a pawnbroker’s assistant but by 1891 he managed a London boot shop. In 1901 he managed the company’s premises at 246 North End Road, Fulham, London and 10 years later 1911 he managed the boot shop at 726 High Road, Leytonstone, Essex.

Henry John Hughes

Born c1856 at Liverpool, son of John HUGHES and Margaret JACKSON. In 1871 and 1881 living with his widowed mother he worked as a shop boy and then as a porter in a Liverpool boot shop. He married Helena Maria PARKER in 1886 and their children included Florence Edith 1887 and William Lawrence 1889. He managed boot shops in Liverpool in the 1890s and early 1900s and 1905-11 he and his wife managed the premises at 120 Earle Road, Liverpool. He died in 1914 his widow Helena died in 1931

Mr Hughes 

New manager sent to new branch Wrexham 4^th QTR 1927

Herbert Sydney Hugo

Born 1877 at Redruth, Cornwall, son of John HUGO, porter, and his wife Mary Ann ANDREW. He worked firstly as a boot shop assistant in Redruth, 1895 he was witness to theft of boots from his employers’ shop and in 1897 managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 32 Fore Street, St Austell. He married Irene CURTIS in 1896 and they had a son Herbert Cecil D HUGO 1896. Herbert Sydney HUGO died in 1958

Cornish Telegraph November 1895 Stealing Shoes at Redruth.—Sarah Hullen domestic servant 19, was charged with stealing a pair of boots from the Public Benefit Boot Co., value 2s 11d on Friday last. Prisoner pleaded guilty —Sydney Hugo, in the employ of the Public Benefit Boot Company…excerpt from the court case for the full story consult Redruth Southern branches P-Z

Somerset Standard July 1899 A WARNING TO TRADESMEN. Sidney Hugo. manager of the Frome branch shop of the Public Benefit Boot Company, was summoned for obstructing the footway at the Market-place by leaving three boxes thereon for an unreasonable time.—P.C. Treeby stated the facts of the case, and the Superintendent (Mr. W. Rawlings) testified as to previous warnings given to the defendant. —The defendant’s excuse was that he was waiting for the Inspector, and that he was so pushed for space that he was unable to take the boxes inside.—Fined 5s. and costs.

Captain Huckenhall M.C.

was assistant at Blackpool became manager of Bradford on sea branch in 1^st qtr. of 1924

Arthur Hume 

Ex-employee from 20 years previous returned in 1^st Qtr. of 1924 to manage the Southport Branch. Still there in 1927

Photo: Benjamin Hunn

Born 1845 at Bourne, Lincolnshire, son of Job HUNN, hairdresser, and his wife Elizabeth RIPPIN. He married Eleanor HELLON in 1873 and their children included Edith HUNN 1874, Florence HUNN 1877 and Herbert William HUNN 1878. He initially conducted business as a chemist and wholesale druggist but with family links to the Franklins, by 1891 he had moved into the boot trade. He managed the substantial Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 42 Corporation Street, Birmingham. In 1897 he was appointed a director of the first Public Benefit Boot Co board and continued on the board until at least 1922. He was a prominent Freemason and held the highest office being appointed Grand Standard Bearer in the Grand Lodge of England in 1914. He died in 1928 aged 83.

Charles Frederick Hunt

Manager of the Old Christchurch road branch:                                                                      Western Gazette November 1902 THEFTS FROM SHOPKEEPERS.— Mary Jane Nash, a married woman, of Parkstone, was charged, on remand, with stealing two pairs of boots, value 7s 11d, the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company.—Charles Frederick Hunt, manager of the Company’s shop in Old Christchurch-road. said he saw the boots hanging outside the shop at six o’clock Saturday evening, and missed them half an hour later….. for the full story consult Bournemouth Southern branches A-G

Frederick Hunt 

Belper News 6^th September 1918 Pte Frederick Hunt lived at the Butts Belper died of severe gunshot wounds he was a former employee of the company. Good photo and write up giving further details. He worked as a manager at The Lennards premises of 109 Belgrave Road Leicester 1911-1914

 B. Hunt 

Manager of 1010 High Street Sutton 1926-1930

 W. Hunter 

Yorkshire Evening Post 4^th November 1918 Pte W. Hunter aged 19 of the Durham Light Infantry killed or died of wounds lived at 26 Leopold square Leeds and was employed at a branch of the company

