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Six Brothers On Briggate

 

The Story of the Kettlewell Family from Pateley Bridge to Leeds

 

 

1. Pateley Bridge

In the early years of reign of Queen Victoria's reign, six brothers, the sons of William and Elizabeth Kettlewell of Pateley Bridge, all moved to set up businesses in Leeds. They became well known local tradesmen, and helped to set up a variety of institutions in the city, with interests in the Liberal Party, Methodist Church, Reform Group and West Riding Trade Protection Association.

The Kettlewells had been a prominent family in Pateley Bridge during the 18th century owning land and properties around the town. William Kettlewell was born in 1770, the second son of Thomas and Ann Kettlewell, and in 1796 married Elizabeth Kaberry, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Kaberry. The Kaberrys were another notable family in the town. Over the next 18 years, William and Elizabeth had nine children, six sons and three daughters. Elizabeth born in 1797, William in 1799, Thomas in 1801, Ann in 1803, John in 1805, Mary in 1807, Peter in 1809, Kaberry in 1812 and James in 1815.

When the father, William Kettlewell, died in 1835, his daughters Elizabeth and Mary had already died, and he was survived by his father, his wife, his six sons and daughter, Ann. His various copyhold and leasehold property in the area was divided amongst his surviving seven children as follows:


William - Copyhold estate at Cliff, occupied by John Hullah

Thomas - Copyhold estate at Church Green, formerly occupied by William Colling, now by William Richmond

Peter - Copyhold estate of Parkes at Pateley Bridge, occupied by parents & Estate at Church Green occupied by Edward King ( Peter to allow mother to reside )

William, Thomas & John - Copyhold estate purchased from Mr Coates to be held in trust for Kaberry, also leasehold estate at Yeadon held for 21 years under the Archbishop of York.

Ann - Half the estate at Yeadon

Kaberry - Copyhold estate purchased from Miss Shepherd at Wilsill, occupied by William Cowling

James - Copyhold estate at Church Green, formerly occupied by George Knowles, now by William Richmond

When the grandfather, Thomas Kettlewell, died in 1838, most of his estate went to his first son Thomas, and his son, also Thomas. He did, however, leave a house occupied by Thomas Hargreave, Blacksmith, to his grandson, Kaberry. The only other mention of the other five brothers is for William, who was one of the executors.

 

                                                  

                                                                 The grave of Thomas Kettlewell b1710 at St.Mary�s and his son Thomas Kettlewell b1745

 Here lieth the body of WILLIAM, son of THOMAS KETTLEWELL, who died the 15th of March 1759 in the 11th year oof his age. Also SARAH, the wife of THOMAS KETTLEWELL, who departed this life May the 3rd 1793 aged 78 years. Also THOMAS KETTLEWELL who died Feb the 7th 1794 aged 82 years. Likewise the body of ANN, daughter in law of the above THOMAS KETTLEWELL, who died the 12th June 1827 aged 81 years. Also the body of THOMAS KETTLEWELL of Pateley Bridge, son of THOMAS and SARAH, brother of WILLIAM and husband of ANN KETTLEWELL above named, who died March 10 1838. Aged 92 years. �When even long life is gone, death and eternity succeed. Prepare to meet thy God� 

The grave to the right is Thomas Kettlewell b1771 

In memory of THOMAS KETTLEWELL of Pateley Bridge who died February 26th 1839 aged 67 years. Also of ANN, wife of the above THOMAS KETTLEWELL, who died January 19th 1848 aged 75 years. Also of THOMAS, their son, who died May 25th 1853 aged 40 years. Also of ELIZABETH, wife of the above, who died November 13th 1874 aged 56 years. Interred in Woodhouse Cemetery, Leeds.

                                                         

                             The grave at St. Cuthbert�s Church, Pateley Bridge of William Kettlewell b1770 with his wife Elizabeth, and children Elizabeth, Ann, Mary and James

 

2. Carpets and Linen

William and Thomas Kettlewell set up their drapery business on Briggate in Leeds early in the 19th century. The exact date is not known, however an advert, many years later in the Leeds Mercury, states that the business was started when George III was on the throne. This would imply that the partnership started before 1820, however in 1871, William states that the partnership was 47 years old, giving a date of 1824. William mentions in a speech in 1876 that he was apprenticed in Leeds around 1812, when aged 13. The first mention of the trade is in a letter dated 25th November 1828 from a travelling salesman, Mr Goodall, who had obtained an order from W&T Kettlewell for six Double Tambour Collars priced at 16d each. In the Leeds Gazetteer of 1837, the business is listed as Drapers and Irish Linen Importers. 

William was married on the 1st October 1828 at St.Peter�s Church, Leeds to Margaret Sayer, they had four children, two daughters, both named Margaret, and a son John, who all died before the age of five, and a son William, who was to follow his father into the family business and Liberal politics in the city. By the first major census collected in England in 1841, William was living at Kingston Place, Leeds and recorded as a Carpet and Fringe Dealer, his wife Margaret and son William were recorded at Pateley Bridge visiting William�s mother. Thomas is recorded on the census living at the business premises at 100, Briggate and listed as a Carpet Dealer.

                                                                                              

1.             No. 9                        Peter Kettlewell ( 1849 � 1856 )

2.            No. 12                        Peter Kettlewell ( 1835 � 1849 )

3.            No. 74                        Kaberry Kettlewell ( 1843 � 1847 )

4.            No. 100                      William and Thomas Kettlewell ( 1824 � 1871 ), Wm Kettlewell & Son ( 1871 � 1898 )

5.            No. 114                      William and Thomas Kettlewell ( 1851 � 1871 ), Wm Kettlewell & Son ( 1871 � 1898 )

6.            No. 157                      John and Kaberry Kettlewell ( c1837 � 1843 ), John Kettlewell ( 1843 � 1856 )

 

The year after the census, William�s wife Margaret died. By this time William was heavily involved in local politics, he was a committed Liberal Party member, and had become Ward Assessor for the Kirkgate Ward in Leeds in 1836, a post he held for eleven years. It is likely that through his political associations, he came to meet his second wife, Hannah Kelsall.  

