Person Page - 15

     Benjamin Pyrah was born in 1760. He was the son of Joshua Pyrah and Sarah Beaumont. Benjamin Pyrah was baptized on 8 June 1760 at Batley.¹
He married Sally Firth, daughter of John Firth, on 6 April 1780 at Dewsbury.²
Benjamin Pyrah died in 1838 at Leeds. He was buried on 27 May 1838 at Batley ; as of Leeds.¹

     William Fox was born in 1814. He was the son of David Fox and Mary Ibberson. William Fox married Jane Sheard, daughter of George Sheard and Ann Greenwood, on 20 May 1839 at Batley witnesses Josh Chadwick and John Fox.^1,2,3
In the census of 6 June 1841 he was listed as the head of household at Spa Hill, Batley, as a shoemaker.⁴
In the census of 30 March 1851 he was listed as the head of household as a widower, a boot and shoe maker employing one apprentice.⁵
In the census of 7 April 1861 he was listed as the head of household at Commercial Street, Batley, as a cordwainer employing 4 men and 2 women.⁶
William Fox died on 20 February 1868.

     Jane Talbot Fox was born on 31 January 1821. She was the daughter of David Fox and Mary Ibberson. Jane Talbot Fox was baptized on 21 March 1821 at Salem Chapel, Dewsbury.
She was listed in the census of 1841 at Batley a female servant. In the census of 7 April 1861 she was listed as unmarried, aged 40 the sister of William Fox.¹ She was listed in the census of 3 April 1881 at Wood Villa, Batley Field Hill, Batley, the sister-in-law of James Stubley, unmarried, an annuitant.²
In the census of 5 April 1891 she was listed as retired, the sister-in-law of James Stubley at 40 Field Hill, Batley.³
She was listed in the census of 31 March 1901 at Wood View, Batley, as aunt of David Stubley living on her own means.⁴

     Abraham Fox was born on 25 May 1819. He was the son of David Fox and Mary Ibberson. Abraham Fox was baptized on 14 July 1819 at Salem Chapel, Dewsbury.
In the census of 6 June 1841 he was listed as the head of household Woollen weaver.¹
He married Susanna Blakeley, daughter of William Blakeley and Sarah Hargreaves, on 17 April 1843 at Salem Chapel, Dewsbury, William is described as a manufacturer, and both are described as of Batley.^2,3
He was listed in the census of 1861 at Fox Row, Batley, as a rag merchant employing 7 girls.

     Susanna Blakeley was born in 1820. She was the daughter of William Blakeley and Sarah Hargreaves. Susanna Blakeley was baptized on 22 October 1820 at Batley.¹
In the census of 6 June 1841 she was listed as as a woollen labourer the daughter of William Blakeley at Silver St, Batley.²
Susanna Blakeley married Abraham Fox, son of David Fox and Mary Ibberson, on 17 April 1843 at Salem Chapel, Dewsbury, William is described as a manufacturer, and both are described as of Batley.^3,4

     Sampson Blakeley was born in 1821. He was the son of William Blakeley and Sarah Hargreaves. Sampson Blakeley was baptized on 7 October 1821 at Batley.
He died on 9 May 1839.

     Sarah Hargreaves was born in 1800 at Soothill. She was the daughter of Daniel Hargreaves and Susanna Clegg. Sarah Hargreaves's grave (an unknown value).¹ She married William Blakeley, son of William Blakeley and Hannah Newsome, on 20 December 1818 at Batley.²
In the census of 6 June 1841 Sarah Blakeley was listed at Silver St, Batley, as wife of William Blakeley.³
In the census of 30 March 1851 Sarah Blakeley was listed at Havercroft, Batley, as wife of William Blakeley.⁴
Sarah Hargreaves died on 13 June 1865.⁵ She was buried on 15 June 1865.²

     David Fox was born in 1846. He was the son of Abraham Fox and Susanna Blakeley. In the census of 30 March 1851 he was listed as a scholar aged 5 the grandson of William Blakeley.¹ David Fox married Rebecca Spedding, daughter of Robert Spedding and Ann Harrison, in 1870.²
In the census of 2 April 1871 he was listed as the head of household at Caledonia Road, Batley, as salesman for a woollen manufacturer.³

     Rebecca Fox was born in 1882. She was the daughter of David Fox and Rebecca Spedding. Rebecca Fox married Frank Wightman.

