Biographical Details I to O

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES I-O. SOUTHERN & NORTHERN

 Soldiers of WW1 & 2 Printed in Italics  

Listings

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

A E Imeson Redcar branch Middle row third from the end going right

PHOTO: NORTH MANAGERS AT ROUNDHAY PARK 9^TH JULY 1924

A E Imeson Redcar Branch Third Row last on the right

Assistant at Doncaster sent to manage Wombwell branch 1^st QTR 1926

George Elliott Inott

Born Belper 6^th May 1877 to Charles E. and Ada Julea. Began working for Public benefit circa 1900 at the Belper branch and was manager in 1901. He died in 1963 aged 86

Edwin Charles Jackson

Born 1874 at Sandgate, Kent, son of John Richard JACKSON, furniture shopman, and his wife Sarah Maria Dunn NAISH. He married Ellen Sophia Margaret BILES in 1899 their children included Cecil Edwin 1900 and Clifford Charles 1905. In 1901 he managed the company boot shop at 108 Somers Road, Southsea, Hampshire, and from 1911 until his death 10^th October 1916 at the age of 42, he managed the company’s premises at 32 St Mary Street, Weymouth, Dorset, and died managing the Yeovil branch. His widow Ellen died London 1939

Western gazette October 1916 Death of Mr. E. C. Jackson. The announcement received with feelings of regret of the death of Mr. Edwin Charles Jackson, manager of the Public Benefit Boot Company, St. Mary-street, which occurred on Sunday morning. For week or two Mr. Jackson had been indisposed, but he continued to attend to his business, contemplating a. quiet week-end at home. During Saturday night Mrs. Jackson noticed that he was restless, and at seven o’clock in the morning Sunday she found him dead in bed. The deceased, who was 42 years of age. was a native of Bristol, but had been in Weymouth for about 20 years. was an ardent angler, and was an active member of the Citizen Police. He was a Freemason, and was held in the highest esteem by the townspeople generally. The interment took place Tuesday afternoon at Regis Cemetery, the obsequies being attended, in addition the principal mourners, by members the Borough and the Citizen Police and the Masonic and other bodies with which the deceased was for many years associated

James Smith Jackson

Born c1865 at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, he married Ada Elizabeth CARTER in 1889 and their children included Louis Percival JACKSON 1889, Lucia Annie JACKSON 1892, Alice Muriel Mary JACKSON 1897 and John Geoffrey Carter JACKSON 1906. In 1911 he was based at 151 Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby, and worked as a shop inspector and manager for the Public Benefit Boot Co.

John Richard JACKSON

Born 1873 at Bristol, Gloucestershire, son of John Richard JACKSON, furniture shopman, and his wife Sarah Maria Dunn NAISH. He married Elizabeth Duncaff LLOYD in 1900 at Weymouth and their children included Reginald Duncaff JACKSON 1901 and Lilian Cornelia JACKSON 1904. 1901 manager of 17, High Street Croydon. In 1911 he managed Lennards retail premises at 37-38 High Street, Bristol.

William John Jackson

Born 1871 at Pennington, Lancashire, he married Catherine LITTLE in 1895 and they had a son Cecil Abbott JACKSON 1899. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 20 Market Street, Ulverston, Lancashire.

Mr Jackson 

Manager of Retford found 1^st QTR 1926

Alison Jarvis

Alison describes her brief but observational experiences in the Stockport Lennards Branch, as a temporary sales assistant. Situated within the newly created 1965 Merseyway centre. Described in a clear and concise way this is her story. 

“My first ever summer job was at Lennards in Stockport in 1972, at the age of sixteen. The shop was in Merseyway, with the window display and men’s shoes at street level, and the women’s and children’s footwear underground. The shoes were mostly well-made, well-priced, and fashionable. 

“Even as a teenager, I could see our manager was struggling, He was young, and terrified of the other, more mature shop staff. The shop was rather hidden, too. That whole precinct is badly designed. And not every customer could manage the stairs. I was very sad to see it go.”

Retailing was in the family, as her dad was a senior manager at Woollies.

“Princes Street was the original main shopping street in Stockport. Many shops would have moved about 50 yards into the precinct. The big shops like Marks and Woollies had always been on Princes Street, but now they faced the new shopping centre. Princes Street went from being their front to their rear entrances. Not all shops had an exit to Princes Street, and one or two closed theirs for space or security reasons.

“Lennards was situated on the right of the shopping centre at the far end. The shop was in a pretty poor spot in comparison to many, being quite a long walk from the entrance, and near the odd little food market at the end, and – incongruously – the very up-market Nield and Hardy piano and music shop. Beyond Nield and Hardy was a small wool and toy shop. I have to say that if you were going to Lennards you were probably going on purpose. It wasn’t somewhere you would happen upon whilst shopping generally in the precinct. It was a bit far, and rather obscured by the architecture and design. C&A was on our side, and opposite were Halfords to the right, B.H.S. directly opposite, with Woolworths and Marks and Spencer to the left.”

Typically for Lennards, it was close to all the big names.

“The shop was rather small at street level, with traditional double shop windows and the entrance between. Then a narrow but deep men’s section. Some of the space was taken up with the stock on the right, but there wasn’t enough space for all the shoes, so much of the time we would have to apologise and run downstairs to find the right pair. The upper cash register was hidden down one stock aisle. 

“Immediately to the right of the entrance were the stairs to the basement area, with the ladies’ and children’s shoes. It had the usual Sixties wrought ironwork, with a plastic-coated banister. The stairs had a return, with a small landing near the top – enough to defeat any pushchair! Downstairs, although lacking natural light, felt much more airy and pleasant. There was a lot of comfortable seating, and mirrors. The stock ran around the selling area – a secret corridor with exits in two places. I learned how to read the stock codes, which always started with a number for the colour, then style – Ladies or Mens, heel or flat etc. I was a sale assistant: measuring feet, fitting, recommending suitable shoes, keeping the boxes tidy, operating the cash register etc. Behind the salesroom, where the stock aisle went right, the break room was to the left. It was grim. Wooden chairs, gloomy strip lighting, cheap table, rough floor”!

“But I enjoyed everything about that time. I would spring off the bus in Mersey Square, go through the entrance to the centre, and window shop as I went to work. Many big names were on the left. I would mentally give a wave to my Dad as I passed Woollies –  a nod to the memory, because by then he had been promoted and moved to manage other branches. And then I would cross to the right, because Lennards was there, and it was a quick “hello” to whoever let me in, down the stairs, into the staff room, coat off, and get ready to face the day – which some days involved the Jenga game of slotting the new stock into the old without landslides, as many will recall! 

“We were NEVER EVER left low on stock. Whether stock came automatically, or whether the new, nervous manager was good at least at that, it felt nice to work somewhere where everything appeared to run smoothly.

“Lennards sold some very nice, very fashionable platform shoes. I bought a pair of their Mary Jane style in blue, grey and white stripes. Shortly afterwards, a young girl came in and bought the same style in its different colourway: cherry, dark green, and brown. We bonded that day over a shared taste in shoes, and have remained friends ever since. That style was plastic, but still great quality. The leather shoes seemed indestructible. Some navy leather clogs I bought, with a decorative blanket stitch seam, long outlived the fashion itself.

“I think the fact that there are no photos of Lennards itself illustrates that it was not at the most photogenic part of Merseyway. It was slightly hidden.  It was fine, though, and raised in profile a bit by being a near neighbour of luxurious Nield and Hardy, which was not so much a store, but a 1940s MGM film set. On a winter’s night, Lennard’s could hold its own. It was twinkly and inviting. The party shoes for Christmas made it look like a jeweller’s.

“Even in those few short months, Lennard’s taught me a huge amount. I’ve always considered it a very significant part of my life. And the young girl who struggled to reach the top shelves to get the wellies out went on to study law, make a BBC documentary about autism (my son is autistic), and become the first ever social media star on the Internet for CompuServe – predating Facebook, Twitter, etc. by many years. Reading the biographies of the other staff on your website, I realise that I am not exceptional. Many people had interesting and remarkable lives. I’m just an ordinary Lennard’s employee!”

Charles Robert Jefferis

Born 1884 at Birmingham, he married Annie Lydiard BAKER in 1908 and they had a daughter Lillian Violet JEFFERIS 1909. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 16 Park Street, Walsall, Staffordshire

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

H Jeffrey

New manager Blackhall Branch Third Row 2^nd on left

Evan Ebeneser Jenkins

Assistant at Aberdare branch witness to a felony from the branch consult Southern branches A-G under Aberdare

Mrs E A Johns

Market Place branch 1940-1960 approx.

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

Miss Johnson Manager Bridge Street Goole seated Front row 3^rd from the right

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

R Johnson Durham Branch Middle row 7^th from the left big guy stands out

Mrs Johnson Front row 1^st on left squatting

R Johnson 

Manager of the Durham branch 134 Framwellgate since 1925 to 1934 Sunderland echo reports tragedy as runaway lorry kills 3, injures 3 and stops at the P.B. shop destroying four plate glass windows (full report) 14^th Sept 1934 Manager Mr. R. Johnson

Sophia Joint

Born 1849 at Ide, Devon, daughter of John JOINT, farmer, and his wife Elizabeth HAWKINS. In 1869 at Exeter she married John MORRISH, boot maker. Following his death at Plymouth in 1890 aged 42, she managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 152 King Street, Plymouth for several decades. She died at Leicester in 1931 aged 81.

Charles Jones

Manager of Merthyr branch

Merthyr Express Jan 1905 WANTED FOOD.—Walter Thompson and Jas. Pickering, tramps, who had very bad feet, and limped badly, were charged with stealing two pairs of boots, value 8s 11d., the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company, at their Merthyr shop on Saturday.—Charles  Jones, the manager of the shop.…… Consult Merthyr Tydfil Southern branches H-O for the full story

Edith Rachel Jones  

In 1901 she worked as a shop assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises on Peasecod Street, New Windsor, Berkshire.

Frank Jones

Assistant at Worcester shop: Worcester Chronicle July 1899  Stolen. Boots.—Annie Savers (28), 5, Dent street, was charged by Herbert Ball, 5, Castle Place, Edgar street, manager for the Public Benefit Boot Co., with stealing from outside that shop, 28, Shambles, two boy’s boots, value 2s. 11d on June 24. Frank Jones, assistant at the shop, stated that on the date in question about 10.15 at night in consequence of what Ada Bellamy told him he went to the Shambles and there saw prisoner opposite Messrs. Hall’s shop with a perambulator excerpt only consult Worcester for full story southern Branches P-Z

Henry Jones

Manager

West London Observer JULY 1902  ALLEGED THEFTS IN THE HIGH ROAD. Mary Ann William., laundress, of 83. Peter street, Westminster, was charged on remand at the West London Police-court on Monday. with stealing one pair of canvas shoes from outside 110, High-road, Chiswick, value Is. 6id., the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company, and, further, with stealing, on June 21st, sixteen yards of dress material, value 6s. 4d., the property of Wm. Soper, of 326, High-road. Hy. Jones, manager to the boot company, said he saw the prisoner standing outside the shop……. Consult London, Chiswick Southern branches H-O for the full story

Horace Arthur Jones

Death of Former Branch Manager Mr, Horace Arthur Jones, who retired seven years ago as Sheffield manager of the Public Benefit Boot Co.. Ltd, after 53 years’ service with the firm, has died aged 80. at 55. Fossdale Road, Sheffield One of the oldest members of Lees Hall Golf Club. Mr. Jones celebrated his golden wedding anniversary four years ago. Sheffield Daily Telegraph 18th august 1950. Horace was involved with the sad case of a young lad committing suicide from the shop

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….Consult Northern Branches P-Z Sheffield

Mr Jones 

New manager sent to Bromsgrove Branch 1926

Robert Haywood Jones


Born 1882 at Armley, Yorkshire, son of Joseph JONES, cashier, and his wife Anne HAYWOOD. He married Zillah Hannah BLACKBURN around 1909 and they had several children Roma JONES c1910 and Haywood Stenton John JONES 1912. In 1911 Robert was a partner in the Public Benefit Boot Co dealership that traded at 41-43 St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, West Yorkshire. He was also the grandfather of David Robert Jones who went on to become the well-known singer David Bowie. Robert served in WWI and was killed in action in France on 18 November 1916 aged 34.