Mr Hutchinson 

New manager of new branch in Lancaster found 2^nd Qtr 1924 and still there in 1928

Photo  The North Party at Middleton One Row July 22^nd 1925

Miss Hutchinson  Loftus Branch squatting front row 2^nd from left

Robert Hyslop

Born 1859 at Leicester, to a Sottish father Robert HYSLOP, boot manufacturer, and his English wife Mary ADCOCK. In 1886 Robert Jr married Louisa Emma WOOD, daughter of Sir Edward Wood, JP. Their children included Mary HYSLOP 1886, Robert Edward HYSLOP 1889, Arnold George HYSLOP 1897, Ronald Wood HYSLOP 1900 and Anne Louisa HYSLOP 1908. He was a boot factor, neighbour, business associate and brother-in-law of Samuel LENNARD. His wife Louisa died in 1918 aged 51 and the following year he married Clara ORTON in Leicester. He was a shareholder in Lennards Brothers, and a director of Freeman, Hardy and Willis for many years. He died 26 November 1938 at Bournemouth aged 79.

SHAREHOLDERS LISTS E-H. SOUTHERN & NORTHERN

Alice Maud Penderell EAGLES, c/o Dr Blake, Bishopstone, Cambridge Road, King’s Heath nr Birmingham, Spinster

Annie Louisa EAGLES, The Driffold, Sutton Coldfield, Spinster

 Harriett EAMES, 161 Hyde Park Road, Leeds, Wife of D Eames

 John Davey EAMES, 161 Hyde Park Road, Leeds

James Furnival EARDLEY, 265 Glossop Road, Sheffield, Chemist

Mary Emma EARDLEY, 283 Fulwood Road, Sheffield, Married

Benjamin EASTWOOD, Fitzwilliam House, Huddersfield, Woollen

Merchant

Harriet Louise EASTWOOD, Fitzwilliam House, Huddersfield, Spinster

Mary Alice EASTWOOD, Fitzwilliam House, Huddersfield, Spinster

Sarah Ann EASTWOOD, Fitzwilliam house, Huddersfield, Spinster

Hyla ECKINGTON, Milborne Lodge, Malvern, Esquire

Thomas William EDMONDSON, 15 Alexander Street, Leeds, Stuff Merchant

Charles Hutchinson EDWARDS, The Chalet, Mill Hill, London NW, Revd

Edward Lloyd EDWARDS, Sedgley nr Dudley, Clerk in Holy Orders

Caroline Mary ELLIOTT, Hallamgate Road, Sheffield, Married

H Michael ELLIOTT, Hallamgate Road, Sheffield, Manager

Henry Michael ELLIOTT, London & Midland Bank Ltd, Sheffield, Bank Manager

John ELLIS, 24 Kenbourne Road, Sheffield, Law Clerk

Joseph Bramhall ELLISON, Ranmoor, Sheffield, Gentleman

Sam ELLISON, 36 Upperhead Row, Leeds, Grocer

Harriet Elizabeth ESCOTT, 29 Beech Hill, Broomhill, Sheffield, Widow

Sarah EVANS, Highfield, Wylde Green, Married

Thomas William EVE, 25 Goose Gate, Nottingham, Tobacconist

Arthur Reginald EVERS, 8 Street, Martins Terrace, Chapel town Road, Leeds, Manager

Kenneth Saxelbye EVERS, Preston Rectory nr Hull, Clerk

John Woodhouse FAIRBANK, 78 Westover Road, Bramley, Electrical Engineer

Thomas FAIRCLOUGH, Dean Terrace, West Vale nr Halifax, Bank Sub-Manager

William Edward FARRAR, London & Midland Bank, Leeds, Bank Clerk

William FAWCETT, 26-27 Bond Street, Leeds, Solicitor

Thomas FELL, 6 Trinity Road, Scarborough, Surgeon

Edwin FENTON, 13 Marlborough Avenue, Hull, Ship Owner

George FILLINGHAM, 16 East Parade, Leeds, Secretary

William FILLINGHAM, 13 Trinity Road, Scarborough, Gentleman

Joseph FINNEY, Brierley Hill, Bank Manager

George Frederick FIRTH, Oak Leigh College, Grove Road, Wakefield, Gentleman

John FIRTH, Milnsbridge, Corn Merchant

Joseph Beaumont FIRTH, Bleak House, Burton Salmon, South Milford Yorks., Retired Engineer