Hannah was the sister of William Kelsall, a liberal councillor , who was to become Mayor of Leeds in 1857. The Kelsall family came from the village of Mottram-in-Longdendale in Cheshire, Hannah had two other notable brothers. Henry Kelsall, from a small apprenticeship, laboured to become one of the largest mill owners in Lancashire, and his son and descendents became the Barons of Rochdale. Robert Kelsall was a doctor and his grandaughter, Helen Kelsall Melland, was the first wife of Herbert Asquith the Liberal Prime Minister. William and Hannah married at Mottram-in-Longdendale on New Years Eve 1845, and had a son, Edwin born in 1851.

Thomas Kettlewell married Ann Hartley at St.Peter�s Church, Leeds in 1850, and had two sons, Thomas born in 1851 and George born in 1853. Thomas, and later his family, lived at the business premises on Briggate for over 20 years up to the census taken in 1861. By the 1871 census, they had moved to the Mount Preston area of Leeds.

The West Riding Trade Protection Association was founded in 1848, William, Thomas, John and Peter all joined in 1849. From the minutes of the Association, held in the West Yorkshire Archives, it was clear that the brothers played an important part in the development of the association, being regular attenders at meetings. William Kettlewell was a committee member, proposing and seconding various motions, later chairing the Annual General Meetings, and in 1876 he was invited to become Vice-President when the previous incumbent, Richard Bissington died. Thomas Kettlewell was appointed as an auditor to WRTPA in 1860, a function he was to hold over the next few years. Also in 1860, after previously falling on hard-times and suffering bankruptcy, their brother Kaberry Kettlewell was offered a salaried post within the Association to canvas for new members, the position came with an annual salary of sixty pounds.

In 1851, William and Thomas expanded the business and acquired additional premises at 114, Briggate, otherwise known as the Bazaar. The linen and drapery business remained at 100, Briggate and the Carpet and Rug trade moved to the new premises.

                                                                                           

 

The Leeds Mercury reports in 1858 that in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria to Leeds to mark the opening of the new Town Hall:

�The royal carpet, on which her Majesty, the royal family, and attendants, will pass from the vestibule to the dais in the large hall, is a rich dark crimson velvet pile, manufactured by Messrs. Crossley, of Halifax, specially for the occasion, and supplied by Messrs. Kettlewell, Leeds. The pattern is new and chaste, the centre being relieved by stars and the border a design in fretwork. Messrs. Kettlewell also supplied the carpeting for the corridors of the basement story and several rooms, together with the stairs leading to the mayor�s reception room, in the whole to 1,100 yards of carpet of both qualities.�

 In 1871, both the Leeds Mercury and the London Gazette carried the announcement that William and Thomas Kettlewell had decided to end their partnership:

�Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership, heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned, William Kettlewell and Thomas Kettlewell, carrying on the business of Linen Drapers, Carpet Dealers, Upholsterers, Cabinet Makers, and General Furnishers, at Leeds, in the county of York, under the style of W. and T. Kettlewell, is dissolved by mutual consent. All debts due to and from the late firm will be received and paid by the said William Kettlewell and William Kettlewell the younger, by whom the business, in all its branches, will in future be carried on � Dated this 14th day of September, 1871.

Wm. Kettlewell Thos.Kettlewell�

The following day, 15th September 1871, William placed the following notice in the Leeds Mercury:

�Referring to the notice of dissolution of the partnership which has subsisted between my brother and myself for upwards of forty-seven years, he joins me in thanking our numerous friends for the very many favours received from them: from some indeed, during the whole of that long period. And I have the pleasure of informing them and the public generally that the business will in future be conducted by myelf and my son, Wm Kettlewell Jun, under the style or firm of �Wm. Kettlewell and Son� and that accounts will be received and paid by us.

Truly grateful for the many kindnesses received in the past by the old firm, I venture to ask a continuance of them to the now.

I remain yours respectfully, Wm Kettlewell�

                                                                           

                                                                              Wm. Kettlewell & Sons shop at 100, Briggate in 1881 to the right of Smith Brothers

 

By this time, William was 72 years of age, but continued actively to follow both his business and political careers. His brother, Thomas, at the age of 70, then set about setting a completely new firm with his family. 

During his career on Briggate, William appears to have been a regular victim of minor crime, perhaps his role as a town councillor attracted people to him, or perhaps he was just one of those unlucky people. 

On 20th May 1854, the Leeds Mercury reported 

�Desperate Leap � A very determined attempt at escape was made by a prisoner in custody at the Leeds Police office, on Thursday morning last. About nine o�clock a man named Thomas Hartley, of armley, was taken there in custody of Doherty, one of the detective force, upon the charge of obtaining money under false pretences from Mr. William Kettlewell, Briggate. Mr Kettlewell had been sent for to identify the prisoner, and the officer�s attention was directed to another part of the office for a moment when Hartley sprung upon the sill of the open window, and in a moment leaped into the enclosure below, a distance of 27� yards. Notwithstanding the shock of such a fall upon paving-stones, the prisoner got up and ran off rapidly. He was followed by the police and recaptured in an enclosed yard in the neighbourhood. When found, it was at once seen that he had suffered severely from his desperate leap, and Mr. Price, surgeon, was at once called in. Having ascertained that no bones were broken, though there were symptoms of internal injury, Mr Price recommended Hartley�s immediate removal to the hospital of the borough gaol, and there the man now remains.� 

The next year, William received a letter containing twelve postage stamps and a note which said, �for a winder broken with a snowball could not aford it when it was don with 12 postage stamps the value of the sqr.� 

In 1858, a cheque for fifty pounds, drawn by William Hudswell and William Kettlewell on behalf of a Mrs. Crossley, as trustees of the late Miss Hudswell, was presented by a man named Haysworth, who was senior partner in a firm of builders at Preston. The cheque had been previously stopped after it had been lost the previous year by Mrs. Crossley. Having presented the cheque once and been told it required endorsing, Haysworth represented the cheque marked with an X, and witnessed, however, in court, Mrs. Crossley stated that it was not her signature. The magistrates appeared to believe that Haysworth was acting in good faith on behalf of one of his employees, a man named Whittle, who stated that his wife had received the cheque, and that her maiden name was Crossley. The court, however, ordered the detention of Haysworth, and the apprehension of the Whittles. At the Assizes, later that year, Haysworth was acquitted, and the Whittles were both sentenced to four years of penal sevitude. 