Photo:Haywood Stenton Jones born St. Sepulchre Street Doncaster David Bowies’ dad.

Thomas Llewelyn Jones

Born c1882 in Wales, he married Charlotte Louise DAMEREL in 1909 at Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. In 1911 he managed the company’s boot shop at 11 Victoria Street, Wolverhampton.

John Oldroyd Jowett

John was manager for the Clock House Luton working for Mrs Susannah Taylor. In 1908 a curious case of an old man deceiving them to the point of supplying boots. Luton reporter 3rd April 1916 : The military appealed against the exemption granted to another Christadelphian, John Oldroyd Jowett, whom the Local Tribunal were stated to have regarded as “undoubtedly a funker, and no value to the fighting forces,” although at the same time they considered any other decision other than exemption would probably have a detrimental effect on the mans mind. “We have no control’ over the language.” observed Mr. Whitbread. “I shall decline to read expressions of that sort I don’t think it is proper. and I am not at all sure it is fair.” Jowett took up exactly the same attitude as Moorhead, with whom he joined the Christadelphian body, but it was held that his work in a retail boot shop could not be regarded as of national importance. and the case was adjourned for him to take up some national work. Northern Branches H-O Luton and surnames T-Z under S.Taylor for the full story of the court case from 1908 

Frederick Milsom Joynes

Born 1888 at Gloucester, he married Ethel Adelaide M KENT in 1907 at Bristol and their children included Harold F JOYNES c1908, Frederick Milsom JOYNES 1909 and Iris G JOYNES 1910. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 40 High Street, Ferndale, Glamorganshire. He died in Bristol in 1941

Mr J. M. Kearney

A manager at Southport and moved to the Lancaster Branch in first quarter of 1924

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

Miss F. Keefe 2^nd Row last one on the right

Mr Kendrick 

Manager for Ulverston found 3^rd Qtr 1924

Thomas Smart Kent 

Manager of 212 Wilderspool Road Warrington Branch 1900

Photo Ernest Jesse Keveren

Born 1871 at Gloucester, son of Arthur KEVEREN, master painter, and his wife Harriett Gabb SAUL. In 1894 in Somerset he married Beatrice Eliza BOWER (pictured with him at the left). Their children included Gladys Beatrice A KEVEREN 1895, Hilda Violet KEVEREN 1896, Lilian Ruth KEVEREN 1898 and Phyllis Grace KEVEREN 1900. His eldest brother Arthur George KEVEREN was a boot salesman and Ernest followed him into the trade. In the mid-1890s Ernest was based in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset and in South Wales; in 1898 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co shop at 88 Fisherton Street, Salisbury, after which he managed the company premises at The Cross, Worcester. Prior to 1918 he and his family moved to the USA and he died in Utah in 1964

June Key Bride Derbyshire Times & Chesterfield Herald 21^st July 1950 married Benefit Footwear employee (photo in the news paper)

Bertie George King

Born 1890 at Yarmouth, Norfolk, at the age of 21 he was working as a retail boot shop assistant at the company’s premises at 11 Carr Street, Ipswich, Suffolk. He married Ethel M WATMORE in 1914 and their children included Donald T KING 1914 and Leslie H KING 1922.

John Kingsbury

Born c1839 at Redcliff, Bristol. In 1911 at the age of 72, he managed the company premises at 19 High Street, Wells, Somerset. He died at Wells in 1916 aged 77.

Photo George Kirby

Born 1855 at Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, son of Edward KIRBY, bricklayer, and his wife Ann BONE. George’s mother died before he reached the age of six. In the early 1880s he worked as a music teacher in Dorking, Surrey, where he married Maria SCOTT in 1885. Their children included Ethel M KIRBY 1887 born Sheffield and Alan John KIRBY 1889 born Dorking. Along with his brother John he moved into the boot trade and managed large boot manufacturing operations in Warrington and Birkdale. For many years, he was a shareholder and director of the Public Benefit Boot Co. He died at Streatham, Surrey, in 1917 aged 62 and his widow Maria died there in 1929 aged 71.

Photo John Kirby

Born 1853 at Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, son of Edward KIRBY, bricklayer, and his wife Ann Bone. He started his working life as a glover and draper’s apprentice but by 1881 was working as a boot and shoe merchant at the establishment of Jabez HARKER in Nottingham. By 1891 John KIRBY was a boot factor in Sheffield where he successfully set up a large manufacturing operation. In 1892 he was the proprietor of the Public Benefit Boot Co branches in Sheffield and Chesterfield. He married Agnes Martha GOSS of Northampton in 1885 and their children included Lilian A KIRBY 1887, Winifred KIRBY 1890 and John KIRBY 1896. With his brother George, he was a shareholder as well as a highly regarded and long serving director of the Public Benefit Boot Co. He died at Sheffield in 1936 aged 84.

Ernest Kirkup 

Manager of P.B.B.co at North Shields 1923 details of a court case surrounding theft he was a witness consult Northern branches H-O

Henry Lacey

Born 1845 at Leicester, he firstly married Susannah who died in 1872 aged 26 leaving an infant son Henry Baker LACEY. He married secondly Emma KERSHAW of Leeds in 1875 and their children included Emma Kershaw  1876, John William  1877, Alice Nicholson  1878, Lilian Rhodes  1879, Frank Herbert  1881, Helen  1883, May  1884 and Albert Edward  1886. Emma died in 1890 aged 46 and in 1892 Henry married thirdly Sarah Jane WILKINSON of Binbrook, Lincolnshire. Their children included Percy Wilkinson LACEY 1895, Cecil Sinclair LACEY 1896, Norman Rhodes LACEY 1899 and Dorothy Margaret LACEY 1900. At the age of 25 Henry was an elastic web manufacturer employing 16 people. By the 1890s he was a commercial traveller in the boot trade and a shareholder in the Public Benefit Boot Co.

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

N Lamb Ashington Branch Middle Row 4^th from the left

Mrs Lamb Front row 3^rd from the left

PHOTO: NORTH MANAGERS AT ROUNDHAY PARK 9^TH JULY 1924

N Lamb Ashington Branch 2^nd Row 5^th from the left

Mrs Lamb Front Row third from the left

N.Lamb

Consult Ashington Northern Branches A-G for extra information on the two cases below

Mr Lamb, manager of the Public Benefit Boot ASHINGTON June 1922

N.Lamb  manager of the shop 17 Station Road Ashington June 1924

Christopher Lane

Manager of the Walsall shop when boots were purloined in 1906

Walsall Advertiser March 1906 WANTED SIX WEEKS, BUT ONLY GOT A MONTH. Thomas Bunch (60). labourer, of no fixed abode, was charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 5s 11d, the property of Public Benefit Boot Company, Limited, Park Street, on the 16th last.-A boy named Charles Holmes, deposed to seeing the prisoner take the bools from outside the shop and going into the entry of the New Inn, and put them under his coat. —Christopher Lane manager stated the previous witness informed him of the theft and going outside he saw the prisoner and gave him into custody.—Police-constable Aires (14) said that when arrested and charged, prisoner said Yes, I want six weeks.”— Prisoner now pleaded guilty, and asked what he had to say remarked. ‘ Poverty, poverty and starvation.”—The Chief Constable said he thought the prisoner was desirous that someone should keep him. The workhouse had refused him several times and he broke a window. He got one month hard labour

Photo Henry James Lane

born 1856 in Tewkesbury, son of Henry LANE, shoemaker, and his wife Mary. He married Emma RUCK in 1871 at Tewkesbury and they had a son Harry George 1881 at New Swindon, Wiltshire. 1895 manager of Penryn Lower Market Street Branch & 1897-1901 he managed the 15 Havelock Street branch in Sheffield. 1911 was living at Sunnyside, Hathersage, Derby’s working as a District manager & inspector for a limited company trading in boots and shoes retired Xmas 1927 having accomplished  42 years as assistant branch manager and inspector. In 1900 he was one of the recipients of a firms’ outing

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.  Mr. H. J. Lane proposed ‘Our Defensive Forces”. The places of interest were afterwards visited. Mr. H. J. Lane acting as guide to the Blue John Mines,  Despite the fact that the weather was not as bright as might have been, the outing was thoroughly enjoyed.

PHOTO: NORTH MANAGERS AT ROUNDHAY PARK 9^TH JULY 1924

W P Laws Crook Branch Third Row 6^th from left

Photo  W P Laws

Manager of Crook branch 1924 sent to manage new branch at Gosforth 3^rd QTR 1926

Fred LAX

Born 1865 at Crook, Co Durham, he married Emily Jane PROCTER in 1900 and ten years later 1910 he managed the company’s premises at 10 Hope Street, Crook. He died at Gainford, Co Durham, 2 September 1938 aged 73

George Le’Cheminant

Born c1889, in 1911 he worked as an assistant in the company’s Bristol boot warehouse. He served in WWI and died in Bristol in 1956 

James Herbert Lee

Born 1886 at Bolton, Lancashire, son of John Bedford LEE, commercial traveller and grocer, and his wife Mary Ann LEES. He managed the Public Benefit Boot Co branch at 34 Queen Street, Bridlington from when it first opened in 1911 until 1916 when he enlisted in WWI, after which his wife Mary took over as manageress. He served in the 8^th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment and was killed in action in France 1 May 1917 aged 31.

William Legge

Born 1853 at Pinkney, Wiltshire, son of Thomas LEGGE, cordwainer, and his wife Jane. In 1879 he married Augusta Jane BRYANT and their children included William LEGGE 1882, Frank Robert A LEGGE 1883, Frederick Andrew LEGGE 1885, Charles Bryant LEGGE 1888, Winifred Nora LEGGE 1893 and Francis Evelyn LEGGE 1897. William worked firstly as a grocer before moving into the boot trade. In the 1890s and early 1900s William managed Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Sheffield. He was also involved with prosecuting a felon at the branch in Sheffield set out below

William Legge was part of a contingency on a firms’ outing from Moorhead Sheffield in 1900.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. Mr. W. Legge of the Public Benefit Boot Company. limited, and J. Harding  toasted “The Chairman and Supporters,” all of which were heartily accepted.  Despite the fact that the weather was not as bright as might have been, the outing was thoroughly enjoyed.

Sheffield Independent Nov 1908  FIRST COURT. TUESDAY.. SHOP BREAKING CHARGE. Harry Simpson (31), scale stamper, and his wife Mary Ann (30), of Henry street, were in the dock on a charge of shop breaking- Mr. Arthur Neal appeared for the prosecutors, the Public Benefit Boot Company, and Mr. Walpole Hiller defended. A robbery took place on the company’s premises at 15. Infirmary road, during the week-end. On Monday fourteen odd boots and sixteen pairs, worth £7 1s. 9d., were missing. On the same day the female prisoner visited two pawnshops to offer boots in pledge. Later the prisoners house was visited by Detective-sergeant Denton and Detective Fretwell. There, under the bed and in the outhouse, they found a number of boots which were identified by the prosecutors’ property. William Legge, of 550, Abbeydale road, manager for the prosecutors, said that the boots were evidently taken from the shop through a hole made in a plate-glass window. At the end of the evidence for the prosecution, the charge against the female prisoner was abandoned, the legal presumption in such case being that the husband is responsible for what his wife does under his direction. In the witness box the prisoner said he found the boots concealed in the outhouse at his home. He at first thought of reporting the find but his wife said it might get somebody into trouble. Ah warn’t sweet on t’ job,” added the witness, he was sorry he did not tell the police. The prisoner was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions. Consult P-Z Northern Branches

Photo  Mr G T Leggett 

Began in 1924 as manager of Spennymoor Branch sent to manage Bishop Auckland  Branch 2^nd QTR 1926

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

G T Leggett Spennymoor Branch Back row standing 7^th on the left

Mrs Leggett front row squatting 7^th from the left black dress holding the boy

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

G T Leggett Spennymoor Branch Back row 3^rd from the right

Photo Ernest William Lennard

Born 1888 at Stroud, son of William LENNARD, boot retailer, and his wife Emma KIRCHIN. He joined Lennards Ltd in 1922 and was managing director in the 1930s. In April 1925 as Lieutenant Colonel he assumed command of the 6th Battalion (Bristol) and in 1926 he received territorial decorations. In December 1929 in conjunction with the Cowper Shoe Company Ltd of Shakespeare Road, Northampton, he applied for a patent relating to a fastening device for lace-up boots and shoes; the patent was accepted in August 1930. He was appointed the Sheriff of Bristol in 1938.

