Links in a Chain - the Mayors of Bolton
Links in a Chain - The Mayors of Bolton
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John Kellett

Chairman of Blackrod Urban District Council: 1934-38

Born: Warton, near Carnforth, Lancashire 22 January 1869

Died: Chorley, Lancashire 9 October 1946

Educated: Carnforth National School

Gas works manager and secretary.

Son of Robert Kellett, an engine driver.

Appointed retort house foreman at Hindley Gas works aged 21. In 1896 he became manager and Secretary of Blackrod Gas Works, a position he held for over 40 years. When he first took over the management of the gas works they were in a dilapidated condition, but he had new mains laid in Blackrod and Anderton and brought the works up to date. He retired in 1938 when the works were taken over by Chorley Corporation.

During the First World War it became difficult to keep the works going. His youngest son and two of the work force joined the Forces and it became almost impossible to obtain labour and materials for repairs and maintenance.

In 1935 he helped to form a small company to produce coal at Blackrod Colliery and was appointed Chairman. Ellerbeck Collieries were also purchased and Blackrod Colliery was transferred to the Westhoughton Coal and Canal Company.

Elected to Blackrod UDC in 1924 and served until 1938.

Chairman of the Housing, Water and Estates Committees.

Member of the Assessment Committee at Wigan, the local Higher Education Committee and the Public Assistance Committee.

Freemason from 1903 - Worshipful Master of Horwich Lodge 2324 in 1914-15.

John KelletKellett Family Tree • pdf

 

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