On January 19th 1867, the Leeds Mercury reported:

�Passage robberies in Leeds � A notorious thief, named William Kidney, alias Darby, living in Linsley-fold, was on Monday, placed in the dock at the Leeds Town Hall, before E.Irwin esq., charged with having stolen three coats from the house of Mr. William Kettlewell, 3, Grove Terrace, on Sunday evening. Shortly before nine o�clock on the night in question Mr. Edwin Kettlewell left his father�s house by the front door, which he did not quite close, to proceed to his brother�s residence a short distance off. He returned in a few minutes, and at the bottom of the terrace a man endeavoured to detain him in conversation. As he was afterwards entering his father�s house he met the prisoner Kidney leaving the passage with three coats on his arm. He closed with the thief, with whom he struggled down the steps into the footpath, until a gentleman named Wilson came up and enabled him to secure him until the arrival of the police. The prisoner was commited to the sessions.� 

At the time of the attempted theft, Edwin Kettlewell was only fifteen years of age.

 

Separately, William and Thomas� brother Peter was also involved in the linen trade with his own business on Briggate, and for a time the youngest brother, James worked with him. 

In 1839, Peter advertises in the Leeds Mercury that he has succeeded to the business of Mr Wilson Horsfall as a Linen Draper and Silk Mercer at 12, Briggate, Leeds, and also states that he is seeking an assistant. On the same page, Wilson Horsfall introduces his friend, Peter Kettlewell, and requests that his customers continue their patronage of the business. Peter marries Ann Kaberry in 1837 at Leeds Parish Church, and has two children, Frederick born in 1838 and Emily born in 1840. His wife Ann was related to his mother�s family the Kaberry�s of Pateley Bridge and also the Hudswell family in Leeds. The name Hudswell in Leeds being linked with the expanding railway industry in the city, and the engine manufacturers Hudswell Clarke. 

At the 1841 census, Peter is living on Briggate, with his wife, children and brother James who had also become a draper. By 1849, the business had expanded to the point where it required additional space and he moves three doors along to No.9, Briggate. The following advertisement appeared in the Leeds Mercury

                                                                                                  

 

In January 1855, Peter decided to close down the business, with the following message:

�Declining the drapery business

Peter Kettlewell, Linen Draper, Silk Mercer, Hosier &c, in announcing to his friends and the public that he is declining the drapery business, begs to inform them that he is making a great reduction in the price of his entire stock, and is determined to clear off the whole without delay.

P.K. has every confidence in bringing his stock before his friends and the public, as it will be found good, and sold at prices exceedingly cheap, and he feels sure it will meet the approval and be well worth the attention of all.

The sale to commence on Monday next, the Fourteenth instant.

9, Briggate, Leeds.� 

He must have struggled to sell off the business as an advertisement was placed in February 1856 in the Mercury, looking to dispose of an �Old established linen drapery business�.

By 1861, Peter was acting as an insurance agent for the Queen Insurance Company at 5, Mill Hill, Leeds. With the sale of the business on Briggate, Peter and his family had moved to 14, Victoria Road, Headingley, Leeds, and he is listed in the 1861 census as a commission agent in the cotton industry, probably using his contacts from the drapery business. Perhaps he was struggling to make a living as he had two separate types of employment at this time.

It is interesting to note that Peter�s brothers William and Thomas continued to run a successful drapery business completely separately, only a few hundred yards away in Briggate, and yet Peter appears to have struggled, and also found it difficult to offload both his premises and stock.  

 

3. Gold, Silver and Bankrupcy

John Kettlewell moved from Pateley Bridge to Ripon, and had established a business in the Market Place as a Watch and Clock Maker, this is listed in Pigot�s Directory for 1834. 

By 1837, White�s directory shows him in partnership with his younger brother, Kaberry, as a Gold and Silversmith at 157, Briggate, Leeds. In 1840, he marries Jane Buck at Leyburn in North Yorkshire, and for at least the next 10 years, they live at the business premises on Briggate, and during this time they have six children, Mary Hannah born in 1842, Ann Elizabeth in 1843, Emma in 1845, Charles Buck in 1847, John in 1850 and Fanny Alicia in 1851. The business opened out, and the two brothers were both Gold and Silversmiths and also Watch and Clock Makers. 

In 1840 advertised in the Leeds Mercury, that they had become agents for newly-invented Solar Lamps

�Patent Solar Lamps

John & Kaberry Kettlewell, Silversmith, Jewellers, Watch Makers, &c, 157, Briggate ( Two doors above the Royal Hotel ), Leeds, beg to inform their friends, the inhabitants of Leeds, and the public generally, that they have been appointed agents for, and they now have on hand, a choice assortment of the newly-invented PATENT SOLAR LAMPS, to which they respectfully invite inspection. The most superficial observers will at once perceive the very decided superiority of these lamps, which may be seen burning at the above establishment, each producing a light equal to eight or nine mould candles, at a cost little exceeding two.

Lamps on the old principle altered into the solar.

J & K Kettlewell desire also to return thanks for the liberal patronage with which they have hitherto been favoured since their commencement of business, and earnestly solicits continuance, which it will ever be their study to merit.

Their stock consists of Gold and Silver Watches, Plate, Jewellery, Plated, Japanned and Brittania Metal Goods, Cutlery, Tea Urns, &c, &c, which they with confidence recommend for both quality and price�

In 1843, the partnership was dissolved, with the following notice in the Leeds Mercury:

�Notice is hereby given, that the partnership heretofore subsisting between us, John Kettlewell and Kaberry Kettlewell, as silversmiths, jewellers and watchmakers, at Leeds, in the county of York, under the firm of John and Kaberry Kettlewell, was this day dissolved by mutual consent. And all debts due to and owing by the said copartnership will be received and paid by the said John Kettlewell, who will henceforth carry on the said trade on his own account.