Francis Henry Lennard

Born 1878 at Leicester, son of William LENNARD, boot retailer, and his wife Emma KIRCHIN. At the turn of the century he worked in boot manufacturing in Kettering.

Gloucester Chronicle Oct 1907  THEFT OF BOOTS. Leonard Rhyles, Linton, near Ross was charged with stealing pair of boots, value 6s 11d, the property of the Public Benefit Boot Co.. Ltd.. 5 East gate street Gloucester Mr. A. Lionel Lane defended. Francis Henry Lennard. manager for the company said the boots were hanging at the door of the shop at one o clock on Saturday.At 2-30 they were missing! Mr Lane asked’ The boots usually hanging outside the shop did not encroach on the public footpath? D. C Protherogh said that he saw prisoner, who was in company with another young man, outside the Public Benefit Boot Co.’s shop at 1.30 on Saturday afternoon. he appeared to be unfastening something from a string of boots hanging outside the shop, door A minute or two or later he put something under his coat and walked towards the Cross. Here witness stopped him. and took the boots produced from under his coat.Prisoner said “All right sir that’s acting the fool” when charged at the police station prisoner replied “That’s right. I hope you will let me have bail” Prisoner pleaded guilty. Apparently Mr Rhyles was in Gloucester about 8.0 clock am as it was his birthday and he was celebrating, had too much drink and took the boots when dare to do so by his friend. Once again the question of hanging boots outside was putting temptation before people.The chairman said the bench had long since disapproved of the practice as temptation made the thief. fined 5s & 18s costs or in default 10 days imprisonment”  

Henry Lennard

Born about 1857 at Leicester, son of Frederic LENNARD and his wife Mary GANT. In 1881 he married Mary Anne BRENNAN, daughter of Martin BRENNAN, a cabinetmaker from Ireland. Henry devoted his life to the family’s boot and shoe making interests. His wife died after an accidental fall at Leicester in 1902 aged 47 and Henry died at Leicester in 1910 aged 54.

John Lennard

Born 1845 at Leicester, son of Frederic LENNARD and his wife Mary GANT. In 1870 he married Ellen Mary TOVELL of Ballingdon, Essex. Their children included Mary Tovell LENNARD 1871, Robert Frederic LENNARD 1873 and Clara LENNARD 1874. Initially a schoolteacher, John subsequently joined his brothers in boot manufacturing in Leicestershire and Gloucestershire. In 1897 he was secretary of Lennards Ltd and he served on the board of the Public Benefit Boot Co until 1905.

Photo Samuel Lennard

Born 5 June 1851 at Leicester, son of Frederic LENNARD and his wife Mary GANT. In 1889 he married Annie Eliza WOOD, daughter of Alderman Edward Wood, JP. Their children included Eveline Anne LENNARD 1890, Edward Wood LENNARD 1892, Kathleen Mary LENNARD 1893 and Samuel Frederic LENNARD 1894. He was chairman of Lennard Bros Ltd, member of London Cordwainers’ Guild, president of the National Boot and Shoe Manufacturers’ Federation from 1896 to 1899. He was elected Alderman in 1891 and Justice of the Peace for the borough of Leicester in 1895. In November 1900, he was elected Mayor of Leicester and died suddenly on 14 September 1901 at Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, aged 50, a few weeks before completing his term of office as mayor. Both of his sons were killed in action during World War One.

Leicester Chronicle April 1876 Alleged Theft. — John Willson was charged with stealing 8s. 6d., the property of his masters, Messrs. Walker, Kempson, and Brown. — Inspector Wilkinson said on Saturday afternoon he received the prisoner into custody from Mr. Brown, and charged him with obtaining 8s. 6d. by means of false pretences, but he made no reply. At the station he charged him with stealing the money, when he said he intended giving it back to Mr. Lennard, the manager….consult Leicester in Southern Branches H-O for the full story

Leicester Chronicle March 1877 Alleged Wholesale Boot Robbery. — Henry Pearson and William Knott were charged on remand with stealing 80 pairs of boots, value £9, the property of Messrs. Wright and Leonard. Mr. Leonard said he was a shoe manufacturer, and carried on business in partnership with Mr. T. Wright, in Junior-street. The box containing 80 pairs of boots now produced, was the property of the firm…consult Leicester in Southern Branches H-O for the full story

Leicester Chronicle July 1884 The Extensive Theft of Heel Lifts.— Joseph Green (12) and J. W. Coleman (13) were again placed m the dock charged with stealing 50lbs. of heel lifts, value £2 5s. the property of their employers, Messrs. Billson and Pick, shoe manufacturers, Spinner-Street, and Thomas Spencer, shoemaker, Vauxhall-Street, was charged with feloniously receiving the same knowing them to have been stolen.— Mr. J. B. Fowler again appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. J. T. Hincks for Spencer consult Leicester in Southern Branches H-O for the full story involving Lennard and Wright

Photo Sir Thomas Joseph Lennard

Born 4 July 1861 at Leicester, son of Frederic LENNARD and his wife Mary GANT. He gained his education from public schools and private tutors in Leicester and commenced business as a boot manufacturer in 1877. He travelled around the world visiting Egypt, India, Ceylon, USA, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands. In 1893 he married Edith Georgina SAUNDERS, daughter of a London banker, Horace Edward JAY. In November 1896, he bought footwear retail outlets from his brother Samuel and formed Lennards Ltd of Bristol. In 1904 he acquired a financial interest in the Public Benefit Boot Co of Leeds and became its chairman and managing director – positions he held until 1907. He was appointed Sheriff of Bristol and Gloucestershire in 1912 and he died at Cheriton Bishop, Devon, 1 June 1938 aged 76.

William Lennard

Born 1847 at Leicester, son of Frederic LENNARD and his wife Mary GANT. He married Emma KIRCHIN in 1872 at Loughborough and they had the following children: Annie LENNARD 1873, John Frederic LENNARD 1875, Francis Henry LENNARD 1878, Helen LENNARD 1884 and Ernest William LENNARD 1888. William worked in boot manufacturing in Leicester before managing company retail premises in Stroud and Gloucester for several decades. He died at Gloucester in 1924 aged 78 and his wife Emma died there in 1926 aged 79.

Stroud News and Gloucestershire Adv June 1886 Margaret Sims dressmaker  of Cainscross, was charged with obtaining by false pretences one pair of boots, value 3. 11d, the property of William Leonard, of the Public Benefit Boot Shop, Stroud, on May 28. Prosecutor, on being asked to be sworn, said he wished to ask permission to withdraw the case on consideration for the parents—The Chairman said it was a public prosecution, and they must hear the evidence.— Prosecutor then stated that defendant came to his shop and asked to have two pairs. of boots for Miss Barton, at Mr Hobb’s shop, as she could not get out. He did not know Miss Barton, but knew Mr Hobbs, and thought it was right. He knew the prisoner by sight, but not by name. He should have let her had the boots if she had asked for them in her own name. One pair was returned in about half an hour by a lad. George Henry Woodward, assistant to prosecutor, said that he was in the shop when defendant came in…..excerpt of a long case consult Stroud Southern Branches P-Z

Thomas James Lennox

Portsmouth evening News June 1897 Rose Mintrum. 33. was charged with stealing from the outside of no. 273. Commercial Road Landport, three pairs of shoes, value 14s. 10d the property of  Thomas James Lennox. trading as the Public “Benefit Boot Company….Probably a franchisee for the full story Consult Portsmouth Southern branches P-Z

Harry Samuel Lenton

Born 1855 at Northampton, son of John Lenton, draper, and his second wife Elizabeth BREE. He married Charlotte BURROWS in 1883 at Stamford, Lincolnshire and children included Katherine Mary LENTON 1884, Harry Lancelot 1886, John Frewin 1887, Frederick James 1888 and Jessie 1889. From at least 1891 until 1911 Harry managed the company’s premises at 18 High Street, Stamford and his wife Charlotte assisted in the business. He retired in January 1928 having been manager of the Skipton Branch for 12 years.

J.H. Lenton

2, Westfield Avenue Pontefract employee 1941

Charles Lewis

Born 1858 in Northamptonshire, son of George LEWIS, boot trade foreman, and his wife Mary FLAVELL. He married Sarah Fanny COOMBS in 1879 and their children included James LEWIS 1879, John LEWIS 1882, Mary Flavell LEWIS 1886 and Walter Edward LEWIS 1891. Along with other members of his extended family, Charles was involved in shoe manufacturing and held shares in the Public Benefit Boot Co.

Edward Lewis

Born 1862 in Northamptonshire, son of George LEWIS, boot trade foreman, and his wife Mary FLAVELL. He married Mary LEACH in 1884 and their children included George LEWIS 1886, Gwendoline Nellie LEWIS 1888 and Elsie Mary LEWIS 1890. A Public Benefit Boot Co shareholder, Edward commenced in the boot and shoe trade as a clicker before taking on factory management.

Thomas Davies Lewis

Born 1870 at Duston, Northamptonshire, son of George LEWIS, boot trade foreman, and his wife Mary FLAVELL. He married Catherine ADAMS in 1897 and their children included Henry George LEWIS born in 1898. By the age of 20 Thomas was an employer in shoe manufacturing and was, like his brothers, a shareholder in the Public Benefit Boot Co.

Thomas Lilley

Born 1902, the son of Thomas LILLEY, a former chairman of Lilley and Skinner Ltd, and a great grandson of Thomas LILLEY, who founded the Lilley footwear business in 1835. He joined the family firm in 1925, was made a director in 1944, and chairman and managing director on the death of his father in 1951. He played a leading part in the merging of the firm with the Saxone shoe business in 1957. He married Mrs Vera COTTINGHAM in 1940 and died at his home in London 27 November 1959 aged 57.

Joseph Richard Lillicrap

Born 1882 at East Stonehouse, Devon, son of Silas LILLICRAP, railway porter, and his wife Martha EDYVAIN. He married Emma Maud Julia MONCRIEFFE in 1904 at Bristol and their children included Marjorie May LILLICRAP 1906, Dudley Richard Leslie LILLICRAP 1908 and Sidney Silas LILLICRAP 1910. He was a Lennards Ltd shareholder and in 1914 managed the boot shop at 118-120 Stretford Road, Manchester. He died at Totnes, Devon in 1949 aged 67 and his widow Emma died there in 1962 aged 85.

