elijah Clapham

[wayne69]

My ggg grandfather Richard M Narracott was a visitor at the home of Elijah Clapham in 1861.His sister Elizabeth was married to Elijah and they lived in Wilsden.I don't know if it was a social visit, or business or both.Richard was a commercial traveller and sold elasticated fabric, and I wondered if anyone has any information about Elijah and his business.Any information will be much appreciated.
                             Thanks,
                                        Wayne

[Tom Piper]

Hi Wayne,

Having read your thread, I had a look at the 19th century British Newspapers database from my local library, put in Elijah's name, and now know he was a non-conformist, he enjoyed a good lecture at his local mechanics Institute, gave a defendant at court a good reference, was something to do with the local workhouse. I know that his daughters married, the events were advertised in the local newspaper- The Bradford Observer & Leeds Mercury. I even now know about the mill he ran in Wilsden. I don't know his death, but do know that one of his daughters married just after his death. I also know he owned some land, which was sold by auction, I know where that was, how many acres, the name of it and when it was sold, the name of the auctioneer as well.

So if you too want to know this, obtain a library ticket and look it up yourself. If your local library doesn't do it, find one that will.

Tom

[wayne69]

Thanks Tom,
                  The information you posted is very interesting and helpful, and has given me a good starting place for more research.
                    Best Wishes
                                   WAYNE