Who's Who
Please note this article is currently a work in progress, the information is not currently complete.
Some of the key figures in the local engine making industry and some names with local connections who went on to be notable figures around the world.
Entries listed alphabetically by surname -
All, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
B
Balmforth; Jeremiah d- 1858
One of the early crane makers in partnership from 1820 with David Smith (father of Thomas Smith) and joined by Jeremiah Booth (father of Joseph Booth) between 1833 and 1847. Father of William Balmforth.
Balmforth; William
On the death of his father Jeremiah Balmforth in 1858 William Balmforth took his place in the crane making partnership that established the Smiths and Booths firms. Left in 1861 and his share was bought out by Thomas Smith. Formed his own company at the Peel Ings Foundry. This was passed to his sons who carried on as Balmforth Brothers.
Blenkinsop; John b- 1783 d- 1831
Manager at John Charles Brandling's Middleton Colliery who oversaw the introduction of steam locomotives and the patentee of the rack system used.
Biography of John Blenkinsop.
Blackburn; George William b- 2/10/1859 d- 10/11/1915
Apprentice of Kitson & Co 1874 - 1878 and subsequently a draughtsman there until 1884. Went to Thomas Green (likely poached for his steam tram work). Promoted to Assistant Manager in 1887 and Works Manager in 1892. Father of plane manufacturer Robert Blackburn.
Blackburn; Robert b- 26/3/1885 d- 10/9/1955
Apprentice of Thomas Green where his father George William Blackburn worked. Founded Blackburn Aeroplanes in 1908. Also given a directorship of Thomas Green in 1934.
Booth; Jeremiah
Father of crane maker Joseph Booth. Made cranes in partnership with Jeremiah Balmforth and David Smith (father of Thomas Smith) before leaving to establish the Union Foundry in 1847.
Booth; Joseph
Son of crane maker Jeremiah Booth, took his father's place running the Union Foundry in 1855, the company then becoming Joseph Booth & Bros.