 J.Lindsay

Jarrow Express July 1916  JARROW MEN AT THE FRONT. We have received the  following from Sergt. J. Lindsay, D.L.I., B.E.F., whose home is at 25, Lord Street. He says :—“The Jarrow boys in our regiment are still in the pink. I have had the “Jarrow Express** sent out me, and was pleased to read of Billy Rowland winning the Military Cross, and also about Jarrow men being mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s dispatches. I came across Young Barr, of Jarrow. who is a member of the Rifle Brigade, and he looked to me in the pink. I spent an hour or two in the village near our billets in company with the late manager of Benefit Boot Co.’s branch shop. Ormonde Street. “Mr. Telfer,” and “Jarrow, dear old Jarrow,“ as termed it, was the sole topic of our conversation. You cannot imagine how delightful it to meet one from the old town out here. In my opinion Fritz is about beaten. I don’t think it will lie long before we administer the “coup de grace.” I expect everyone will lie pleased to read of our troops’ advance.

Reuben Ling

Manager of Stamford shop was involved as witness and prosecutor of a spate of robberies at the branch set out below.

Stamford Mercury Nov 1910 John Holden, labourer, Bolton, was charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 5s. 11d., the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company, St. John’s street, the previous day.—Reuben Ling, the manager, said the boots were hung on a rod outside the shop, and he saw them a few minutes after 5 p.m.—P.c. Dowse said about 5.30 was on duty in plain clothes in High-street. Prisoner came from the direction of the shop, and noticing something bulky under his arm witness followed him. He asked him what he had under his coat, and prisoner replied ” I might as well tell you the truth, a pair of boots.” He took him back to the shop and charged him with the theft, and Holden said ” I wanted a pair. I’ve got no money, so what am I to do ? ” —He was remanded until Saturday.

Grantham Journal Dec 1910 Warning to Careless Tradesmen.At Stamford on Saturday, James Woodhead, stonemason, Coventry, was committed for trial charged on remand with stealing a pair of boots, the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company, on the 10th inst. Reuben Ling, the manager of the shop, in reply to the Mayor, said the boots were hanging outside the shop at some distance from the door. The Mayor : Don’t you see the temptation you put in the way of these men. You know of the complaints which have emanated from the Bench what they consider the carelessness displayed by people hanging goods at a distance from their doors. Mr. Ling replied that they usually had someone outside looking after the goods. The Mayer said that the Bench, in order to emphasise their disapproval of this practice, had decided not to allow the prosecutor costs

Stamford Mercury Nov 1911 John Ward. labourer. Barnsley and Robert Hunt, labourer, Salford. charged on remand with stealing two pairs of boots, value 11s. 10d.. the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company, were committed to the Quarter Sessions. The boots were taken from the shop front.-The Mayor said the Bench had decided not to allow the prosecutors managers costs.— Mr R Ling (the local manager for the company) said it appeared that the Bench made two rules for such cases, for they allowed the costs of some tradesmen and refused those of others. The matter of expenses did not affect him, but he thought it unfair. The Mayor: “That is the decision of the magistrates”

J Lloyd

Errand boy at Wolverhampton Branch found 1^st QTR 1927

John Lloyd

Somerset Standard July 1901 MOTHER AND TWO DAUGHTERS IN Rosina Annie Ledbury (19) and Maud Laura Ledbury(11) sisters, of Cross-street, were summoned for stealing s pair of shoes, value 1s. 11d., the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company, Market-place, Frome, on the 29th June, and Frances Mary Ledbury, mother of the above, was summoned for receiving the shoes, well knowing them to have been stolen on the same date.—P.C. Treeby stated that he received information of the loss of the shoes, and after inquiries he saw Mrs. Ledbury. He told her a pair of shoes had been stolen from the Public Benefit Company’s shop In the Market place and he suspected that she knew something about it. She showed him the shoes produced, and stated that they were what her daughter brought home from Reading In February. He took the shoes to the manager at the shop, who identified them. He afterwards went to Broadway Factory, where he arrested Rosina Ledbury, and at first she denied the charge, but on the way to the Police Station she said: “I and my sister Maud were down town on Saturday afternoon, when Maud picked the shoes from off a peg, put them under her cape, and we took them home and told mother we had stolen them from the Public Benefit Company.” He next arrested Mrs. Ledbury, and after he had read over to her what her daughter had stated she replied “I was stupid to have done it.” He afterwards arrested the younger girl, and she said what her sister stated was all right.—John Lloyd, manager of the Public Benefit Company’s shop at Frome, deposed to missing the shoes, and to Identifying those produced, the value being 1s. 11d. —Rosina Ledbury said she told the constable that her sister picked the shoes up off the ground, and Maud with many tears said the shoes were on the pavement outside the shop. The mother, who also shed tears, said when the girls brought home the shoes she did not know what to do for the best. She did not like to send them back and she thought of burning them. — The Chairman commented strongly on shopkeepers placing their goods outside their shops as a temptation. In that case they believed the mother was much the worst offender, as she knew the shoes had not been honestly come by. She would be fined :30s, Rosina Ledbury would be fined 10s, and Maud would he bound over to come up for judgment within the next six months, if called upon

Joseph George Lloyd

Born 1869 at Gosport, Hampshire, son of Joseph William LLOYD, licensed barge waterman. He married Mary ARMSTRONG in 1893 at Portsea and their children included Leonard Joseph A LLOYD 1898 and Alec George LLOYD 1907. He worked initially as a shop assistant and from at least 1901 until 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 33 Kings Road, Southsea, Hampshire. He died at Bournemouth, Hampshire, 13 June 1935 aged 65.

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

J.Lock Scunthorpe 2^nd row 4^th from the left

Mrs Lock 3^rd row 3^rd from the right

Photo  J Lock

30^th April 1896 as an assistant at Barnstaple  North Devon Journal April 1896 Charity Farrell  a married woman stole a cap from a shop in Barnstaple then a pair of boots from the entrance to the shop of the Public Benefit Boot Company. They were discovered missing on Saturday evening and Walter Matthews the manager of the shop sent his shop lad John Lock to report the offence. Meanwhile Mrs Farrell had been seen by a policeman and arrested subsequently she was charged with stealing the cape and the boots. Her age and the fact that she had children made it difficult to understand how a woman of her standing would get into such a mess. She was sentenced to seven days imprisonment and arrangements were made to look after her children until she came out.The judge declined to fine her as it would also punish the husband. Consult Barnstaple in Southern branches A-G 

F. G. Lodge 

Manager of Cheltenham Branch committed suicide it was reported in the Gloucester Citizen 29^th August 1898. The funeral of Mr. F. G. Lodge, whose death occurred on Wednesday under circumstances already reported, took place on Saturday afternoon. The principal mourners were Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Lodge, Mr. G. Lodge, and the young lady to whom deceased was engaged to be married, and also her brother. Wreaths were sent from the manager and assistants of the Swindon branch of the Public Benefit Boot Co.. and also by Mr. A. Brown, the district inspector of the company

Mr Long 

New manager at new shop King St. Huddersfield

Elizabeth Lucas

Born c1875 at Manchester, Lancashire, at the age of 36 in 1911 she managed the company’s premises at 91-93 School Road, Sale, Cheshire.

Fred Lunn

Along with his brother worked at the Benefit Footwear repair facility at Templar Street, Leeds 1940’s onwards.

Joe Lunn worked at the Benefit Footwear repair facility at Templar Street, Leeds 1940’s onwards

Samuel Charles Lusty

Born 1878 at Bristol, son of Charles LUSTY, oil lamp, soap and general dealer, and his second wife Sophia Matilda CRITCHLEY. At the age of 12 he worked as an errand boy for a Bristol boot shop (likely one of Lennards Ltd branches). He married Minnie GOUGH in 1901 at Bristol and had a son Clifford Gough LUSTY 1903. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 7 Grosvenor Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, and in 1914 he was a Lennards Ltd shareholder.

Mrs McAlpine 

Cashier at 11 & 40 Northumberland Street, 1950’s

Billy Mackie 

Trainee manager at Newcastle 61 Clayton street 1950’s

John McDougal 

Manager of Consett Branch in 1923 as reported in Yorkshire Post 4th July 1923.

Edward McGrath

Manager  Derry Journal May 1907 Edward McGrath, a manager in the employment of the Public Benefit Boot Co., stated that on the date mentioned defendant visited the shop and got two pairs of boots value 5s 11d for which he tendered a coin resembling a sovereign. When witness questioned him as to where got the coin he said he received it from a man named Thompson who lived on the Strand. Defendant took one pair of boots and paid 2s lid in the current coin for them. Witness retained the base coin and informed the police of the matter. Mr. Scott—The man was very drunk at the time and probably might not have known what he was saying. Constable M‘Donnell, who gave evidence of arrest, said that when the defendant became sober he said he got coins in his mother-in-law’s house, and took them, he thought they were good enough, other wise he would not have touched them. To Mr. Scott—Witness did not know whether or not defendant tendered the coin knowing it to be base. Robert Thompson. Strand Road, denied having given defendant any money any time. He had not known the man. Consult Londonderry Southern Branches H-O

Mr McGrath 

Assistant at ‘Lion House’ Leeds sent to manage Newland Avenue Branch Hull 1^st QTR 1926

Photo Ginger Laurence McManus a deaf and dumb worker one of many taken on by the company. A report appeared on this man in the Yorkshire Post & Leeds Intelligencer 1948 on 6^th May Ginger Laurence McManus in nine hours stitched 66 pairs of soles per hour at Templar Street repair factory and was praised in the newspaper (photo).

Andrew Mabane

Salisbury Times Jan 1901 Andrew Mabane, bailed on committal, was charged that, being clerk or servant to Thos. Joseph Leonard and others. Public Benefit Boot Company, Swindon, he did feloniously and fraudulently embezzle certain sums of money in August and September. and did also falsify drivers books with intent to defraud. Six months’ imprisonment, with hard labour

Arthur Mabane 

Manager at the New Swindon Branch 25^th August 1898

Swindon Farringdon Ad. & Vale of the White Horse gazette June 1898 House Breaking, George Thomas a tramp stole £3.5s from a house consisting of coins. He then went on a spending spree, at the Public Benefit Boot shop he gave a crown piece and a shilling for boots costing 5s 11d according to the manager Arthur Mabane. At Hepworth and sons Albert Chard manager also gave evidence as to purchases there. He frequented the Volunteer inn and had a pint of beer in the Crown public house. George Thomas was committed for trial at Reading Quarter sessions

Fred Maggs

Born 1870 at Twerton near Bath, Somerset, son of Mark MAGGS, boot manufacturer, and his wife Martha BATTEN. He married Decima JENKINS of Bryn-Mawr, Breconshire in 1896. He worked firstly as a commercial traveller, presumably in the boot trade, and by 1901 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co shop at 211 High Street, Exeter. 1905-1913 manager of John O’ Gaunts branch Lincoln. He later managed the company’s premises at 31 Sidwell Street, Exeter, where he died in 1923 aged 53.

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

Mr Mallinson of John O’ Gaunts Lincoln front row seated 7^th from the left

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

W W Mallinson Lincoln Third Row 6^th from the end (right)

Mr Mann 

Manager of Small Heath found 4^th QTR 1927

Jean Manning 

Assistant Babbington Buildings Derby 1950’s/60’s

Douglas William March

Born 1893 at Nether Slowey, Somerset, son of William James MARCH, police sergeant, and his wife Charlotte FEAR. 1911 worked as a boot shop assistant in the company’s Bristol premises and served in Europe during WWI.