As witness our hands this Twenty-First day of July, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-Three

John Kettlewell, Kaberry Kettlewell

John Kettlewell, on entering the above business on his sole account, begs to tender his sincere thanks to the numerous friends who have so kindly favoured the late partnership with their support, and solicits a continuance of their patronage, and at the same time most respectfully invites the attention of those friends and the public generally, to an immediate inspection of his present stock, feeling assured that the quality of the articles, combined with the great reduction in price whic he has now made, will not fail to meet their approbation.

nb. J.K. will still continue to superintend the repair of watches, clocks, jewellery, &c, to which every attention will be given.�

 
In August 1850, John advertised in the Leeds Mercury, he had accumulated a large excess of stock and despite "making a very great sacrifice", he desired to clear it off. In 1856, he closed down the business, and on the 6th of September the remaining stock-in-trade of the business was auctioned off at the Music Hall on Albion Street, Leeds, comprising "electro and silver plated goods, a magnificent assortment of costly jewellery, gold and silver watches, and all other effects, which will be sold without any reserve". On the 24th October that year, there was an auction on the premises at Briggate of all the shop fixtures and effects, comprising "large mahogany counters with drawers, a large quantity of mahogany glass casing around the shop, eight days' spring time piece and case. Three valuable plate glass show cases in mahogany, window front and fittings, mahogany cupboards, pair of glass folding doors, large iron safe and fittings, and a few miscellaneous articles left unsold at the recent sale of jewellery". 

In 1860, John Kettlewell and his family were living on Elmwood Terrace in Leeds, unfortunately this area of Leeds appears to be missing from the 1861 census, but it would appear that around this time the major project being undertaken by the family was setting up the school for ladies.

In 1864, John Kettlewell was attacked on a Saturday night in Leeds. He was seized from behind round the throat, and the bundle that he was carrying was stolen. The man responsible, Charles Little, was chased and captured by Police Officer Clayton, who fortunately was nearby at the time.

After the partnership between John and Kaberry was dissolved in 1843, John continued in the same line of business at 157, Briggate, meanwhile his brother, Kaberry, set up, almost in direct competition to him, a short distance down the road at 74, Briggate, the shop being directly opposite the business of his brothers, William and Thomas. Kaberry appears to have had a real drive to bring the new and latest products to Leeds from London, and in this perhaps lies the cause of the end of the partnership, as they saw a different way ahead for the business and John continued in the same line of trade he had followed for at least eight years. 

Kaberry had married Ann Simpson in 1838, the daughter of a tobacco manufacturer in the city, at St. John�s church in Leeds. They had five children, John William born in 1839, who became a prominent artist, exhibiting in London, Henry in 1841, Eleanor in 1842, Julia in 1845 and Charles in 1849.

Almost immediately, Kaberry had opened the business to new items, and in 1844, was advertising �Thomas Walker�s Patent Self-Feeding Phoenix Stoves for warming churches, chapels, shops, offices, warehouses &c�.

On the same day in a separate advertisement:

�By Royal Letters Patent.

Important inventions for assisting and preserving the sight.

Kaberry Kettlewell, Gold and Silver Smith, Watch Manufacturere &c., 74, Briggate (near the top), Leeds, respectfully announces to the Nobility, Clergy, Gentry and Public, that he has been appointed agent for the sale of:

Braham�s Improved Patent Pantoscopic Spectacles and Eye-Preservers,

Inventions of the utmost improtance to spectacle wearers, who only need a single trial to prove their superiority over those of the ordinary kind. The great improvement consists of their being the perfect shape of the eye, and at right angles with the desk or book, thereby the ray of light passes in a direct line from the objects to the eye, and are preferable to any others for needlework or reading by candle light���

The following year in December, Kaberry again advertises in the Leeds Mercury:

��..returns thanks to his friends and the public, for the very liberal patronage conferred upon him, since the opening of his new premises, and begs to apprise them of his return from London and other markets, with an elegant and fashionable assortment of goods, useful and ornamental, especially in

Gold Bracelets (so indispensable, and so much in request at the present time;)

Throatlets, Neck Chains and Guards;

Cameo and other brooches, Rings, Pins &c. Also a large assortment of Ladies and Gentlemen�s Gold Watches, having dials of the newest and most elegant designs�..

�.. K.K. has just completed some arrangements, by which any favour confided to him will be executed with a punctuality and dispatch not to be exceeded.�

 The last line gives the first hint, that Kaberry was having to make arrangements to help finance his business, and two years later in August 1847, advertises: 

��.. that in consequence of being about to make an alteration and extension in his business, he has resolved to offer, for a short time, at a reduction in price, the whole of his present valuable stock, to which he respectfully solicits early attention.

K.K. rests assured that by the unqualified approbation which has, at all times, been given to his stock, it will not be necessary for him to add anything new in commendation of it�..� 

Only two months later, Kaberry Kettlewell is made bankrupt. He was forced to go through several court hearings and became a very public case, heavily reported in the press at the time, and unfortunately dragging his family into the case. The main issues causing the bankruptcy appear to have been poor bookkeeping, a dispute over a loan from his father-in-law, and overextending his business and lifestyle. The main hearing on Thursday 28th January 1848 was reported thus: 

�Before Mr. Commssioner West, Re. Kaberry Kettlewell, Silversmith, Leeds.