     Frank Wightman married Rebecca Fox, daughter of David Fox and Rebecca Spedding.

     David Fox was born in 1822. He was the son of David Fox and Mary Ibberson. David Fox died on 10 February 1823. He was buried on 11 February 1823 at Batley.¹

     Sarah Fox was born on 2 February 1824 at Dewsbury. She was the daughter of David Fox and Mary Ibberson. She was listed in the census of 6 June 1841 rag sorter.
Sarah Fox married James Stubley, son of John Stubley and Martha Easton, on 9 July 1846 at Dewsbury.¹
In the census of 30 March 1851 Sarah Stubley was listed at Havercroft, Batley, as wife of James Stubley.²

In the census of 7 April 1861 Sarah Stubley was listed at Albert Street, Batley, as wife of James Stubley.³
Sarah Stubley was listed on the census of 2 April 1871 at Albert Terrace, Batley, as wife of James Stubley.⁴

In the census of 3 April 1881 Sarah Fox was listed at Wood Villa, Batley Field Hill, Batley, as wife of James Stubley.⁵
Sarah Stubley died on 7 July 1885 at age 61.

     Mary Fox was born in 1826 at Batley. She was the daughter of David Fox and Mary Ibberson. Mary Fox married Isaac Lee, son of Thomas Wilby Lee and Jane Shotton, in 1847 at Dewsbury.¹
Mary Fox died in 1945 at Leeds, Yorkshire.

     Isaac Lee was born in 1822. He was the son of Thomas Wilby Lee and Jane Shotton. Isaac Lee was baptized on 14 July 1822 at Batley.
He married Mary Fox, daughter of David Fox and Mary Ibberson, in 1847 at Dewsbury.¹
Isaac Lee died in 1877 at Dewsbury.

     Harold Middlebrook was born circa 1888 at Birstall. He was the son of William Middlebrook and Alma Jackson. Harold Middlebrook married Mabel Vasey, daughter of Orenza Vasey and Emma Blackburn, in 1914 at Scarborough.
In 1936 Harold Middlebrook succeeeded to his father's baronetcy.¹
Between 1936 and 1953 Harold Middlebrook was a Conservative member of Harrogate council.
He died in 1971. A notice in the Yorkshire Post read:-
Sir Harold Middlebrook, of Park Road, Harrogate, a former member of Harrogate Town Council and a solicitor in Leeds for many years, has died aged 84. He was formerly a member of the legal firm of William and E.H. Middlebrook, of Leeds. He was a Conservative member of Harrogate council from 1936 to 1953.
Sir Harold leaves a widow. in 1971.²

     Arthur Senior was born on 2 May 1873 at Skelmanthorpe. He was the son of Josephus Senior and Christiana Hirst. Arthur Senior was baptized on 3 August 1873 at St Augustine, Scissett.¹
He is said to have been only a baby when the family moved to Batley, and In the census of 3 April 1881 he was listed as there as a scholar aged 7, the son of Josephus Senior at Suffolk St, Batley.²

He attended Batley Parish Church School, and having passed Standard VII he was appointed a monitor. He served 5 years as pupil-teacher, then became a certificated assistant on 8 August 1887.
In the census of 5 April 1891 he was listed as as a Day School teacher the son of Josephus Senior.³
In the census of 31 March 1901 17 Norfolk St, Batley he was listed as a certificated teacher, the son of Josephus Senior.⁴

Between 1895 and 1905 Arthur was Assistant Master at the School. My photograph shows him at this time, the seated figure on the right, whilst the seated figure on the left is the then Headmaster, Walter Hurst, a man who did much to transform the school in his long headship from 1881 to 1924, and who would have been responsible for much of my grandfather's training.

Arthur Senior married Sarah Grace Gertrude Binns, daughter of Isaac Binns and Sarah Thurman Robinson, on 7 August 1902 at Purlwell Wesleyan Chapel, Batley, Although both by then working in Batley the couple are said to have met on a holiday in Devon.