William Frederick Marples 

Manager of 109 Bath Street Ilkeston in Dec 1910 he was the prosecutor in a felony case involving the shop

James Henry Robert Francis Marrian

Born 17 June 1881 at Balsall Heath, Worcester, son of James Robert MARRIAN, physician, and his wife Eliza WATKINS. Following the death of his father in 1887, his mother became a boot and shoe dealer, firstly in Kings Norton and later in Balsall Heath. Based in Worcester, James Henry Robert Francis MARRIAN was involved in tanning and shoe manufacturing enterprises. He married in 1909 and had a son Francis John Morton MARRIAN in 1912. He travelled to the USA in 1924, joined the Benefit Footwear board in 1929 and was managing director until 1937. He continued on the board until at least 1947 and died in 1964 aged 82

E G Marsh 

Manager of 24 Norman Road Hastings in 1918

Fred Marshall

Born 1877 at Hunmanby in the parish of North Burton he died in 1961 at Bridlington. Father was James and Mother Sarah Moor, Fred had four brothers and one sister. Dad, James  a grocer specialising in Tea and coffee  in 1892 he became a boot dealer also living above the shop at Market place Hunmanby. About this time 15 years old Fred would be helping his father in the shop as assistant, we know Fred set up a boot shop at 25 high street Bridlington in 1896 and was still there in 1901, the 1911 census lists him as a boot dealer at 52 High Street Bridlington. Fred franchised for the Public Benefit Boot Company at some point possibly 1906 when 17 advertisements appear in the Hull Daily Mail all advertising Public Benefit Boots and shoes available from Fred’s shop in the High Street but by 1st May 1906 the agreement had ended. Fred makes reference to an association with the company address in Prospect Street Hull and may have gained his experience there as proof exists of a company policy of training assistants for management or even perhaps franchising?

Samuel Marshall

Hendon & Finchley Times Feb 1903  MIDLAND RAILWAY EMPLOYEES CONVICTED OF STEALING SHOES. the Edgware Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, before Mr. J. K. Lilley (in the chair), Mr. A. Dunlop……Lengthy case of  four railway employees stealing boots destined for Hull P. B. Boot com. The police kept watch then pounced and arrested them…  ……..In a further charge Parkins and Cheshire were accused of collaborating in stealing and receiving from a van of the Midland railway four pairs of shoes value 14s. destined for Hull.The four pairs were later recovered from their homes. Samuel Marshall a receiver in the employ of the Public Benefit Boot Company, Hull,(Prospect Street)…… For the full story consult London, Hendon Southern Branches H-O

John Marston

Born 1849 at Coventry, the son of Isaac MARSTON, silk weaver, and his wife Ann HILL. He married Emily BROOKS in 1871 at Coventry and their children included Arthur MARSTON 1873, Emily Elizabeth MARSTON 1876, William John MARSTON 1878, Edith MARSTON 1880, and Frederick MARSTON 1882. In the 1880’s he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co shop at 4 Hales Street and Spon Street, Coventry. He later moved to Edgbaston where his son William assisted in the boot shop.

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

Wm. John Marston Holderness Rd. Branch seated 9^th from the left on the Front row

Photo  William John Marston

Born 1878 at Coventry, son of John Marston, boot maker, and his wife Emily BROOKS. In 1905 at Birmingham he married Emily Elizabeth ARNOLD and their children included William Henry MARSTON born 3 December 1908 at Hull. At the age of 22 he worked as a boot shop assistant at the business at Edgbaston, Birmingham run by his parents. From at least 1911 until the 1926 he managed the premises at 35-37 Holderness Road, Hull. In June 1926 he managed the Prospect Street shop. He died at Birmingham in 1953 aged 74 and his wife Emily died there in 1959

Percival Henry Claude Martin 


Born 1880 at Maidstone, Kent, son of William Henry MARTIN, boot manufacturer, and his wife Etta RANDALL. His father was Mayor of Maidstone 1914-15. In 1901 he worked as a boot salesman assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises on Peasecod Street, New Windsor, Berkshire. He served in WWI with the R.A.F. and in 1919 married Lucille WHITTELL and they had children William W MARTIN 1921 and Pamela L MARTIN 1926. He and his brother Ernest Frederick Randall MARTIN continued in the boot manufacturing business at Maidstone where he died in 1960 aged 77.

Miss M Martin 

Assistant Seaham Harbour found 1^st QTR 1927

W.B.Martin 

Assistant Station Road Port Talbot WOUNDED AND MISSING: Mrs. Martin, 21. Blenheim Road, Gloucester has received officiaL notification from the War Office that her husband, Pte. W. B. Martin, Welsh Guards, has been reported wounded and now missing since an engagement in France on September 16th. Previous to enlistment was employed by Lennards Ltd., Station Road, Port Talbot   Gloucestershire Chronicle November 1916 

Miss M. Mason

Spennymoor branch found 2^nd Qtr 1925

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

T. R Mason Chester Le Street Branch Middle row 1^st on left

PHOTO: NORTH MANAGERS AT ROUNDHAY PARK 9^TH JULY 1924

T R Mason Chester Le Street Branch Third Row 3^rd from the right

Thomas A Mason 

Manager of Newcastle Wallsend shop in 1940’s

Walter J. Matthews 

Manager at Barnstaple                                                                                                                     North Devon Journal April 1896 Charity Farrell  a married woman stole a cap from a shop in Barnstaple then a pair of boots from the entrance to the shop of the Public Benefit Boot Company. They were discovered missing on Saturday evening and Walter Matthews the manager of the shop sent his shop lad John Lock to report the offence. Meanwhile Mrs Farrell had been seen by a policeman and arrested subsequently she was charged with stealing the cape and the boots. Her age and the fact that she had children made it difficult to understand how a woman of her standing would get into such a mess. She was sentenced to seven days imprisonment and arrangements were made to look after her children until she came out.The judge declined to fine her as it would also punish the husband. Consult Barnstaple Southern branches A-G

Gloucestershire Chronicle August 1905 On the occasion of the removal of Mr. W. J. Matthews, local manager of the Public Benefit Boot Company, to Plymouth, a supper party, was on, Tuesday Evening given at 5 Eastgate Gloucester,  in his honour..

Peter Geoffrey Meade, the only son of Sergt. J. V. Meade, County Police, and Mrs. Meade, Bennington, left the village tins week for training with tire R.A.F. For the past three years an employee of the Public Benefit Boot Co.. Market Place, Boston Peter had been a member of the 141 (Boston) Squadron, A.T.C., for 18 months

Ernest George Meech

Born 1878 at Eastcott, Wiltshire, son of George MEECH, farm bailiff and farmer, and his wife Fanny STEVENS. In 1901 he worked as a boot salesman assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises on Peasecod Street, New Windsor, Berkshire, later working as a clothiers’ manager. In 1905 he married Nina Sophia ROSSITER and in 1917 he enlisted and was sent to France with the Honourable Artillery Company. He died in France a few months later aged 38 and his widow Nina died at Christchurch, Hampshire in 1956 aged 79.

Clarice Gertrude Melton

Born 23 October 1904 at Hull, daughter of Robert MELTON, fisherman and oil pressman, and his wife Anne Elizabeth TINDALL. She worked at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at Holderness Road, Hull in the 1920’s when William John MARSTON was the manager. She was a saleswoman and remembered a large clock made by Potts at the premises. She married Henry Johnson DENT who died at Hull in 1981 and she died there in 1992 aged 87.

Alfred Merriweather

Born 1882 at Wakefield brother to William Edward left the company in 1924 after managing the Blyth shop.

Christopher Merriweather

Born 1891 at Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, son of Charles MERRIWEATHER and his wife Margaret Hannah CARTWRIGHT. He married Gwendoline Anne ARMSTRONG in 1914 at Darlington and their children included Nancy MERRIWEATHER 1917 and Christopher MERRIWEATHER c1918. He joined the Public Benefit Boot Co in 1916 and managed one of the company shops before he was appointed inspector of the northern district in 1937. His primary responsibility in this role was to ensure that the company’s policies were carried out consistently throughout his region. He joined the Royal Navy in September 1942 and saw service abroad. He returned to the company in March 1946. William CLAYTON, who worked at the Blyth shop from the late 1930’s, recalled that Christopher MERRIWEATHER had very high standards as a district inspector. His wife Gwendoline died at Darlington, Yorkshire in 1953 aged 60 and he died there in 1965 aged 73.

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

W.E. Merriweather Middle row fourth from the end going right behind his wife

Mrs Merriweather front row squatting fourth from the end going right

Photo. William Edward Merriweather

born 1880 Wakefield son of William & Ann and brother to Alfred. Married Edith in 1911 he is described as a boot dealer at Thornlea, West Crescent Darlington. Became the North-eastern district inspector before retiring in 1928.

George William Miles


Born 1890 at Bridlington, Yorkshire, son of Henry (Harry) MILES, barge boatman, and his wife Ellen Sophia SMEATON. In 1911 at Bridlington he married Abigail Elizabeth EDMOND and they had a daughter Phyllis M MILES 1911. He operated his own boot repairing business in Bridlington before moving to Hull where he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co Repairing Factory. During WWI, he served in the 1st/4th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment and in May 1918 suffered shrapnel wounds to his right knee. After treatment at a Scottish hospital he had only been back in France for ten days when he was wounded and taken prisoner. He died in hospital at Tournai in Belgium of pneumonia on 1 October 1918 while a prisoner of war. His widow Abigail died at Hull in 1966 aged 75.

Edwin  Mill

Born 1869 at Illogan, Cornwall, he married Mary Ann BEYNON around 1891 and three children included Josephine Mary MILL 1892, John Stuart MILL 1894 and Richard Edwin MILL 1895. In 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 12 Green Street, Neath, Glamorganshire.

William Miller

DERBY DAILY TELEGRAPH 23rd OCTOBER 1879  The ” Big Boot ” Trouble.—At the Borough Police Court, on Tuesday morning, before Messrs. Longden and Turner, a man named William Miller was summoned for driving so as to endanger life in Bridge gate, on the 23rd October.—Police-constable Wren said on the 23rd October he saw the defendant driving a pony and the “large boot” up Bridge-gate, at the rate of eight miles an hour “. He whipped the pony and made it gallop.—He was fined 5s. and costs. 

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

A Mills Stockton Branch Back row standing 8^th from the left

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

A Mills Stockton Branch Back row 5^th from the left

Photo: A. Mills

Manager of Stockton 1924 & 1925

Mr Milne 

Became manager of Peterborough Branch 2^nd Qtr 1925

Alfred Sidney Milner

Born 1889 at Birmingham, son of Alfred MILNER, engraver, and his wife Ann SMITH. In 1911 he worked as a boot salesman at the company’s premises in Hulme, Lancashire. He served in WWI and at the end of the war married Mary E GILL. They had a son Alfred Percy MILNER 1919. Alfred senior died 1948 aged 58.

E Miner 

Manager 1913-1916 at Devizes Branch 6 Little Brittox

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

E Mitchell Linthorpe Road Middlesbrough Branch Middle row 2^nd on left

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

E Mitchell Wallsend Branch Back Row 3^rd from the left

Photo: E Mitchell 

Manager of Linthorpe Road from Wallsend Branch 4^th Qtr 1924

James Henry Mitchelmore

Born 1867 at East Allington, Devon, on 4 August 1895 at Horfield, Gloucestershire, he married Alice Bailey FRY and they had a daughter Doris May MITCHELMORE 1899. In 1901 he managed the company’s boot shop at 39 Gloucester Road, Bristol; in 1905 he managed the company’s large branch at The Foregate, Worcester and in 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 8 Wellington Street, Teignmouth, Devon. 1926 he was in Lawrence Hill Bristol. He died in 1934 aged 67 and his wife Alice died in 1949 aged 84.

Central Somerset Gazette Aug 1926 UNIQUE PLEA IN BRISTOL SHOP HOURS ACT CASE A summons case under the Shop Hours’ Act was heard before Sir E. H. Cook and Mr. F Leonard at Bristol Police Court. Messrs. Lennards, Ltd., the well-known boot manufacturers and retailers, were the defendants, and the case against them was that they failed to comply with the provisions of the Act in the case of Mr. James Henry Mitchelmore, the manager of their branch at 124. Lawrence Hill. Mr. Cann, an Inspector under the Act, gave evidence that on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 16th, he saw Mr. Mitchelmore dressing the window of the branch in question. Mr. Mitchelmore said that he lived over the shop, and that he was working that afternoon without his employers having knowledge of the fact. Mr. G. 1). Wansbrough (Messrs. Wansbrough, Robinson & Co.), who represented Messrs. Lennards. suggested that the presence of the manager in the shop, even if he were handling boots, was no proof that work was in progress. It might be the manager’s hobby to sit in the shop sniffing new leather and smoking. (Laughter.) The case was dismissed

John Victor Mizen 


Born 1895 at Wick, Gloucestershire, son of William John MIZEN, greengrocer and later nursery gardener, and his wife Alma MAYBURY. In 1911 he worked as a boot maker for Lennards in Bristol. He served as Lance Corporal in the Machine Gun Corps, Gloucestershire Regiment during WWI and was killed in action in the Somme, France, 1 August 1916 aged 21.