Today, Mr. K. Kettlewell, late silversmith and jeweller, of this town, attended to pass his adjourned last examination. Mr. Sangster, solicitor, appeared for the bankrupt, and Mr. Naylor and Mr. Middleton, solicitors, opposed, on behalf of the assignees and creditors. On this occasion, Mr. John Simpson, of Chapel Allerton, father-in-law of the bankrupt, attended to prove against the estate, for the sum of �1,000 and interest. This claim consisted of two sums of �500, the first being paid to Mr. Kettlewell, shortly after his marriage, in 1838, and the second in 1844. The last mentioned sum was not disputed, but the other gave rise to an animated discussion, it being contested by Mr. Naylor, on the facts adeuced, that when the Mr. Simpson advanced the money in 1838 he intended it as a marriage portion for his daughter, and as part of a legacy which he contemplated leaving to her in his will. The original entry in Mr. Simpson�s book, and which Mr. Kettlewell signed, was � �part of the legacy left by me, in my last will and testament, as under,� and one fact strongly confirmatory of the view taken by Mr. Naylor as the word �lent� had been added since, and, as Mr. Simpson admitted, about two months ago; the reason assigned for the word being, that he thought it necessary to show his real intention, although the same impression did not occur to him at the time. The main facts relied upon by Mr. Sangster in support of the proof, were that Mr. Kettlewell regarded the money as a loan, and that he had �endered� interest for it to Mr. Simpson, in 1843, who returned part of the amount, not intending to charge him with interest. Mr. Simpson also positively declared that he always intended to reserve to himself the right to demand payment of the money when he thought proper, although he should not have asked for it if Mr. Kettlewell had gone on, as he anticipated he would have done. With respect to the interest, however, said to have been paid by the bankrupt, much doubt appeared to exist, and the Commissioner, after reviewing the evidence on both sides, regarded the balance of testimony in favour of the supposition that Mr. Simpson intended to give the money to his daughter, and to deduct it from what he might afterwards leave by his will. This being the opinion of his Honour, the proof of the first �500 was rejected, and that for the second admitted

The bankrupt, having signed the declaration, was examined by Mr. Naylor, but the inquiry had not occupied more than a few minutes when it became apparent that another adjournment must take place, the omissions in the balance-sheet being such as to render it useless. It was urged by Mr. Sangster that the bankrupt had given the best account he could, although he fully admitted that what he might term his insane conduct, in not keeping a regular set of books, had brought upon him consequences by which he must abide. Mr. Kettlewell entered into a detailed statement for the purpose of showing that his misfortunes had resulted from domestic affliction, and other causes wholly beyond his control, and that he did not deserve the imputations that were being so lavishly thrown out. He added that he was prepared to produce vouchers for nearly the whole of the entries in the balance-sheet, and he assured his Honour that he had only one object in view, namely, to do justice to his creditors. Mr. Naylor complained in strong terms of the large amount of the bankrupt�s liabilities, �7,000, incurred in so short a period, with only �1,500 in the shape of assets, and also the fact that his trade and household expenses were upwards of �4,000 in three years. The Commissioner at once decided that a much more satisfactory balance-sheet must be produced, and adjourned the meeting to the first week in April, at the bankrupt�s expense.�

The auction notice in the Leeds Mercury detailing the contents of his house at Grosvenor Terrace, Leeds gives a hint at the lifestyle he had been trying to live up to: 

�Sales by Auction.

Grosvenor Terrace, Headingley Lane.

Elegant Modern Household Furniture, Silver Plate, Wine, China, Glass, Piano-forte, Library of books, Table and Bed Linen, and Other Efftects.

Messrs. Hardwick beg to announce that they have received instructions from the assignees of Mr. Kaberry Kettlewell, a bankrupt, to sell by auction, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 17th, 18th and 19th days of November instant, at his residence in Grosvenor Terrace, Headingley Lane, Leeds.

All the elegant modern household furniture and other valuable effects, comprising handsome mahogany dining and drawing room chairs; set excellent telescope dining tables; mahogany pedestal sideboard; handsome mahogany couches; mahogany easy chair in leather; Spanish mahogany circular table and cover; mahogany ladies� work table; handsome mahogany square stand and cover.

Cottage piano-forte, by Collard and Collard, in mahogany case; mahogany music stool and rocking chair; bronze and steel fenders; polished fire irons; Venetian ashpans; Brussels, Kidderminster and Venetian carpets and hearth rugs; a small library of about 200 volumes.

Splendid chimney glass in gilt frame; sets drab damask and crimson moreen window curtains and gilt cornices; elegant china chimney ornaments; richly cut glass; and china tea, coffee, breakfast, dessert and dinner services; a small quantity of silver plate in tea, dessert, table, and salt spoons, cream jug, sugar sifter and sugar bowls.

A small cellar of choice port and sherry wines; an assortment of table and bed linen; ivory handled knives and forks; plated caster stand; splendid table lamp on glass pedestal; bronze tea urn; butler�s tray and stand; painted commode.

Elegant marble chimney piece with handsome register stove; splendid three-light gas chandelier; mahogany hall table; pair of hall chairs; excellent eight day time piece; passage lamp and appendages; handsome four poled and half tester bedsteads, with moreen and printed hangings, and window curtains en suite; capital feather beds; mattresses; wardrobes; chest of drawers; night commodes, washstands; kneehold toilet tables; mahogany circular commode with marble top; mahogany swing toilet glasses; handsome chamber services; quilts, counterpanes and blankets; foot and bed ottomans; rocking horse; shower and slipper baths; Japan canisters; joiners� chest and tools; excellent mangle; numerous kitchen, dairy and laundry utensils; gardening implements; and a vast assemblage of important and desirable property and effects.

The furniture is handsome, modern, and in good condition.

The dining and drawing room effects, piano-forte, silver plate and wine, will be sold on Wednesday.

The lodging room furniture, linen, china and glass, on Thursday.

The books and remaining portion of the property unsold, on Friday, and no other than the genuine property of Mr K.Kettlewell will be offered at the sale.