Henry FISHER, Marsden nr Huddersfield, Woollen Mfr

Henry FISHER, Marsden nr Huddersfield, Trustee

Mary Anne FLOWERDEW, 3 Langtry Grove, New Basford, Nottingham, Art Teacher

\

Walter Charles FLOWERDEW, 3 Langtry Grove, New Basford, Nottingham, Traveller

Clara FOOTTIT, 26 Mount Street, Club Garden Road, Sheffield, Saleswoman

Elizabeth Jane FORSTER, 212 Gilesgate, Durham, Widow

William Burdis FORSTER, Springwell, Ironmonger

Christiana FORSYTH, 2 Lifton Place, Leeds, Teacher

David FORSYTH, 2 Lifton Place, Leeds, Teacher

Edwin FOSTER, 16 Salmon Street, Sheffield, Scissor Smith

Frederick Edward FOSTER, West Lea, Ashdell Road, Sheffield, Chartered Accountant

Percival Lloyd FOSTER, The Malt, Salcombe, South Devon, Lieutenant Royal Artillery

Joseph Frederick FOWLER, 8 West Parade, Huddersfield, Grocer

Joseph FOX, Daisy Lea, Lindley, Huddersfield, Merchant

Rev John FRANKLAND, Alfreton, Derbyshire, Congregational Minister

Emily FRANKLIN, Clifton Road, Prestwich nr Manchester, Married Woman

Ethel Mary FRANKLIN, Linden House, The Park, Hull

Frederick FRANKLIN, 3 Ermington Villas, Beverley Road, Hull, Boot Factor

G E FRANKLIN, The Field Derby, Boot Factor

George Edward FRANKLIN, The Field, Derby, Boot Manufacturer

Hilda Constance FRANKLIN, Linden House, The Park, Hull

Nellie FRANKLIN, Linden House, The Park, Hull

William H FRANKLIN, Linden House, The Park, Hull

William Henry FRANKLIN, Prospect Street, Hull, Boot Factor

Claribel Maud FRASER, c/o W Wilkinson Esq, 42 Cherry Street, Birmingham, Married

Charles Henry FRENCH, 36 Cliff Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, Bank Cashier

James Edward FURNISS, 20 Havelock Street, Sheffield, Electro Plate Manufacturer

Edward FURNIVAL, 47 Oakhill Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, Gentleman

Joseph FURRSE, 51 Bishops Road, Cambridge Heath, London, Manufacturer

Bertha Ann GALE, 35 Dover Street, Hull, Married

Harold GALE, 35 Dover Street, Hull, Bank Cashier

Lucy GALE, 35 Dover Street, Hull, Widow

William Henry GALE, Land of Green Ginger, Hull, Solicitor

Elizabeth GAMBLE, 23 Milling Grove, Hull, Married

Catherine Eleanor GANDY, 47 Westbourne Road, Sheffield, Spinster

William GASKILL, Prudential & Farnley Office, Leeds, Superintendent

Frederick GAUNT, 3 Bexley Terrace, Tyrell Street, Bradford, Clerk

Annie GELDER, 43 Summerset Road, Huddersfield, Spinster

Arthur GELDER, Summerset Road, Huddersfield

Frederick William GELDER, Stafford Place, Halifax

Louisa GELDER, 43 Summerset Road, Huddersfield, Milliner

William Alfred GELDER, 76 Lowgate, Hull, Architect

Henry GILBERT, 13 Yew Tree Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, Managing Clerk

