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Surnames: FOLDS, CATLOW
Classification: Biography
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/EII.2ACIB/107
Message Board Post:
JAMES FOLDS 1814-1889
Cotton Manufacturer and Mayor of Burnley
James Folds was born 6, June 1814, the son of James a well-known builder and contractor,
the family lived at Woodgrove. James was educated at the Burnley Grammar school, under the
Rev. Dr. John Raws. At an early age, James Folds entered into his father's business,
and later along with his brother (Obadiah Folds) embarked into the cotton spinning
business. This was 1844, and the premise they first took were Rishton Mill, which used to
stand besides the canal on Yorkshire street, roughly where the present day Culvert Filling
station is. As business prospered, James took on the Stanley street saw mills, and around
1869 started business as cotton manufacturers at Trafalger street shed, and employed
between 350 and 400 hands at the two places. Other positions held by James, included being
Chairman of the Keighley Green Mill Company, and Chairman of the Hill Top Mill Company. He
was also the executor for Mr Henry Fishwick, who was the joint owner of Pillingfield Mill.
On his retir!
ement from the firm he was one of the oldest cotton spinners in the Burnley district. The
business was carried on by his two sons, James and Obadiah. He gained a reputation for
excellent goods that were unsurpassed in the district. He only bought the very best cotton
and spun yarn, both for spinning and weaving, he insisted on having the very finest
material for his operatives to work with.
James was also a member of the Blackburn and Addlington Turnpike Trust, and rendered good
service looking after the public roads. James Folds was said to have been on the old Town
Commissioners, which came into existence in 1821, and which remained in control of the
towns' affairs until the Improvement Commissioners in 1846. It was Mr Folds (among
others) that had the foresight to purchase the Gasworks under the Improvement Act of 1854.
His service on the various committee's led, in 1866 to his election to Mayor of the
town, he also served as an Alderman. Almost from its formation, he was connected with the
Mechanic's Institute, and was elected as a member of the first body of trustee's
in 1853. This was a position he maintained until his death in 1889. As a magistrate, he
was most attentive in his duties being appointed to this post in April 1867. His wife was
Miss Catlow, the daughter of a former landlord of the Yorkshire Hotel. In later life,
James often went to Southport!
where the fresh sea air gave some comfort to his ailing health. In early March 1889,
while at Southport James had a severe attack of what was termed indigestion. However, he
appeared to make a recovery, and on the following Wednesday, was able to take a stroll
along the pier. That evening saw James take a relapse, and by midnight it was noticed that
his breathing was much affected. A Dr Baron was called in, and as no improvement was
noticed, Dr Briggs a former Burnley doctor was called. It was soon evident, that there was
no hope for the old gentleman, who was after all in his 75th year. The medical men gave
what comfort they could till at last, at 2.30 in the morning of 1, April James Folds
passed quietly away.
Four of his children were present at their father's death, Councillor Folds, James
Folds, Mrs Holroyd and Mrs Ward. James Folds other daughter, Mrs Cooper had left England
to join her husband in Calcutta. Ironically, on that Monday morning a letter was received
by the family to say she had made a safe arrival. James Folds was brought back to Burnley,
and amidst the muffled peal of bells was buried in the family vault at the Parish Church
of St. Peter's the following Wednesday.
Marriages Ref
March 1845
CATLOW, Elizabeth, Burnley, 21, 147
FOLDS, James, Burnley, 21, 147