The sale to commence punctually at Eleven O�Clock� 

On the 15th December 1847 at the Music Hall, Albion Street, Leeds, the stock-in-trade of Kaberry�s business was auctioned off, the items being described as: 

�Magnificent stock of best Sheffield Plated Goods of the newest designs and most prevailing patterns, including 26 pairs elegant candlesticks, nine Liquor Frames with white and coloured bottles, seven sets Castors with cut bottles and silver mountings, one magnificent Tea Urn, three superb Tea Kettles and Stands, two Egg Stands and Cups, three Cake Baskets, three Silver Edged Waiters, six splendid Dish Covers, nine Toast Racks, three complete Tea and Coffee Sets, two sugar Baskets, two Butter Coolers, three cases Dessert Knives and Forks, eleven Silver and twelve Gold Watches, six Silver Mugs, Silver Bota, two Silver Mustard Spoons, three handsome Bronze Tea Urns; elegant Papier Mache Articles, in Hand Screens, Portfolios, Card Baskets, Inkstands, Desks, Work Boxes, Caddies, Card Racks, &c.; an excellent assorted stock of Brittania Metal and German Silver Goods; 120 pairs of Silver, Steel and Shell Spectacles and Eye Glasses; Regulator Clock, Round Trunk, Octagon, Sexagon and French Timepieces; a small select stock of excellent Cutlery, Silk Umbrellas and Parasols; an extensive and valuable miscellaneous stock of Scissors, Penknives, Steel Pens, Pen Holders, Hair Brushes, Plate Brushes, Razor Straps, Tablets, Fans, Purse Slides, Teasels, Beads and Snaps, Coat Links, 200 Watch Glasses, Clock Gut, Pencil Leads, Japanned Trays and other valuable and desirable property.� 

At a separate auction, Kaberry�s �excellent grey pony, one phaeton and harness, and an excellent milch cow� are sold. On 18th December that year, a Mr. Francis Powell advertises in the Leeds Mercury that he has bought the best of the stock from the assignees of Kaberry Kettlewell, and intends to set up in business in his premises at 74, Briggate. 

The following year, the Economist relates that a first dividend of 2s 6d was available to the assignees of Kaberry from March at Mr Young�s in Leeds, and three months later a second dividend of 7d was paid.

By the 1851 census, Kaberry is living at 29, Wellington Street with his wife and four surviving children, and working as a tobacconist. This suggests that his father-in-law, Mr Simpson a tobacco manufacturer, was helping to get him back on his feet financially. After seven years on 1st December, Kaberry was awarded a certificate (third class) to show that he was clear of his bankruptcy, the class of the certificate being due to Kaberry�s unsatisfactory accounts.

4. Politics and the Liberal Party

Five of the six brothers were involved in the politics, and all with the Liberal Party. Only Kaberry appears not to have been politically motivated at some point, and he even he is recorded as having signed a petition to the mayor, asking that a motion be passed in 1837 commiserating with Queen Victoria on the death of the old king, William IV, and congratulating her on her ascension to the throne.

During the 1830s, 40s and 50s, there are many recorded advertisements in the local press, where groups of like minded gentlemen petitioned the Mayor of Leeds on issues of the day, and the Kettlewell brothers names appeared regularly amongst these.

On 6th April 1833, William signed a petition to open all Close Municipal Corporation.

On 8th July 1837, Kaberry signed a petition asking the mayor to congratulare Queen Victoria on ascending the throne.

On 2nd December 1837, William, John and Peter signed a petition against the Negro Apprenticeships in the British Colonies.

On 28th December 1839, William signed a petition to repeal the Corn Laws

On 4th April 1840, Thomas and William signed a petition proposing the abolition of Church-rates.

On 8th April 1843, William and Thomas signed a petition concerning the new Government Education Bill.

On 31st January 1846, Thomas, William and John signed a petition against the dangers of war with America.

On 28th November, William signed a petition for a reduction in the Duty on Tea.

On 3rd April 1852, William, Thomas and Peter signed a petition against the new Militia Bill.

William Kettlewell was involved in politics from an early stage of his life in Leeds, he was an active member of the Liberal Party for around 60 years, and at the time of his death held th office of treasurer to the Leeds Liberal Association. He was a dissenter and had been elected by the opponents of Church-rates as one of the churchwardens of Leeds Parish Church . He also held the post of one of the secretaries of the Leeds Reform Association.

Around 1830, he had canvassed for Milton and Marshall.

In 1834, William took an active part in the election of Mr. Edward Baines as Member of Parliament for Leeds. Edward Baines was the proprietor of the Leeds Mercury, and author of books, which included accounts of the Napoleonic Wars. In 1836, William was elected as Ward Assessor for the Kirkgate Ward in Leeds, a position he helf for eleven years through to 1846. Then in 1846, he helped to campaign for Richard Cobden as Member of Parliament for the West Riding.

In 1850, William stood for election as a councillor for the Kirkgate Ward as a Liberal in an extremely close contest against the sitting Tory councillor, Richard Stead. A colourful account of the election was recorded by the Leeds Mercury � it should be remembered that the Mercury was a staunchly pro-Liberal newspaper under the Baines family.

�Kirkgate Ward � The retiring councillor for this ward was Mr. Richard Stead, maltster, a Tory, and he offered himself again for re-election. His opponent was Mr. Wm. Kettlewell, carpet dealer, Briggate, who was brought out by the Liberals, and received their utmost support. The polling was very slack for some time in the morning, the first return from the booth giving nine votes for Mr. Stead and only one for Mr. Kettlewell. This, however, is explained by the extraordinary efforts of the Tories, who had a sort of election breakfast, to which sundry doubtful voters were invited, and those were dragged into the poll-booth immediately on the doors being opened. On the part of the Liberals nothing of the kind was resorted to. Mr. Stead kept the lead, gradually increasing his majority till half-past three o�clock, when the Liberals brought up a reserve of burgesses and completely floored him. The following is the state of the poll at different hours of the day:-

 

At              ������� Kettlewell                        Stead

            12             o�clock                               42                         58

            2�             do.                                     70                         80

            3                do.                                     106                       121

            3�             do.                                     126                       152

            4                do.                                     185                       182 

Thus at half-past three o�clock Mr.Stead was in a majority of 26, but just after that hour a posse of between twenty and thirty butchers came up in a body, amidst shouts of �Now the election is safe�, and polled for Mr. Kettlewell, thereby annihilating both the majority and the hopes of the Tories at a blow. A desperate effort was made to remedy this disaster, and the Tories were seen running about in all directions, in a state of the greatest excitement, seeking for blue burgesses, whilst their opponents strained every nerve to maintain their position.. During the last quarter of an hour the greatest excitement prevailed in the neighbourhood of the polling booth; every straggling voter that came up was escorted along the street from the committee rooms to the booth by an anxious crowd. At length the clock struck four, and the poll closed, the numbers being for Kettlewell 185, and for Stead 182. The result was at once made known to the streets and received with the greatest enthusiasm, the butchers shouting their triumph as loud as the lustiest of the crowd.� 