John Ferguson GILLISON, 42 Hooper Street, Mumps nr Oldham, Salesman

David E D GLADWIN, 8 Eyre Street, Chesterfield, Accountant

Benjamin GLASGOW, 28 Holland Road, Hove Brighton, Gentleman

Henry Bewley GLASGOW, 77 Oxford Gardens, North Kensington W, Salesman

Joseph Harold GLEDHILL, Beechwood Park Road, Lytham, Bank Accountant

Abraham GOBETZ, 48-50 Green Street, Bethnal Green, Shoe Manufacturer

Elkan GOLDMAN, Millgarth Street, Leeds, Boot Manufacturer

John William GORDON, 47 Liddell Street, Hull, Butcher

Edward GOSSCHALK, 11 Crown Terrace, Anlaby Road, Hull, Gentleman

Christopher Colborne GRAHAM, c/o Blundell Spence & Co, Hull

Norman Child GRAHAM, ‘Merrow’, Guildford, Gentleman

Alexander GRANT, 22 Francis Road, Edgbaston, Accountant

William John Russell GRANTHAM, 68 Balby Road, Doncaster, Retired

Herbert William GREAVES, Town End House, Penistone, Banker’s Clerk

John Ernest GREEN, 52 Parkers Road, Sheffield, Tutor

Charlotte GREENLEAVES, Heatherlea, Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, Widow

Frederick GREENWOOD, Edgerton Lodge, Huddersfield, Colonel, JP

Herbert GREG, The Holme, New Galloway, Esquire

William GRILINGER, 139 Queen Victoria Street, London EC, Clerk

Arthur GRINSTEAD, 22 South Park Hill Road, Croydon, Foreman

Frederick John GROCOTT, District Bank Ltd, Warrington, Clerk

Joseph GUEST, 34 Burngreave Road, Sheffield, Steel Melter

Arthur Hill HADFIELD, 132 Broomspring Lane, Sheffield, Clerk

Thomas HAINSWORTH, 37 Aberdeen Walk, Armley Leeds, Solicitor’s Clerk

Sugden Herbert HALEY, Moorland View, Bramley, Leeds, Engineer

Agnes Herbert HALL, 40 St John Street, Wirksworth, Spinster

Charles HALL, Station Street, Huddersfield, Solicitor

Vine HALL, Nottingham Joint Stock Bank Ltd, Hucknall Torkard

Benjamin HALLIDAY, 2 Mount Preston, Leeds, Gentleman

William HAMILTON, Pygmalion, 66 Boar Lane, Leeds, Cashier

Herbert Robert HAND, The Hollies, Kenilworth, Gentleman

Lucy Ann HAND, Easton Lodge, Kenilworth, Widow

Allan HANSCOMBE, Walkington Rectory, Beverley, Gentleman

William Hammond HANSCOMBE, Cogan House, Bowlalley Lane, Hull

George Henry HANSON, Paddock nr Huddersfield, Trustee

Adolphus HAPPOLD, 57 Gold Street, Northampton, Pork Butcher

John Revill HARDCASTLE, London & Midland Bank, Sheffield, Porter

Frederick James HARDING, 150 South View Road, Sheffield, Salesman

George Powell HARGREAVES, 21 Westcott Street, Holderness Road, Hull, Manufacturer

J HARKER, Elmhurst, Lucknow Drive, Nottingham, Boot Factor

Jabez HARKER, Elmhurst, Lucknow Drive, Nottingham

Emma Jane HARRIES, Rydal Mount, Gledholt, Huddersfiled, Married Lady

Walter Frederick HARRIES, 16 Parliament Street, Hull, Chartered Accountant

James Henry HARRISON, Bubwith nr Selby, York, General Dealer

John HARRISON, Town Hall Leeds, Solicitor

Joseph Henry HARRISON, 15 High Street, Bridlington, Tobacconist

Thomas HARRISON, 118 Broomhall Street, Sheffield, Grocer

Thomas HARRISON, 17 Lansdowne Gardens, South Lambeth, London SW

Sarah HARROP, 66 Woodstock Road, Sheffield, Married

Benjamin HARTLEY, 546 Smithfield Market, Merchant

John HARTLEY, 14 Butts Court, Leeds, Accountant

John James HARTOPP, Doncaster Road, Melton Road, Leicester, Director, Walker Kempson & Stevens Ltd

