The rise and rise of Kelley & Sons
Part one
DEATH OF MR. FAIRFAX KELLEY, OF HECKMONDWIKE
Mr. Fairfax Kelley, the founder of the well-known firm of Fairfax Kelley and Sons, carpet and woollen manufacturers and yarn spinners, Heckmondwike, died at his residence, Crystal Grove, Millbridge, Liversedge, on Friday, at the ripe age of 79 years. The funeral took place at the Heckmondwike Cemetery on Tuesday. About 18 months ago, in consequence of failing health, he went to Harrogate, hoping that the change might work an improvement, but while worshipping at one of the Non-conformist chapels he had an apoplectic seizure, and a second attack following immediately, proved the commencement of a period in which he was quite an invalid, and which terminated as above stated. Practically Mr. Kelley had been out of business about two years, and during that time the management of the firm’s affairs devolved upon his sons, Messrs. George, John, and Rawson Kelley. His career had been a somwhat remarkable one, and is a striking example of what may be accomplished by perseverance and energy. In comparatively early life he commenced the business of carpet manufacturing in premises situated in Market-place, Heckmondwike, having previously embarked in a miscellaneous trade which he carried on at the same establishment. The carpet-making branch grew rapidly, and to meet the requirements of his business it became necessary to acquire more extensive works. In 1851, therefore, Crystal Mills, which are amongst the largest in the town, were erected. Later, Union Mills were purchased, and yet later, in 1874, Providence Mill was built. In course of time Mr. Kelley took his four sons, Messrs. George, Ralph, John, and Rawson Kelley, into the business, which was extended by the addition at various times of the woollen and yarn spinning branches. Of the firm’s carpet factory it may safely be said to be the largest Kidderminster carpet works in the United Kingdom. It might be expected that in the history of a firm like Messrs. Kelley’s there would sometimes be reverses in business, and indeed there was one which is noteworthy on account of its magnitude. At the time of the American war Mr. Kelley lost £32,000 in one year, and it need scarcely be said that it was a very serious blow and such as would have been the overthrow of more establishments than one. But with energy, good management, and economy the drawback was surmounted and the house put on its old footing. In business Mr. Kelley was cautious, but, as already indicated, energetic, and in his relations and dealings in commercial life strickly[sic] upright. These qualities brought their reward in the respect and confidence of the large circle of business men with whom Mr. Kelley came in contact. Beyond his own business Mr. Kelley took an active part in the affairs of the Heckmondwike Gas Company in its early existence, being one of the promoters of the company. In public affairs he took no very active part, though he was a member of Liversedge old sanitary authority, and he was one of the first elected on the Liversedge Local Board, when he stood at the head of the poll. He was re-elected for a second period, but resigned, before his time expired. His political views were Liberal, and in religion he attached himself in the later years of his life to the Primitive Methodist body, several local churches of which society could testify to his generosity. By the death of Mr. Kelley private charities and public institutions will also lose a liberal friend. He leaves four sons and two daughters, the former of whom, save Mr. Ralph Kelley, carry on the business, and his descendants include grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Huddersfield Chronicle 31 October 1883
Who is this titan of business Fairfax Kelley and how is he related to me? In a real sense, Fairfax Kelley is practically not related to me at all. We share common ancestors - his parents were Barnard Kelley and Chrissie Crowther, they had 13 children, 9 of which survived to adulthood, and they were:
Twins Thomas Kelley 1797-1798 and John Kelley 1797 - 1864
Betty Kelley 1799
Sarah Kelley 1800-1801
Mary Kelley 1802
Ann Kelley 1804
Fairfax Kelley 1805 - 1883
Susanna Kelley 1807
James Kelley 1809
George Kelley 1812-1814
John Kelley 1813
Sarah Kelley 1814
Samuel Kelley 1815-1816
One of their eldest sons, John Kelley (1797-1864) is my great-great-great-great-grandfather. Fairfax is one of his younger brothers which makes him a great-great-great-great-great uncle of mine.
John Kelley was a wool stapler, his son George also worked as a wool stapler and married Margaret Jane Riby, a farmer’s daughter. Their daughter, Lucy Ann Kelley married her first cousin George Riby Bullock (his mother was Margaret Jane Riby’s sister), a farmer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wool-stapler One of their sons was Fairfax George Bullock, my great grandfather and a namesake for Fairfax Kelley.