Arthur Senior was Headmaster of Cawthorne Boys School between 1905 and 1906 at Cawthorne, Barnsley.⁵  Then Headmaster of Cawthorne Mixed School between 1906 and 1910.⁵

Between 1910 and 1915 Arthur Senior was Headmaster of the Council School at Clayton, Bradford.⁵

When his children were young Arthur Senior rented the Schoolhouse in Conistone, close to where his sister Maria lived, for the summer holidays.

Life in Clayton was all too soon be overshadowed by the outbreak of the first World War. He was one of the founders of the Clayton Volunteer Company, the first to be founded in the Bradford Area, then felt impelled to join up himself. He joined the OTC at Leeds University, and was gazetted Lieutenant in May 1815 at the age of 42. He did not see service abroad, but was promoted to the rank of Captain, and his last responsibility during the war period was to be in charge of the the Guards at British Dyes and other important adjoining works at Huddersfield.⁶ Arthur Senior resumed his position of Headmaster at Clayton Council School when his military service ended in 1919.^7,5

In January 1925 Arthur Senior was appointed Headmaster of his own old school, Batley Parish Church School, and the family lived at the adjacent School House at Stocks Lane, Batley, Note the glimpse of the Churchyard in its former state in the photograph showing him with his staff.^5,8
Arthur Senior wrote some of his own exercise books, which were published in 1932 and were used in the Parish Church School. Barbara Hayes kindly gave me her own copies, still carefully backed in brown paper (removed to make a better photo, but now replaced).

Arthur Senior retired in 1937.
Benjamin Ineson was a lifelong friend of my grandfather Arthur Senior and like him became a local headmaster, in his case of Milll Lane School. Speaking on the presentation of a gift to my grandfather following his retirement in 1938 he said:-
"that he had known Captain Senior more years than he cared to remember. He remembered him as a tall lad at school over 50 years ago. He envied Captain Senior then because he had long trousers. Later, as a young man, he spent some hectic evenings, leaving Captain Senior's abode at four or five o'clock in the morning."⁹

He was to have a long retirement, though sadly interrupted soon by another war, in which he served as Deputy Chief Air Raid Warden for Batley.
Arthur Senior and Sarah had bought a house on Upper Batley Lane, and I remember often staying with them. Grandpa retained the fitness of a younger man, and I would go on long walks with him. Sometimes we went into Batley, past the Bagshaw Museum and through Wilton Park, or into Birstall or round Howley.
He died on 22 August 1961 at age 88. He was buried on 25 August 1961 at the Cemetery, Batley.

     Sarah Grace Gertrude Binns was born on 28 February 1878 at Batley. She was the daughter of Isaac Binns and Sarah Thurman Robinson.
In the census of 5 April 1891 she was listed as a scholar the daughter of Sarah Thurman Binns at 82 Purlwell Lane, Batley.¹
Sarah Grace Gertrude Binns appeared as a school teacher on the census of 31 March 1901 living with her stepfather William Todd at 90 Purlwell Lane, Batley, Although his marriage to her mother was of short duration, she had a good relationship with him, and I have a pretty ring he bought her for her 21st, feeling that her own father would have done something of the kind.²

Sarah Grace Gertrude Binns married Arthur Senior, son of Josephus Senior and Christiana Hirst, on 7 August 1902 at Purlwell Wesleyan Chapel, Batley, Although both by then working in Batley the couple are said to have met on a holiday in Devon.

Sarah Grace Gertrude Binns was said to have worked for Women's Emancipation as a young woman, and she continued to take an active interest in politics, several times chairing the women's section of the Batley and Morley Conservative Association and serving on various Yorkshire committees.
She founded the women's section of the local branch of the British Legion.
She witnessed the marriage of Brian Eley to her daughter Grace Senior on 9 September 1933 at Batley Parish Church.³

During the Second World War she was in charge of the Red Cross Depot in Batley, in which capacity she twice received the Princess Royal when she inspected the work being done by the Red Cross and St. John's war organisation. Starting with bandages and items for hospital use, the group went on to make garments and for evacuees, prisoners of war, and troops at the front. In the first year alone more than 4000 garments were produced. Sarah was herself an excellent needlewoman, and and also skilled in the making of bobbin lace.

Sarah Grace Gertrude Senior died on 21 May 1956 at age 78. She was buried on 22 May 1956 at The cemetery, Batley, ; in Grave G 108.