The following year at the municipal dinner for the Kirkgate Ward Liberals, one of the Vice-Presidents, W.M.Taylor proposed the health of the honourable and worthy representative of the ward, Councillor Kettlewell. The toast was received with much enthusiasm and drunk with �musical honours�. The speech which William Kettlewell gave in response, gives a good view of his thoughts on certain issues affecting the town of Leeds at the time, especially the water and sewage issues, and the new Town Hall. The Leeds Mercury reported the speech as follows: 

�Mr Councillor Kettlewell was received with loud cheers. He thanked the meeting for the handsome manner in which they had drunk his health. He confessed that he would have been disappointed if they had drunk it with less enthusiasm than they did last year. ( Hear, hear ) He had not then been tried. Some people had found fault with him for one or two of his votes, with respect to which he would like to give some explanation to that meeting. ( Hear, hear ) He could not expect to please every individual voter by every individual vote he gave, for there were certainly no question but people entertained five or six different opinions upon it. ( Hear, hear ) His role was this:- He always endeavoured to ascertain what would, in his opinion, be best for the interests of the town, before giving his vote; and when he had given to any subject due consideration, he voted for what he thought would be best, whether it pleased or displeased John or anybody else. ( Cheers ) As the Waterworks and Town Hall had been mentioned, he would give them his opinions on these matters. There was no doubt at all but, as Alderman Hornby had said, the sewerage was necessary, and if this was necessary for the health of the town, water was equally so; and then water would be required in immense quantities to cleanse the sewers. ( Hear, hear ) It had been proposed in the Council to purchase the Waterworks at the parliamentary price, which was par for the shares, and what was necessary to make the dividends received up to the time of purchase equal to six per cent. It was also shown that they could borrow money at four per cent, and it would require about �100,000 to obtain an additional supply of ten times the present quantity, and with this great additional supply it was fair to presume they would have a much larger income than at present. The income at present was about �10,000, althoughthe Company had been obliged to cut off the supply to dye works and other large consumers; therefore with a demand for water, and an ample supply from the Wasbourne, they might expect to have an income at least double the present amount of �10,000. If this were so, and they could now make the purchase with money borrowed at four per cent, would it not be better, although they had to pay up to six per cent, on the money expended, to obtain an additional supply themselves, rather than wait until the Company had obtained another act of Parliament, when they would be compelled to pay them six per cent on the additional outlay also, and probably for a number of years, whereas they might now secure it to the town at four per cent? ( Hear, hear ) The majority of the Council believed it would be a beneficial thing for the town to purchase these works; for be it understood, the Council had no interest in the matter except as individuals, and any loss would fall on them as well as others; and he did not know any class who paid higher rates than that to which he belonged, therefore they might rely upon it he would not throw money away foolishly. He voted at that time as he would have done for himself, believing that it would be a beneficial thing for the town. If the Council did not take he water, they would have to pay the Company a great deal for what would be required for the sewers, which would be choked up unless they had water to cleanse the out. ( Hear, hear ) With regard to the Town Hall, Mr Ald. Hornby thought they did not require it. Why, there was not a large room in the town capable of holding a large meeting. ( Hear, hear ) Only three weeks ago the Magistrates had to wait until the Watch Committee finished their business. Now was that a position which a large town like Leeds should be placed in? ( No, no ) This was at the sessions time; the jurors were all standing in the passages, and they could not get on. Then again, on the occasion of any interesting trial at the Court-house, how few of the public could get in, those who did were almost suffocated. Then again, at the meeting held to address Kossuth, about three times as many people left the Court-house as could get in. Therefore, taking all these things into consideration, and also the desirability of having courts suitable for the assizes, which might be brought here, he thought that the money would not be so badly spent in building a Town-hall ( Hear, hear ) He had endeavoured when in the Council to do his duty; and he believed no one had attended better to the committees on which he had been appointed. ( Cheers )� 

Further to his support of the new Town Hall, William was on its building committee, and his name is listed on the Foundation Stone, which has unfortunately now disappeared below street level:

'The Corner Stone of this Town Hall, erected by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Leeds, was laid on the 17th August 1853, in the 16th year of the reign of Queen Victoria , by John Hope Shaw, Esq., Mayor. Building Committee:-Chairman, Alderman William Edward Hepper; Aldermen John Wilson, John Darnton Luccock, William Kelsall, Charles Gascoigne Maclea, Francis Carbutt; Councillors Richard Bissington, John Marshall, George Brook, John Ardill, David Newton, Joshua Garsed Heaps, Joseph Broadhead, John Croysdale, William Kettlewell, James Smith, Robert Wood, Robert Meek Carter, William Illingworth, John Lister, George Skirrow Beecroft, Robert White. Town Clerk:-John Arthur Ikin. Architect:- Cuthbert Brodrick.'

                                                                                    

                                                                                             The drawing of Leeds Town Hall, by the architect, Cuthbert Brodrick 

In 1853, William Kettlewell was up for re-election for the Kirkgate Ward, again against his Tory opponent from 1850, Richard Stead. This time Mr. Stead prevailed by 230 votes to 201, however the Liberal Leeds Mercury reported that ��.the two were neck-and-neck until after three o�clock, when a small reserve turned the scales in favour of the Tories. We are informed that money was freely offered for votes, and that some parties who voted for the Tory candidate find themselves rewarded with half sovereign favours.� 

For a time, William concentrated on supporting other men for office, who he felt deserved, deserved the public�s confidence. However, in 1870, at the age of 71, he was persuaded to stand for election as a Town Councillor for the Liberal Party for the North Ward following the death of the sitting councillor. In the end, the two Conservative candidates decided to withdraw and William was elected unopposed. William, at this time, was recovering from an accident he had suffered at Scarborough railway station; the train had jerked as he was alighting and he had fallen between the train and the platform, injuring three ribs. 