Blanche Moffatt 

Shop assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at Regent Street, Blyth, Northumberland 1938-1941.

Henry Abijah Pearce Mondey

Born 1855 at Southampton, the third son of Thomas MONDEY, cabinet-maker, town missionary, and his wife Rebecca PEARCE of Romsey. At the age of 15 he was working as a Southampton hosier and in 1882 he married Louisa Rosetta MEYER of Bristol. In 1884 at Winchester they had a son Henry Carston MONDEY. In 1891-1892 he was based at 64 Market Street, Longton branch and stores in the district. Ten years later he was manager of the shop at 15 Market Place, Gainsborough.

Thomas Adonijah Mondey

Born 1852 at Southampton, the second son of Thomas MONDEY, cabinet-maker, town missionary, and his wife Rebecca PEARCE of Romsey. In 1882 Thomas Jr, at the time a shoemaker, married Elizabeth Naish EAMES of Southampton. Their children included Daisy MONDEY 1877, David MONDEY 1878 and Philip MONDEY 1881. The family moved to Sheffield, where in 1891, Thomas managed the company’s boot shops one at 51 Sheaf Gardens in 1897. He died seven years later at the age of 46.

Photo: James Augustine Moran

Born 13 August 1878 at Doncaster, Yorkshire, the son of Irishman John MORAN and his wife Bridget Theresa MORRIS of Epworth, Lincolnshire. He left school at the age of 12 and worked initially as an errand boy. By 1901 he managed a boot shop in Eccleshall Bierlow and by 1910 managed the boot department of Huddersfield Co-operative Society. He went into business as a master boot and shoe maker in 1912 but by June 1915 had been declared bankrupt. He moved with his family to Birmingham and was appointed the manager of The Public Benefit Boot Co branch at 42 Corporation Street, Birmingham pre-WW1 In May 1916 as WWI progressed the British Government began the conscription of married men and James was called up. He spent the next three years serving in France and Belgium with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps as a Lance Corporal. He was transferred to the reserve in 1919 and returned to Huddersfield where he was appointed manager of the Barnsley Co-operative Boot and Shoe Store. He worked there until his retirement after which he ran a confectionery and tobacconist business with his wife until his death in 1950.

Hubert James Morgan

Born 1890 at Gloucester, son of Thomas Jarrett MORGAN, post office parcel porter, and his wife Edith Emily MERRETT. In 1891 he worked as a boot salesman at Hulme, 118 Stretford Road Lancashire. On 14 July 1914, he married Edna Elizabeth JOHNSON and they had a daughter Clarice MORGAN 1916. He served as a gunner in France during WWI.

H C Morgan 

New manager given the new branch of Holyhead opened May found   2^nd Qtr 1924

David Morgan 

New manager of new Branch at Bangor found 2^nd Qtr 1924 still there in 2^nd QTR 1927

Joe Morley 

Worker in the Templar Street Factory in the 1950’s and 60’s

Job Morris

Born 1883 at Ilangedwyre, Flintshire, Wales, he married Anne EVANS in 1908 and a few years later managed the company’s premises at 38 Fore Street, Taunton, Somerset.

John Morris

Born c1877 at Ruabon near Wrexham, Wales, he married Gladys Marion FOGWELL in 1910 their children included Daisy N A.1912, John P.1916 and Dilys M.1924. In 1901 he worked as a Cardiff boot shop assistant and in 1911 he managed the Lennards premises at 212 High Street, Exeter with his wife assisting in the business.In 1914 he was a Lennards Ltd shareholder and managed a company branch shop at 35 Pandy Square, Tonypandy, Glamorgan, Wales.

Gladys Marion Morris 

Nee Fogwell wife to John Morris assistant at 211 High Street Exeter

Arthur John Morrish

Born 1871 at Bridford, Devon, son of John MORRISH, boot maker, and his wife Sophia JOINT. He married Ellen PARNELL in 1894 and their children included Kenneth Arthur 1902, Betty Winifred 1905 and John Parnell 1909. He was a Lennards Limited shareholder and in 1896-1901 managed the company’s boot shop in Penzance. Later he managed all three shops in Penzance from 1898. Ten years later he was an inspector of branches for the company. He died at Leicester 15 November 1926 aged 55.

The CornishTelegraph November 1896 Alleged Theft of Boots. -Henry Edwards was charged with stealing two pairs of boots from the Public Benefit boot shop on Saturday evening.—Mr Morrish, manager, said was in his shop on Saturday evening about five o’clock a gentleman came in and told him that someone had taken a pair or boots from outside the shop…..Penzance…..

Cornishman Telegraph September 1898 THEFTS FROM SHOPS PENZANCE. LENIENCY Of THE BENCH. Warning to  SHOPKEEPERS. the Guildhall Monday Charlotte Price was brought up before the Mayor (Alderman W. H. Julyan) and Alderman Carne, charged with stealing two pairs of shoes value on Saturday night, the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company, Limited, and she was further charged with stealing on the same day one man’s shirt, value Is, the property of Edwin Broad, Market Place. Arthur John Morrish, manager of the Public Benefit Boot Company’s shops Penzance, stated the boots (produced) were hung outside the shop in the Green Market….. For the two above cases consult Penzance Southern Branches P-Z

John Morrish

Born 1847 at Holcombe Burnell, Devon, son of Samuel MORRISH, shoe maker, and his wife Salome. He married Sophia JOINT in 1869 at Exeter and their children included Arthur John  1871, Florence Lydia  1872, William Henry  1873, Lily Sophia  1879, Walter Herbert  1883 and Victor George Leonard  1885. John worked firstly as a boot-maker in Bridford and later in Plymouth where it is thought he worked for the Public Benefit Boot Co. Following John’s death in early 1890, his widow Sophia took over the management of the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 152 King Street, Plymouth, continuing in that role for more than 20 years.  Sophia died at Leicester in 1931 aged 81.

Victor George Leonard Morrish

Born 1885 at Plymouth, son of John MORRISH, boot-maker, and his wife Sophia JOINT. At the age of 16 he was a boot trade apprentice based with his brother Arthur at the Public Benefit Boot Co premises in Market Place, Penzance. He married Jane I LEE in 1912 and their children included Kathleen MORRISH 1913, Geoffrey H MORRISH 1918 and Alan L MORRISH 1920. During WWI, he served with the Labour Corps of the Gloucestershire Regiment. He died in 1953 aged 69 and his widow Jane died in 1960 aged 78.

Walter Herbert Morrish

Born 1883 at Plymouth, son of John MORRISH, boot maker, and his wife Sophia JOINT. At the age of 17 he assisted his mother who was manageress of the Public Benefit Boot Co branch at 152 King Street, Plymouth. In 1918 he married Elsie M SHORT and their children included Claud F MORRISH 1925 and Doreen M S MORRISH 1926. He died in 1956 aged 73.

Cornish & Devon Post Dec 1904 Stealing Boots at Launceston Tramp Sent to Prison, William Stephens, a tramp, was charged at Launceston, before the Mayor (Mr. T. B. Hender) and Mr. W. Hare, on Wednesday, with stealing a pair of boots value 12s. 6d. from the Public Benefit Boot Company’s branch shop at Launceston on the 29th ult. Supt. Nicholls gave evidence that about six in the evening of the 29th he saw prisoner just below the Public Benefit Boot Company’s branch shop going towards Bodmin Road. He had something bulky under his coat, and when asked by witness what it was he replied; A pair of boots,” and took out the boots produced. Subsequently the boots were identified by the manager of the Co.’s shop, and defendant admitted the theft. Walter Herbert Morrish, manager of the only Public Benefit Boot Company ‘s shop at Launceston, gave evidence, and prisoner, who elected to be dealt with summarily, pleaded guilty. Supt. Nicholls stated that this was not the only pair of boots prisoner had taken, but in another case the owner saw prisoner take the boots and took them away. Prisoner had only come out of the Union that day. Prisoner said he could not obtain work and wanted a pair of boots. The Mayor, in inflicting one month’s imprisonment with hard labour, remarked on the temptation offered to men of this class by the exposure of goods for sale outside shops. The Superintendent promised to convey the Mayor’s remarks to the tradesmen of the to

Mr Morrish

Managing Northgate Chester Branch 1^st QTR 1928

Miss Margaret Moseley 

Shop assistant regent Street Blyth 1940’s

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

G H Moss Seaham Branch Back Row standing 3rd from left 1925

Photo  G H Moss 

Manager of Seaham Branch 1925-27

William James Moss

Born 1878 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, he married Matilda Williams HITCHENS in 1906 at Penzance, Cornwall and their children included William Alexander MOSS 1907 and Dorothy Tryphena MOSS 1910. In 1901 he worked as an assistant in the boot shop in Yeovil, Somerset, and in 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 9 Union Street, Plymouth, Devon.

Mr Mott 

Manager of Firth Park Sheffield since opening 1926 moved on to Morley 1928

George Richard Mount

Born 25 June 1911 at Chelsea, London, son of Sir William Arthur MOUNT, MP, and his wife Lady Hilda Lucy Adelaide LOW. On 3 December 1936, he married Elizabeth Patricia BARING and they had a daughter Serena Georgianna MOUNT in 1941. He was Chairman and Managing Director of Lennards Ltd 1960-63. His wife Elizabeth died in 1981 and he died in 1991 aged 79.

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

D Murfitt East Hartlepool Branch Middle Row 5^th from the left

PHOTO: NORTH MANAGERS AT ROUNDHAY PARK 9^TH JULY 1924

D Murfitt Hartlepool Branch Third Row 5^th from the right

Frank Murray

Born 1874 at Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, son of Edward William MURRAY, machine grinder, and his wife Eliza Louisa WOODHALL. In 1901 he worked at the company’s boot shop at Croydon, Surrey.

Henry George Mustoe

Born 1 August 1895 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, son of Frederick Avery MUSTOE, plasterer, and his wife Adelaide Elizabeth ROGERS. He married Agnes PRICE in 1920 and they had a daughter Irene J 1925. He worked as a boot shop porter at the company’s premises at 379 High Street Cheltenham. During WWI, he served with the Gloucestershire Regiment in France. His wife Agnes died in 1972 he died in 1977

Charles Henry Myers

Born 1884 at London, son of William Henry MYERS, pianoforte maker and ladder maker, and his wife Sarah Ellen. In 1906 he married Selina Hephzibah MUST and their children included Dorothy Selina MYERS 1907 and Lena Marion MYERS 1910. In 1911 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 27 Powis Street, Woolwich, London. He died in 1960 aged 76 and his widow Selina died in 1968 aged 82

Wesley Nancarrow

Born 1865 at Summercourt, St Enoder, Cornwall, son of John NANCARROW, draper and grocer, and his wife Ann BROAD. He worked as a draper’s apprentice in Boscawen Street, Truro, before becoming a travelling salesman. At the turn of the century he was a dealer in china, glass, earthenware, boots and shoes and by 1906 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co branch in Honey Street, Bodmin. By 1914 he managed businesses in Wadebridge and Redruth. He married Kate CAMPS in 1919 at Bodmin and he died at St Columb, Cornwall in 1928 aged 63.