     William Hirst Senior was born in 1904 at Batley. He was the son of Arthur Senior and Sarah Grace Gertrude Binns.
When he was a child for the summer holidays his father Arthur Senior rented the Schoolhouse in Conistone, close to where his sister Maria lived. It was there that William's interest in farming developed through spending time helping his uncle Thomas Hardacre.
He was educated at Bradford Grammar School. William Hirst Senior shone in the Classics stream there, and his father was at first concerned when he wished to read agriculture at University. finding it hard to envisage where this would lead since his parents could not afford to set him up on a farm.¹
He did read Agriculture at Reading, following his first degree with an MSc. and a period as a Research Scholar.
In 1929 William joined the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, where he remained, retiring as Under-Secretary in 1966.
He married Olive Kathleen Killick in 1930 and the couple were to have five children.
Between 1941 and 1944 William Hirst Senior was Secretary of the Balfour of Burleigh Committee on Hill Sheep Farming in Scotland. In 1947 William Hirst Senior was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Between 1959 and 1966 William Hirst Senior was a member of the Agricultural Research Council.
Between 1960 and 1966 William Hirst Senior was Chairman of the Scottish Agricultural Improvement Council.
In 1964 William Hirst Senior was awarded the CB.
He died on 11 October 1984 at Innerwick, Dunbar, Scotland.

     Josephus Senior was born in 1830 at Skelmanthorpe. He was the son of Caroline Senior. Josephus Senior was baptized on 26 December 1830 at Skelmanthorpe.
In the census of 6 June 1841 he was listed as aged 10 in the household of Ann Senior at Skelmanthorpe.¹
Josephus Senior married Christiana Hirst, daughter of John Hirst and Mary Hobson, on 16 September 1850 at the Parish Church, High Hoyland, witnesses William Field and John Hellawell.²
In the census of 30 March 1851 he was listed as the head of household at New Row, Skelmanthorpe, as a fancy weaver.³
In the census of 7 April 1861 he was listed as the head of household at West End, Skelmanthorpe, as a Manufacturer of fancy waiscoats.⁴
In 1862 Josephus Senior was Listed as a woollen manufacturer.⁵
In 1870 Josephus Senior was listed as a woollen manufacturer both at Skelmanthorpe and at Hirst's building, Cloth Hall Street, Huddersfield.⁶
Business must have prospered for a time for he was listed as the head of household in the 2 April 1871 census at Rusker Lane, Skelmanthorpe, as a Fancy manufacturer employing 12 hands.⁷

However, this venture seems to have failed,and he was listed as the head of household in the 3 April 1881 census at Suffolk St, Batley, as a Rag Merchant.⁸
In the census of 5 April 1891 he was listed as the head of household at 17 Norfolk St, Batley, widower, no occupation given.⁹
In the census of 31 March 1901 he was listed as the head of household at 17 Norfolk St, Batley, Rug maker, line through maker then says carpet.¹⁰
He appeared on the census of 2 April 1911 in the household of his daughter and son-in-law Thomas and Maria Hardacre at Conistone with Kilnsey.¹¹ Josephus Senior died in 1913.¹²

     Christiana Hirst was born on 25 December 1831 at Cumberworth Half. She was the daughter of John Hirst and Mary Hobson. Christiana Hirst was baptized on 27 February 1837 at Cumberworth Half.
She married Josephus Senior, son of Caroline Senior, on 16 September 1850 at the Parish Church, High Hoyland, witnesses William Field and John Hellawell.¹
Christiana Senior was listed on the census of 30 March 1851 at New Row, Skelmanthorpe, aged 20 as wife of Josephus Senior and herself a fancy weaver.² In the census of 7 April 1861 Christiana Senior was listed at West End, Skelmanthorpe, as wife of Josephus Senior.³
In the census of 2 April 1871 Christiana Senior was listed at Rusker Lane, Skelmanthorpe, as wife of Josephus Senior.⁴
In the census of 3 April 1881 Christiana Senior was listed at Suffolk St, Batley, as wife of Josephus Senior.⁵
Christiana Hirst died in 1889.