Fairfax Kelley and his legacy
His branch of the family tree is the richest and most middle class we get as a family. Fairfax became hugely wealthy and influential for his time and in his local area. His descendants are arguably still benefiting from that privilege today. Two of Fairfax Kelley’s grandchildren were named after him as well as my great-grandfather. Naming conventions back in the 19th century seems to follow a general pattern when I look at the family tree. People seemed to name your children after your father, mother, yourselves as parents, then favourite sibling and then other significant relative. If I see the same name coming up in the family tree, especially if the family relationship isn’t as close as parent-child, I take it that I’m seeing evidence of a highly respected person in the family. In Fairfax’s own family, the naming convention aren’t as strong. We’re not necessarily seeing the same names over and over. His daughter Emma, for example, names her children Edward, Richard, Annie, John, Tom, Fairfax, Fred, Martha and Mary. Not all of these names can be found in their family relationships. Richard is Emma’s father in law, Martha is her grandmother’s name, she has an uncle John.
How did Fairfax Kelley make his wealth?
Another obituary had this to say about his career:
The career of the deceased gentleman has been in some respects a very remarkable one, beginning life, as he did, in a humble way, and gradually rising till he became the owner of one of the largest - if not the largest - carpet manufactories in England. He possessed a wonderful capacity for business, and in him was to be found a true and noble example of energy and perseverance. It will be more than fifty years since deceased left his occupation as a jenny spinner, and commenced the earthenware trade in the shop in the Market Place now occupied by Mr. Atkinson, chemist and druggist. He subsequently augmented his business by commencing the grocery trade, and under his care and skill as a small tradesman both businesses became very lucrative. He was a person of indomitable energy, and would never speculate or enter into any undertaking however small or unimportant without first having been convinced of the utility and necessity of doing so. By dint of his own hard efforts and thoughtful superintendence, his business developed to such an extent that the enterprising shopkeeper, having accumulated some capital, purchased the site and built the shops in Upper Market, now occupied by and belonging to Mr. Joseph Wharton, draper. Mr. Kelley removed to his new premises about the year 1837, and had not been there long ere he discovered a further outlet for his business qualifications. He started the drapery trade, and became what may be called a general dealer. ... Mr. Kelley dealt largely in carpets, and in that way, no doubt, found an opening for the further development of that portion of his trade. He next directed his energies to the manufacture of carpets, for which purpose he put up a suitable building adjoining his shop, and soon stocked the same with looms, which were kept constantly in work for a number of years. … Success again crowned his efforts, and additional looms were purchased and fixed in the building formerly used as a joiner’s shop, but now connected with and doing duty as a lodge-room at the Woodman Inn. Subsequently, Crystal Mills were erected and the carpet business removed to these more commodious premises. The other trades were now relinquished and the whole of the deceased’s thoughts and energies became concentrated in the manufacture of carpets solely. His sons were brought up to learn the business, and the firm, as is well known, now occupies a leading position in the manufacture of these goods. Deceased’s main characteristics were shrewdness, energy, economy, and perseverance, and by his death the town is deprived of a worthy and respected citizen. ... His character as a business man may be held up for emulation, and as indicating his excellent principle and general straightforwardness, it may be mentioned that he has successfully encountered commercial embarrassments, the strain of which would have been too severe for less energetic men.
Batley Reporter and Guardian 27 October 1883
According to this obituary Fairfax Kelley is the poster boy for Victorian entrepreneurial success. He is a self-made man brought himself up from nothing. And only using his wits, his energy and perseverance was he able to make a success of himself. If he doesn’t have a title, he’s got the next best thing: wealth.
By the time of his death, Fairfax Kelley had three mills in his business Kelley and Sons. His sons George, Rawson and John inherited the business. Ralph had left the business a few years before. In 1891, Kelley and Sons was bought by the Carpet and Rug Manufacturing Union for £150,000 (worth roughly £12,300,000 today). It seems that each of the sons retired from the business with their share of the sale. £150,000 divided by three is £50,000 - roughly £4,300,000 - which is a pretty large sum of money to retire on.
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| My mum visiting the grave of Fairfax Kelley in 1980 |
In part two, I'll be following the lives of some of Fairfax's grandchildren.
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