Mr W. Nance

Lakes Packet and Cornwall Advertiser March 1908 Daring Robbery at Scilly. On Saturday night, Mr. W. Nance, who keeps a baker’s shop and is also the agent for the Public Benefit Boot Company in the Scilly Isles, closed his premises about 10.30… part excerpt for full story consult Scilly Isles Southern branches P-Z

W.J. Newman

District inspector:   Gloucester Journal Sept 1931 Col.Lennard held a dinner in Gloucester in order to present to Mr W. Pitchford the manager with a Shield and a certificate for the winner of the best dressed window in their Eastgate premises. W.J.Newman district inspector expressed his wish that the shield would remain in his district for a long time.

Austin Newnham

Manager of branch in Southampton

Hampshire Advertiser Nov 1906 SHOLING SEAMAN’S ALLEGED FALSE PRETENCES.  Henry William Marck (43) was Charged by Austin Newnham, of obtaining four pairs of boots of the value of £1 Os. 4d., and money to the amount 9s 8d on October 15th, 1906. There were four other charges against prisoner, of obtaining by pretences,  who appeared for the prosecution. said prisoner had for some time not gone sea… excerpt from the case full story..consult Southampton Southern Branches P-Z

Miss Nevison

In the 1950’s & 1960’s worked at the Public Benefit Boot Co branch at Northumberland Street, Newcastle.

A W Newton 

Manager of 14 Call Lane branch in 1894

Francis Edwin Newton

Born 1876 at St Thomas, Exeter, Devon, son of John NEWTON, labourer at a marine store, and his second wife Caroline Eliza MOXET. He married Jessie BUZZACOTT in 1900 at Crediton, Devon and they had a son Charles Francis NEWTON c1902. During the period 1909-11 he worked as a salesman at the Public Benefit Boot Co branch at 43 Market Street, Falmouth, Cornwall then became manager and in 1912 his wife Jessie was listed as manageress of the Ladies dept. It is possible they separated in 1913 and Jessie died at Toronto in 1929 aged 51 and Francis died at Vancouver in 1959 aged 82.

Lakes Falmouth Packet & Cornwall Advertiser March 1911 Theft of Pair of Boots. . Mary Caroline Toy, a widow, who appeared In Court carrying an  infant and another small child, was charged with stealing a pair of bools, value 6s. 11d., the property of the Public Benefit Boot Company on  February 2nd! Superintendent Nicholls explained that the prisoner had been In the Falmouth Workhouse since February and had been confined. Hence the reason tor the delay In bringing her before the Bench. Francis Edwin Newton, manager of the Falmouth branch of the Public Benefit B00t Company, stated that the prisoner called the shop on February 2nd and asked to have two pairs of boots sent her on approval. She stated she would call next morning & pay for the pair which she kept. Four pairs of boots were sent. The lad called the next morning and brought back two pairs. Prisoner was then living at 28, Killigrew Street. On again sending to the house for the prisoner, he found that she had gone. Information was then given to the police. One pair was value 5s. 11d. and the second pair 6s. 11d. Prisoner said she asked the lady in the shop to send up a few pairs of boots. The boots were sent up and she kept two pairs, fully Intending to pay tor them. Miss Jane Ann Owen said she kept a pawnbroking shop in the High-street. On February 3rd prisoner came to the shop with the pair of boots produced (the boots had not been worn). She gave the name of Lily Toy and witness Advanced her 3s. She did not recollect what really occurred, but she was certain she asked the prisoner If the boots were her own property, It was always her custom to do so.  The case rolled on….Superintendent Nicholls said the company’s manager did not wish to press the case. He had to take proceedings in order to get the property back. The Bench bound the prisoner over to come up tor judgment when called upon.

Mrs Pat Nicholson 

Assistant at 11 & 40 Northumberland Street, 1950’s

Herbert Noble 

Yorkshire eve. Post 23^rd June 1917 Herbert Noble aged 38 of the Royal garrison artillery killed in action. He served 21 years with the Pub. Benefit at Leeds.

Mr. Noble 

Manager of Newcastle shop 1907

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

F Noddings

Newport Road Middlesboro Branch Third Row 1^st on the left  1^st Qtr 1925 he removed to Widnes Branch

Mr North 

From Hillsboro branch and one time assistant at Malton branch sent to Driffield Branch 1^st QTR 1926

William North

Born 1852 at Tredegar, Monmouthshire, Wales, son of Joseph NORTH, boot maker, and his wife Sarah MANUEL. In 1877 he married Mary Emma JENKINS and their children included Rosa Mabel 1878, Joseph Harold 1880, George Arthur 1882, Muriel Dora M 1885, William Stuart 1886, Hugh Gordon 1888, Basil 1891, Violet 1893 and Irene 1894. William followed his father into the boot trade and by 1891 he managed the boot shop at 18 Castle Street and from at least 1891 to 1911 he managed the Public Benefit Boot Co premises at 38 Castle Street, Tredegar

George Arthur North

Born 1882 at Tredegar, Monmouthshire, Wales, son of William NORTH, boot shop manager, and his wife Mary Emma JENKINS. In 1911 he worked as a boot shop assistant in his father’s business at Tredegar.

John Nunnerley

Shop assistant at the Public Benefit Boot Co branch at St Peter’s Street, Derby in 1896

Derby Daily Telegraph October 1896 Robbing his Master..—John Nunneley, a respectably dressed young man, was charged with stealing between August 13th and October 10th three pairs boots, one pair slippers, two pairs of gaiters, three dozen pairs of laces, a pot polishing cream, a shoe horn, and a button-hook. value £4 the property of his master. Mr. George Edward Franklin, trading at the Metropole Boot Company. St. Peter’s-street, Derby.—Mr. Frederick Schofield, manager to Mr. Franklin, said the prisoner had been employed by Mr. Franklin as an assistant for the last 10 weeks. Monday morning went to the prisoner’s lodgings, and his (the prisoner’s) landlady showed him the three pairs of boots and one pair of slippers. He again went to the prisoner’s lodgings and found the rest of the things in the evening. Prisoner told witness that he had taken the things. They were the property of Mr. Franklin, and had been worn once or twice. —Mrs. Emma said that the prisoner had been lodging at her house for about two months. He brought the boots, etc , to her house.—Detective-sergeant Walden said that when he took the prisoner into custody he said that did not know what had made him take the things, must have been a fool or mad. —The prisoner pleaded guilty, and said that it was through betting that he had taken the things.—Mr. Schofield stated that Mr. Franklin did not wish to press the case. —The Bench, taking that fact into consideration, him to prison for 10 days with hard labour.

Edward O’Neil

Born c1865 at Randallstown, Antrim, Northern Ireland. He and his wife Catherine had five children including Kathleen Mary J O’NEIL 1892, Norah Winifred O’NEIL 1894, Veronica Marguerite O’NEIL 1898 and Edmund Donnell O’NEIL 1905. They lived for some years at Darlington, Huddersfield, & Co Durham Yorkshire in 1911 he managed the company’s premises at 253 Roundhay Road, Leeds.

William Thomas Oakley

Born 1861 at Northampton, son of John OAKLEY, tailor, and his wife Sophia BEESLEY. He married Ada Mary WOODHOUSE in 1892 and they had a son John Woodhouse OAKLEY the following year. In 1911 William managed the company’s premises at 5 Market Place, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. His wife Ada died in 1929 aged 64 and he died 1937 aged 76.

Stephen Oatley

Born 1853 at London, son of James OATLEY, boot-maker’s clicker, and his wife Sarah. He married Marrian JELLEY in 1888 at Brighton, Sussex. They had no children and he spent much of his working life managing the company’s premises at Brighton. He died at Hove, Sussex in 1929 aged 76.

Charles Llewellyn Oliver

Born 1871 at Swansea, Wales, son of Charles Oliver who at that time managed a boot and shoe establishment at 30 Castle Street, Swansea. Both the Charles Sr and Charles Jr were shoe factors and subsequently held executive positions with Lennards Ltd of Bristol. Charles Llewellyn Oliver married about January 1901 to Hagar Winifred HEAP and he died 15 December 1902 aged 31.

John Henry Oliver

Born 1880 at Loughborough, son of Samuel Bernard Oliver, boot-maker, and his wife Clare Williams. His grandparents John Carter Oliver and Elizabeth Henshaw ran a boot shop in Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire. In 1901 he worked as a boot shop assistant in Cardiff and later lived in Chippenham, Wiltshire. He married Ethel Alice Broadhead in 1906 and they had a daughter Marjorie Oliver 1923.

William Oran 

Assistant at 379 High Street Cheltenham in 1898 present at the death of the manager G. F. Lodge

Mr Overtone 

Manager at Stafford found 4^th Qtr 1927

Charles Edward A Owen

Born c1861 at Uppingham, Rutland, son of Henry Joseph OWEN, formerly a grocer, later a boot merchant, and his wife Ann Eliza WESTMORELAND. He married Elizabeth Patience HADWIN in 1885 at Chorlton, Lancashire and their children included Lillian OWEN 1886 and Gertrude OWEN 1890. Charles was initially a boot and shoe salesman before becoming a dealer in Ardwick and Newton in Makerfield.

Joseph Henry Owen

Born c1858 at Peterborough, son of Henry Joseph OWEN, formerly a grocer, later a boot merchant, and his wife Ann Eliza WESTMORELAND. In 1871 Henry managed a Leicester shoe shop and 10 years later he was a boot manufacturer’s manager. Both Joseph and his father Henry were listed in 1891 as boot and shoe merchants in Toxteth Park, 69 Granby Street. Joseph married Lydia PENNINGTON of Prescot in 1892 and a few years later he managed a boot dealership in Warrington and became a shareholder in the Public Benefit Boot Co. In 1911, still based at Warrington, he worked as a district manager for the company.

SHAREHOLDERS I-O. SOUTHERN & NORTHERN

Susan I’ANSON, 121 Roundhay Road, Leeds, Married

Sarah Elizabeth IBBOTSON, 46 Oakhill Road, Sheffield, Married

Harry INGHAM, 17 Hanson Lane, Halifax, Draper

International Investment Trust Ltd, 169 Winchester House, Old Broad Street, London EC

William IREDALE, L & M Bank, Leeds, Bank Clerk

John IRVING, 2 Greenhead Road, Huddersfield, Surgeon

Grace ISAAC, Redcliffe House, Henley on Thames, Spinster

M J ISAAC, Redcliffe House, Henley on Thames, Spinster

John William JACKSON, 271 Hanover Street, Sheffield, Grocer

Joseph Foster JACKSON, 46 Arpley Street, Warrington, Cashier

John Frederick JANSON, Barstow Square, Wakefield, Solicitor

Madeline Louisa JARRETT, 35 Exchange Street, Driffield, Married

Thomas JEFFRIES, 110 Trafalgar Road, Moseley, Surveyor’s Assistant

John JENKIN, 54 Elgin Crescent, Notting Hill, London W, Wesleyan Minister

Henry Cox JENKINSON, Cromwell House, Wincobank, Sheffield, Cutlery Manager

Charles JERRISON, Moscar Cottage, Millhouse, Sheffield, Secretary

Edward JESSOP, The Terrace, Driffield, Yorks., Gentleman

Frederick George JEWELL, Norman House, Stonebridge Park, London NW, Gentleman

George Charles JOHNSON, 17 Victoria Terrace, Belle Vue Road, Leeds, Cashier

William Thomas JOHNSON, 57 Jamaica Row, Birmingham, Factor

Charles JÖLE, Clarence Cottage, Kirkstall, Leeds, Clerk

Henrietta JONES, Glengowan Stafford Pl, Weston Super Mare, Spinster

Martha JONES, 66 Boar Lane, Leeds, Saleswoman

Matthew John JONES, The Orchard, Belper, Derby

William JONES, 125 Weston Street, Sheffield, Cutlery Manager

Henry KAY, 152 Nottingham Street, Pitsmoor, Sheffield, Bookkeeper

Harry KAYE, Knowle Villa, Mirfield, Manufacturer

John Watson KAYE, Ivy Grove, Mirfield, Manufacturer

Joshua KAYE, Deanhill nr Barnsley, Gentleman

Joshua KAYE, Deanhill nr Barnsley, Esquire

Charles William KAYSER, Carlisle Works, Manufacturer

Charles William KAYSER (Jr), Endcliffe Grange, Sheffield, Gentleman

Charles William KEIGHLEY, Upperhead Mills, Huddersfield, Woollen & Cotton Manufacturer

