Mason, Henry

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Mason, Henry

Portrait of Henry Mason age 69, born at Leeds, Feb 1821. Came to Bradford in 1835 and apprenticed to Robert Stables Ackroyd for 6 years, Field Head Mills. Was a wool sorter for 3 years. Commenced spinning in 1841, by John Sowden.

Sowden's note in notebooks -
'Mr Mason was born at Leeds and came to Bradford early, where he received his industrial training. He learned his business with Mr Robt. Ackroyd of Great Horton. About 1840 he entered business on his own account at Cliffe Mill. He was afterwards joined by his brother (since dead) & they rented in addition Highgate Mill, Clayton. After a few years the partnership was dissolved and Mr Henry Mason removed to Rouse's Mill. Afterwards he took additional premises in new Leeds. After some time he built Victoria Works, Shipley, where his business as since been carried on. Mr Mason was one of the first to develop the possibilities of colonial wools which enabled him to reap a rich reward. He was chairman of the Bradford District Bank for a considerable time. Though Mr Mason never took any very large part in public affairs, he sat for a number of years on the Shipley School Board. Mr Mason was a staunch Churchman and a liberal supporter. He built the parsonage at Cottingley at his own expense. In politics he was a Liberal, but on the Home Rule policy he joined the Unionists. He was a lover of Art and got together a fine collection of pictures of the Modern School. Mr Mason married in 1863 Miss Johnson of Easingwold. He was survived by this lady and an only son Mr Henry Johnson Mason. He left over 400,000.'

Year

1890

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-150