Aykroyd, William Edward JP

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Portrait of William Edward Aykroyd JP, Mayor of Bradford.

Sowden's note in notebook -
"Wm Edward Aykroyd J.P. was born in Bradford in 1847. His father, Mr John Wm Aykroyd established himself as a dyer & ? in 1853 at ? & afterwards built extensive works in Thornton Road. Mr Wm Edward was educated, principally at the Clutton Grove Academy, near Tadcaster. He began his business career when 16. He and his brother Alfred were taken into partnership when they were 21, the firm becoming Aykroyd & Sons. The father died many years ago and upon the death of his brother, Mr Alfred in 1890, Mr Wm Ed assumed sole control but afterwards his son Mr Henry E. Aykroyd and his nephew Mr Wm Henry Aykroyd became junior partner. The business is one of those combined in the Bradford Dyers’ Association, Ltd. Mr Aykroyd first came before the public as a member of the Board of Guardians in 1886. He presided over the Assessment Committee and was a vice-chairman of the Board and chairman in 1889. In the following year he ?, in june 1894 he was elected unopposed to represent the Exchange Ward in the City Council in the vacancy caused by the elevation to the aldermanic bench of Mr Jonas Whitley. On the expiration of his term he was again elected without a contest and in 1898 returned a third time, defeating Mr R. ?. Mr Aykroyd was a member of the Free Library, Art Gallery and Museums Committee and of the Technical Instruction Committee. In 1898 he accepted the mayoralty of the City & by his innate qualities and genial considerations of all interest at a period when party spriti was somewhat strained his years of office will long be remembered as one of happy influences in that regard. The Lady Mayoress was the first to wear the beautiful gold chain presented to her and all future mayoresses by the City Magistrates and the Corporation in 1899. Mr Aykroyd was made a Justice of the Peace in 1897 and was a director for a number of years of the Bradford Joint Stock Banking Co. For religion he is an active Wesleyan. He is a staunch supporter supporter [sic] of the Conservative party and a member of their association. Mrs Aykroyd was the youngest daughter of Mr Henry Milnes of Fancliffe Bradford. Mr Aykroyd has three sons and two daughters."

Year

1908

Creator

Sowden

Image filename

sowden-283