In 1872, William was part of a deputation, headed by Sir Andrew Fairburn, who presented a petition of 29,500 names in favour of the purchase of the land for Roundhay Park in Leeds. 

On 20th February 1876, William Kettlewell was presented with his portrait, painted by his friend, Richard Waller, through public subscription of around 140 people, on the day after his 77th birthday. The painting was presented by his friend Mr. Edward Baines, who spoke of the great respect that Mr. Kettlewell was held in by everybody that knew him. There were further short speeches by his brother-in-law, Aldeman Kelsall and also Alderman Addyman, before William replied. That night there was a meal at the Bull and Mouth on Briggate, attended many of his friends from over the years, and it was presided over by the Mayor, Alderman Marsden. William�s response is recorded as follows:

�Mr Mayor and friends, it is with unfeigned pleasure that I rise to thank you and the subscribers generally for the very kind manner in which they have caused to be painted, and presented me with this faithfulportrait; and as long as memory survives I shall ever feel proud to think that I have lived to receive so flattering a testimonial from such a numerous body, although they may perhaps be partial friends. This appreciation is considerably enhanced by the selection of the gentleman through whose hands it has been presented. ( Hear, hear ) That selection was no doubt made from the belief that I should appreciate it all the more coming through the hands of one whom I had known for more than fifty years ( applause ) and with whom during that time I had so often been brought in contact on congenial grounds; the son moreover, of a gentleman for whom, even before I came to Leeds, I had great respect, for all his public character, and afterwards for his public worth. Having now received the painting, and having one at home by the same artist; and as, when the subscription was first commenced, it was intended for some public institution, my wish, Mr. Mayor, now is, if the Town Council would accept the portrait, that it should be placed in the Town Hall. ( Hear, hear ) One reason is that I was in the Corporation when the building of that noble hall was proposed, and voted for it in every stage, until the first stone was laid; besides, I was one of the committee that selected the design, and voted for it in preference to all others. Ever since, whenever the Town Hall is mentioned, I am proud of the part I took in that matter, for I think it is one of the finest buildings we have in England. For these reasons I should be highly gratified if my portrait be placed there. In the various offices I have filled, I have differed in opinion with many; but it is gratifying to me as a Liberal and Dissenter to have so many friends who are Conservatives and Churchmen. ( Hear ) Referring to one whom at one time I felt it my duty to oppose, we both lived long enough to respect each other, and in the later years of his stay in Leeds there was no one I used to have more pleasure in seeing come to my shop, and I received no more cordial shake of the hand than from Dr. Hook. ( Hear, hear and applause ) It is sixty-four years since I first passed through Leeds on my way to my apprenticeship, when thirteen years old, and since then I have seen many great changes and improvements in the town. I cannot expect to see many more changes, but I hope that still our good old town will go on and prosper, and that you who are younger will aid in the good work ( Applause )� 

In 1878, at a meeting of the Liberal electors of the Kirkgate, Mill Hill and South Wards of Leeds, William Kettlewell seconded a motion to do everything in their power to remove the current Conservative government and return a Liberal one. He said �The Tory government had, during the last five years, spent �60,000,000 more than was spent in the preceding five years of the Liberal Administration under Mr. Gladstone. This surely amounted to sixty million reasons ( laughter and hear, hear ) why the Liberals should be preferred. It was difficult in imagination to realise such an enormous a sum, but it was equal to something like �200 for every man, woman, and child in the borough of Leeds. In order to ensure success for the Liberal party, he strongly urged unity, remarking that if they did not hang together the Tories would hang them separately. ( Laughter and hear, hear ) 

On 8th March 1880, William Kettlewell died due to hemiphlegia at his house at 3, Grove Terrace, Leeds, he had been suffering from paralysis for the previous two months. His death was recorded in the Leeds Mercury as follows: 

"We regret to have to record the death of Mr. William Kettlewell, who was well known both as one of the oldest tradesmen in Leeds and as a veteran worker in the cause of Liberalism. Although eighty-one years of age, Mr. Kettlewell was not laid aside from his usual active habits until about two or three months ago, continuing not only to attend to business, but also to take a keen interest in public questions. For between 50 and 60 years, he has carried on business in the same premises in Briggate, and during all that period, retained the undiminished esteem of his numerous friends for the uprightness and consistency of his character. In token of the regard in which he was held, he was entertained on his seventy-fifth birthday to a public dinner, presided over by  the then Mayor of Leeds, the late Ald. Marsden, and in Feb. 1876, he was presented with his portrait painted by his friend and fellow-townsman Mr. Waller. This portrait, Mr. Kettlewell in turn presented to the borough for the Town Hall. The presentation took place at the Town Hall, and was made by Mr E. Baines, on behalf of the subscribers, of whom there was a large and influential attendance. On that occasion, cordial expression was given to the esteem in which Mr. Kettlewell was held, and full acknowlegment made of his readiness as a public-spirited citizen to take his share in the duties which belong to a self-governed people. He has been more than once elected a member of the Town Council, and was upon the first committee which had charge of the erection of the Town Hall. Whilst he sometimes held office himself, he still more frequently worked hard to promote the election of men whom he thought, on political grounds and otherwise, deserving of public confidence. He took an active part in the election of the late Mr. Edward Baines for Leeds in 1834, and in the election of Richard Cobden for the West Riding in 1848. Mr. Kettlewell was a Dissenter, and was elected by the opponents of Church-rates as one of the churchwardens of the old parish of Leeds. It was greatly by the aid of his perseverence in that capacity in collecting voluntary subscriptions that Church-rates were abolished in Leeds forty years ago. For several years Mr. Kettlewell was one of the Vice-Presidents of the West Riding Trade Protection Association and Chairman of its committee. He held the post of one of the secretaries of the Leeds Reform Association, and at the time of his death he held the office of treasurer of the Leeds Liberal Association. 

 Unfortunately, the portrait is now missing, it was recorded as being hung in the Town Hall in 1898, when mentioned in an obituary of his son William.

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