     Fred Senior was born in 1853. He was the son of Josephus Senior and Christiana Hirst. Fred Senior was baptized on 16 October 1853 at Emley.¹
In the census of 7 April 1861 he was listed as the son of Josephus Senior at West End, Skelmanthorpe.²
In the census of 2 April 1871 he was listed as an assistant the son of Josephus Senior at Rusker Lane, Skelmanthorpe.³
Fred Senior married Frances Heywood, daughter of George Heywood, on 17 October 1874 at The Parish Church, High Hoyland, Witnesses were Aaron Moore and Joseph Clarkson.⁴
In the census of 5 April 1891 he was listed as the head of household at School House, Conistone, as a schoolmaster, a widower.⁵
Fred Senior married Elizabeth Atkinson on 5 July 1899 at St Mary's Church, Conistone.⁶
In the census of 2 April 1911 he was listed as the head of household at the School House, Cracoe.

     Maria Senior was born in 1864 at Skelmanthorpe. She was the daughter of Josephus Senior and Christiana Hirst.
In the census of 2 April 1871 she was listed as as a scholar the daughter of Josephus Senior at Rusker Lane, Skelmanthorpe.¹
In the census of 3 April 1881 she was listed as a dressmaker the daughter of Josephus Senior at Suffolk St, Batley.²
In the census of 5 April 1891 she was listed as a dressmaker the daughter of Josephus Senior at 17 Norfolk St, Batley.³

It seems likely that it was through visiting her brother Fred when he was living at Conistone that she met her future husband. Maria Senior married Thomas Hardacre in 1900 at Skipton.⁴

In the census of 31 March 1901 Maria Senior was listed at No 9, Conistone, as wife of Thomas Hardacre.⁵
In the census of 2 April 1911 Maria Hardacre was listed at Conistone with Kilnsey as wife of Thomas Hardacre.⁶
Maria Hardacre had the company of her brother Arthur Senior and his family during the summer holidays when they rented the schoolhouse in Conistone.

     Louisa Senior was born on 23 February 1865.¹ She was the daughter of Josephus Senior and Christiana Hirst. Louisa Senior was baptized on 16 April 1865 at St Augustine, Scissett.¹
In the census of 2 April 1871 she was listed as as a scholar the daughter of Josephus Senior at Rusker Lane, Skelmanthorpe.²
In the census of 3 April 1881 she was listed as a woollen weaver the daughter of Josephus Senior at Suffolk St, Batley.³
In the census of 5 April 1891 she was listed as a woollen weaver the daughter of Josephus Senior at 17 Norfolk St, Batley.⁴
In the census of 31 March 1901 17 Norfolk St, Batley she was listed as the daughter of Josephus Senior.⁵
In the census of 2 April 1911 she was listed as a cook - domestic aged 45 the sister-in-law of Thomas Hardacre at Conistone with Kilnsey.⁶
Louisa Senior died on 2 October 1949 at age 84. Notice in the Yorkshire Post on 6 October 1949 says service in St Mary's church, but not where.

     Ellen Senior was born on 2 June 1867 at Cumberworth.¹ She was the daughter of Josephus Senior and Christiana Hirst. Ellen Senior was baptized on 12 July 1868 at St Augustine, Scissett.¹

In the census of 2 April 1871 she was listed as the daughter of Josephus Senior at Rusker Lane, Skelmanthorpe.²
In the census of 3 April 1881 she was listed as a scholar the daughter of Josephus Senior at Suffolk St, Batley.³
In the census of 5 April 1891 she was listed as a woollen weaver the daughter of Josephus Senior at 17 Norfolk St, Batley.⁴
Ellen Senior married Thomas Thresh, son of William Thresh, on 13 July 1893 at Batley Witnesses were Arthur and Louisa Senior.^5,6
In the census of 31 March 1901 Ellen Thresh was listed at 46 Brearley Street, Batley, as wife of Thomas Thresh.⁷

     Godfrey Lodge was born circa 1814. He was the son of William Lodge. Godfrey Lodge married Caroline Senior, daughter of John Senior and Ann Haigh, on 26 February 1843 at the Parish Church, High Hoyland, She was aged 31, he was 29. Witnesses were George Allott and William Allott.
Godfrey Lodge appeared as a fancy waistcoat weaver on the census of 30 March 1851 in the household of Nancy Senior at Common End, High Hoyland.¹