Adam KELLY, 118 Princess Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, Clerk

Frederick KEMP, 87 Park Lane, Leeds, Draper

John Callow KERR, Milton Lodge, Grove Road, Headingley, Leeds, Bank Manager

Mary Alexia KERR, Milton Lodge, Grove Road, Headingley, Leeds, Married Woman

William KETTLEWELL, Cliffroyd, 142 Chapel town Road, Leeds, Gentleman

Emily Mary KIDGER, Sunny Bank, Ashby de la Zouch

Mary Edith KIDGER, Trinity Cottage, Ashby de la Zouch, Spinster

Charles Edward KILNER, Royds House, Kirkheaton nr Huddersfield, Yarn Spinner

George KIRBY, Moorhead, Sheffield, Boot Factor

George KIRBY, 1 Palmyra Square, Warrington

John KIRBY, Moorhead, Sheffield, Boot & Shoe Dealer

John KIRBY, 18 Grange Crescent Road, Sheffield, Gentleman

Edith KIRK, 31 Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, Married

James Montgomery KIRKBY, 56 Westgate, Wakefield

Frederick Conyers KITCHEN, 40 Basinghall Street, Leeds, Leather Factor

John N KITCHING, Heworth Cottage, York

Thomas Reckitt KITCHING, Heworth Cottage, York

George KITNER, Broomgroves, Lepton nr Huddersfield, Yarn Spinner

M Harry LAKIN, The Cliff, Warwick, JP

Joseph LAMBERT, Westfield, Cottingham, East Yorks., JP

William Thomas LANCASTER, Yorkshire Banking Co, Leeds, Clerk

Emma LANE, 15 Havelock Street, Sheffield, Married

Henry James LANE, 15 Havelock Street, Sheffield, Manager

William Henry LANGLEY, 38 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, Stockbroker

John LAWSON, 79 Albion Street, Leeds, Stockbroker

Stanley LAWTON, London & Yorks. Bank Ltd, Sheffield, Sub Manager

Joshua Bert LAYCOCK, 78 Howe Street, Birmingham, Merchant

Frank Chapman LAYLAND, 190 Myrtle Road, Heeley, Sheffield, Assistant Teacher

William Edward LAYLAND, 30 Westover Road, Bramley, Draughtsman

Harry Douglas LEATHER, Lark Hill, Cleckheaton, Acct Clerk

Charles Alfred LEE, 1 Pryme Street, Hull, Doctor of Medicine

William LEGGE, 15 Infirmary Road, Sheffield, Manager

Samuel LENNARD, West Walk, Leicester, Boot Manufacturer

Rev Walter LENWOOD, 28 Springhill, Sheffield, Congregational Minister

Alfred Edward, LEWIS, 28 Duffield Road, Derby, Bank Manager

Charles LEWIS, St James, Northampton, Boot Manufacturer

Edward LEWIS, St James, Northampton, Boot Manufacturer

Grace Mary LEWIS, The Briars, Park Hill, Moseley, Birmingham, Married

Hugh LEWIS, 81 Colmore Row, Birmingham, Insurance Manager

Thomas Davies LEWIS, St James, Northampton, Boot Manufacturer

Bernard Wilde LINGARD, Loxley, Sheffield, Schoolmaster

William LITTLEWOOD, Parkgate, Berry Brow, Huddersfield, Decorator

John Petter Atkins LONG, Dalby House, Ilkeston

Josiah LONGLAND, 2 Union Street, Warrington, Solicitor

James Edward LORD, Mill End, New Church nr Manchester, Book Keeper

Squire Harry LOWE, 2 Bow Street, Sheffield, Musical Instrument Dealer

Arthur LUMB, 50 Sowerby Street, Sowerby Bridge

William Arthur LUPTON, 26-27 Bond Street, Leeds, Solicitor

Lorenzo Pearson LYMBERY, 28 Stoney Street, Nottingham

John George LYON, Carlton Close, Pontefract, Tar Distiller

Francis Cunningham MACASHIE, Trinity Street, Leeds, Newspaper Proprietor

Benjamin MACKRILL, The Thwaite, Cottingham, Yeast Merchant

David Douglas MACLAGAN, 5 Eton Terrace, Edinburgh, Stock Broker

Charles MADELEY, The Museum, Warrington, Librarian

Clara Anne MALLALIEU, Shady Grove, Delph nr Oldham, Married

Franklin MALLALIEU, Bell House, Delph nr Oldham, Woollen Manufacturer

Jane Agnes MALLALIEU, The Woodlands, Delph nr Oldham, Spinster

Julia Ann MALLALIEU, The Woodlands, Delph nr Oldham, House Maid

Samuel MALLALIEU, Vale House, Delph nr Oldham, Woollen Manufacturer

Edward Palmer MALLORY, 249 Hyde Park Road, Leeds, Jeweller

Charles MALTBY, Dalby, Ilkeston, Lace Manufacturer

Thomas MALTBY, Bubwith, Selby, Grocer

Joshua MANN, Leeds Road, Birstall nr Leeds, Yeast Merchant

Stephen MANSFIELD, Gilmerton, Trumpington, Cambs, Gentleman

George MARCH, 5 Old Bank Chambers, Leeds, Gentleman

Amy L MARGETTS, Elland Lodge, Cleveland Road, Torquay, Spinster

Eleanor Charlotte MARGETTS, Elland Lodge, Cleveland Road, Torquay, Spinster

Henry Capner MARKS, 9 Howard Place, Carlisle, Civil Engineer

Claude Alfred MARRIOTT, 18 Victoria Street, Nottingham, Solicitor

James MASON, The Poplars, Littleover Hill, Derby, Mid Ry Co Clerk

John MASSIE, 101 Banbury Road, Oxford, College Lecturer

Joseph MATHER, 45 Caroline Place, Hull, Gentleman

Joseph MAY, May Bank, Victoria Road, Headingley Leeds, Gentleman

George MAYBURY, 17 Manchester Road, Warrington, Gentleman

Alfred MAYFIELD, Avenue House, Newland Hull, Paper Manufacturer

Alfred MAYFIELD (Jr), Avenue House, Newland Hull, Paper Manufacturer

Percy MAYFIELD, Avenue House, Newland Hull, Paper Manufacturer

William MAYLES, Ivy House, Union Street, Luton, Straw Hat Manufacturer

Charles Peel McBride, 41 Portland Road, Nottingham, Seedsman

William McClure, 30 Sholebroke Avenue, Hull, Esquire

John McKay, Woburn, Beds, Retired Draper

John Alfred MENHINICK, 29 Church Drive, Carrington, Nottingham, Book Keeper

Thomas MERRY, South Normanton nr Alfreton, Draper

Joseph MERRYWEATHER, Hill House, Welbury, Northallerton, Ship Owner

Frederick MEYER, Kingsthorpe, Retired

John Thomas MILLER, Ravensdene Park Road, Peterborough, Clothier

Lucy Ellen MILLER, 17 Glaston Road, Street, Somerset, Married

Mary Jane MILLS, Lydgate Lane, Crookes, Sheffield, Wife

Samuel John MILLS, 5 Cyprus Terrace, Walkley, Sheffield, Foreman Fitter

Thomas MILLS, 74 Lydgate Lane, Crookes, Police Constable

Thomas MILLS, Lydgate Lane, Crookes, Police Officer

Edwin MITCHELL, Field House, Ossett, Manufacturer

Grace Ann MITCHELL, 5 Evelyn Street, Chapel town Road, Leeds, Married

William Watson MITCHELL, Rectory Cottage, Ripley, Yorks.

Henry John MOHUN, 10 Ravensworth Terrace, Durham, Gentleman

Thomas MOLLETT, Beal, Whitby Bridge, Gentleman

Thomas Adonijah MONDEY, 51 Sheaf Gardens, Sheffield, Manager

Alexander MONTEITH, Pygmalion, Boar Lane, Leeds

Robert MOORBY, George Street, Cottingham, Clerk

Charles Edwin MOORE, 7 Foregate Street, Worcester, Stock Broker

Fanny Beck MOORE, Hartland Rise, Cottingham, Hull, Widow

Walter W MOORE, 9 Lime Avenue, Urmston, Manchester, Clerk

William Henry MORGAN, 7 Woodland Terrace, Swansea, Gentleman

John MORTON, Wostenholme Road, Sheffield, Retired Merchant

William MORTON, Albert Street, Birmingham, Boot Manufacturer

Charles MOSS, Heatherlea, Coombe Road, Croydon, Gentleman

Edgar Aston MUMMERY, 115 Lenox Street, Lozells, Birmingham, Baker

Arthur Spencer MURGATROYD, Buttershaw, via Wibsey nr Bradford, Butcher

John Arthur MURPHY, Linton Falls, Shipton, Yorks

Lewis John MURRAY, Nesta House, Birmingham, Glass Manufacturer

Leonora MUSHAM, Kirkgate, Knaresborough, Married

Charles Danby NASH, 4 Lipton Place, College Road, Leeds, Gentleman

William NASMYTH, 91 Tachbrook Road, Leamington

Thomas NAYLOR, 3 Regent Street, Harrogate, Registration Agent

George NEDHAM, 3 Lucknow Villas, Whitehaven, Cumberland, Clerk in Holy Orders

Frederick William NELSON, Victoria Broomhall Park, Sheffield, Bank Clerk

Thomas NELSON, 26 Woodstock Road, Sheffield, Commercial Traveller

William NELSON, 47 Victoria Road, Broomhall Park, Sheffield, Retired

Sarah NETTLESHIP, 39 Sholebroke Avenue, Chapel town Road, Leeds, Married

Henry NEWBOUND, c/o Messrs Thomas Ibbotson & Son, Holbeck Mills, Leeds, Book Keeper

Jane NEWELL, Lofthouse nr Wakefield, Shop Keeper

Walter NEWELL, Town End, Lofthouse nr Wakefield, Miner

John Thomas NEWHOUSE, 303 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, Bank Agent

Mary Curle NEWMAN, 249 Hyde Park Road, Leeds, Widow

Harold NICHOLS, Kirkstall, Tanner

James NIELD, 535 Buxton Road, Hazelgrove nr Stockport, Traveller

Alfred Scholefield NORTH, The Limes, Jaffrey Road, Graveley Hill, Birmingham, Retired

Northern Counties Investment Trust Ltd, 12 Piccadilly, Bradford

Alfred Lodge OAKES, 26 Montgomery Road, Sharrow, Sheffield, Manager

Charlotte Augusta OATES, 97 Upperthorpe Road, Sheffield, Married Woman

Inez Dorning OLDHAM, Eastnor, Station Road, Yardley, Worcs

Joseph OLDHAM, Eastnor, Station Road, Yardley, Worcs, Secretary

Arthur OLDROYD, Healey in Batley, Yorks

Charles OLIVER, Hazeldean, Stoneygate, Leicester, Boot Factor

John OLIVER, Rothwell Haigh nr Leeds, Retired

John Henry ONIONS, Market Drayton, Salop, Solicitor

James Smith OSTLER, Sovereign Street, Leeds, Leather Factor

Joseph Henry OWEN, 18/20 Bridge Street, Earlestown, Lancs, Boot Dealer’s Manager

William Craven OWEN, Rose Cottage, Oulton, Leeds, Builder

Thomas Henry OXLEY, 3 Edinburgh Road, Upper Armley Leeds, Bank Clerk