William John HASLAM, 9 East Parade, Leeds, Fire Assessor

Allan HASTINGS, High Street, Sheffield, Auctioneer

Charles HATFIELD, 357 Sharrow Lane, Sheffield, Retired

Clara Elizabeth HATFIELD, 352 Sharrow Lane, Sheffield, Married

David HAUGHTON, Sutton Hall, Hull, Gentleman

Edward Thomas HAUGHTON, 197 Roundhay Road, Leeds, Manager

William Hadyn HAVENHAND, Livingstone Road, Meersbrook, Sheffield, Traveller

Charles Joseph HAWORTH, Stanley Grange, Wakefield, Solicitor

Simeon HAYES, 94 Ashdell Road, Sheffield, Retired

Ann HAYWOOD, Nevada, Farquhar Road, Edgbaston, Spinster

Hargreaves HEAP, Grammar School, Rotherham, Clerk in Holy Orders

James Power HEATON, Olton nr Birmingham

Walter HEATON, 11 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Gentleman

Rowland HEAVER, 258 Cricket Inn Road, Sheffield, Solicitor’s Clerk

Charles HELLYER, Broxholme, Newington Hall, Manager

John William HELLYER, St Andrews Dock, Hull, Smack Owner

George Harry HEMSALL, 14 Beaufort Road, Sheffield, Clerk

George HENSON, 153 Boulevard, Hull, Clerk

James HERBERT, 185 Witham Road, Sheffield, Draper

Joseph HERVEY, Shirley Heath nr Birmingham, Gentleman

Richard John HEWITT, 8 Pier Street, Hull, Shipping Agent

Arthur John HILL, 78 Rose Hill Street, Derby, Timber Agent

William, HILL 13 Westbourne Avenue, Hull, Merchant

Albert Edward HILLS, Plume Street, Aston nr Birmingham, Managing Director

Edward James HILTON, 151 Hessle Road, Hull, Butcher

William Henry HILTON, 85 Soho Hill, Birmingham, Cabinet Maker

Thomas Welford HINDE, 3 Chapel Terrace, Ranmoor, Sheffield, Grinder

Edwin HIRST, Milverton House, Wakefield, Manufacturer

Edwin HIRST, Porto Bello Mills, Wakefield, Manufacturer

George Crowther HIRST, Broomfield, Longwood, Huddersfield, Woollen Manufacturer

Thomas HIRST, Wood Street, Longwood, Huddersfield, Woollen Manufacturer

Thomas Julius HIRST, Meltham Hall, Huddersfield

William HIRST, Claremont, Golcar, Huddersfield, Manufacturer

Arthur John Stannas HISSMAN, Lonsdale, Cranswater Park, Southsea, Captain Retired

William HOBSON, 447 Shoreham Street, Sheffield, Confectioner

William Burnham HODGSON, ‘Lachine’, 60 Westbourne Avenue, Hull, Cashier

William Thomas HODSON, 2 Bickersteth Villas, Bickersteth Road, Lower Tooting, London SW, Civil Servant

James HOGG, 26 Arlington Street, Hull

William HOGG, Brookside Forest Hall, Newcastle on Tyne, Shipping Agent & Broker

William HOLBROOK, St Anne’s Villas Far Headingley, Leeds, Insurance Secretary

Agnes Mary HOLROYD, Broad Carr, Holywell Green, Halifax, Spinster

Ethel HOLROYD, Broad Carr, Holywell Green, Halifax, Spinster

Julia Ellen HOLROYD, Highbury, Clarence Drive, Harrogate, Widow

Henry James HOMFRAY, Albert Mill, Sowerby Bridge, Manufacturer

William HORSFALL, Methley nr Leeds, Grocer

Lucy HORSLEY, Southfield House, Cottingham, Hull, Married

William HOWKINS, 141 West Street, Southfield, Leicester, Boot & Shoe Manufacturer

Elias HOYLE, New Close, Slaithewaite, Huddersfield, Farmer

John HUDSON, Cliff House, Hyde Park, Leeds, Commission Agent

Emma HUMBER, 299 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, First Saleswoman

Benjamin HUNN, 42 Corporation Street, Birmingham, Boot & Shoe Factor

Benjamin HUNN, ‘Monaco’ Moseley, Birmingham, Boot Factor

George HUNTER, 13 Queen Street, Edinburgh

Thomas Brewster HUNTER, York City & County Bank Ltd, Leeds, Bank Cashier

Charles Ferryard HURST, Claremont, Mellish Road, Walsall, Iron Founder

James William HUSBAND, 4 St Mary’s Terrace, Newton Park, Leeds, Cloth Salesman