Priestman, John

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Priestman, John

Watercolour portrait by John Sowden of John Priestman age 61, Born at Malton.

from John Sowden's notebooks:

"Was born in 1828 at Malton, and was the son of Joshua Priestman of Thornton near Pickering, where his forefathers are believed to have dwelt for some three centuries as farmers and corn millers. John Priestman, a brother of Joshua, was the first of the family to settle in Bradford in 1824 in the family calling at the old Corn Mill. Fourteen years later he founded the manufacturing and spinning business of John Priestman & Co, of Ashfield Mills.

This Mr John Priestman died in 1866 and his eldest son is Mr Frederick Priestman. The second migrant to Bradford was Mr Alfred Priestman who learnt the business of a spinner and manufacturer with Messrs Holmes of Baildon and about 75 years ago commenced on his own account at Esholt.

Mr Alfred was joined by his brother Mr John. The partnership continued until 1889 when the brothers retired, and the business was divided between the two elder sons of Mr John Priestman, Mr HB Priestman and Mr Arthur Priestman. Mr John Priestman was elected to the Town Council in 1874, the Manningham Ward, and was made Alderman in 1877, continuing his connection with the Council until 1889.

His great interest was in the development offered by the Free Libraries Act, which was adopted in 1871. Mr Priestman was the first chairman, a position he held until 1877. During his service on the Council 5 Free libraries and the Art Gallery and Museum in Darley Street were opened. He retired in 1889. He was prominently associated with the Bradford Charity Organisation Society and was his its chairman, a position he held till 1896, (when he retired, owing to growing deafness) still remaining vice-chairman. For over three years he was a director of the Friends Provident Institution.

Mr Priestman married in 1852 Miss H Brady of Malton, He died in 1906, leaving a widow, four sons and five daughters."

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-154