Hill, Thomas, Alderman, JP

This item is active and ready to use

Watercolour portrait by John Sowden of Alderman Thomas Hill, JP, aged 63

from John Sowden's notebooks:

"Was a native of the Borough as were both his parents. His father Jonas Hill was a joiner and builder and Thomas Hill was with his father until the latter’s retirement in 1848. Thomas Hill then commenced business for a short time with his brother, but afterwards on his own account in Stott Hill, and was very successful. He retired in 1879.

In November 1866 Mr Hill was elected to a seat on the Town Council, for the East Ward. He was raised to the Aldermanic bench in 1874 and the appointment was renewed in 1880.

He was a senior member of the council in point of length of service. He did a great deal of work in connection with the Street Improvement Committee. In 1885 he was elected Mayor. During his Mayoralty he entertained a deputation of colonials who visited Bradford on a tour of inspection of factories in the neighbourhood. In 1888 he was made a Justice of the Peace. As a Freemason he was known throughout the craft, having rendered valuable service to Masons’ Schools. Although a Conservative he seldom assisted in political matters. He died in 1891 in his 67th year and unmarried."

Year

1888

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-55