James Kitson Sr.

1807 - 1885

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Kitson, James Sr. (1807 - 1885)

• engineer, secretary of mechanics institute, inaugurates infirmary
  Engineer, b. Leeds. son of a publican based at Brunswick Tavern. Schooled at Miss Winns on Woodhouse Moor and Syston's school on Woodhouse Lane. Had to take on work at the tavern after early death of father and was also severely injured whilst working in a dyehouse. Later studied at the Mechanics Institute and joined the committee as a working man member. 1828 m. Ann Newton.

Having been impressed by Nicholas Wood's 'A Practical Treatise on Railroads' (1825) moves to Hunslet c1835 to work in loco engineering. 1837 enters partnership with Charles Todd, former apprentice of Matthew Murray, based at a former textile mill in Hunslet. First locomotive built 1838 quickly secures contract with Liverpool & Manchester Railway for six more, establishing Kitsons as a major locomotive builder until their closure in 1938. Kitsons other commercial interests included the development of Monkbridge Iron Works, he was also Vice Chairman of Yorkshire Banking Co, Chairman of Leeds Northern Railway Co. and Director of North Eastern Railway.

1842 is secretary of the Mechanics Institute, becoming President in 1852. 1865 leads the building committee for the new Institute.1868 submits proposal for a West Yorkshire College which forms the basis for the future Leeds University. Keen interest in music, singing in Parish Church Choir c.1815 and building his own organ. 1857 chairman of the orchestra committee for the Town Hall opening celebrations. Also chairman of Building Committee for Leeds General Infirmary and lays first stone. 1856-69 member of Leeds Conversation Club, formed 1849 by 12 leading Leeds professionals and industrialists. Politically liberal, Alderman of Leeds 1858-68 and Mayor of Leeds 1860-62. also member of Unitarian Congregation at Mill Hill.
1835 High Chief Ranger of the Ancient Order of Foresters. 1832 played cricket for Marylebone Cricket Club.

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