Today’s speaker was Pam Cooksey on “The Five Sons of Joseph Woodhead”. This was a sequel to a previous talk on Joseph Woodhead himself.
Joseph and his wife had 9 children of whom only 6 survived into adulthood – 1 girl, Catherine about whom little is known beyond her marriage, moving to Great Yarmouth then returning to Huddersfield on the death of her husband.
The 5 sons were: German Sims, Ernest, Herbert Miall, Arthur Longden and Frank. All were educated at University. The first four at Edinburgh because British Universities were barred to them because of their religion. Frank, the youngest, went to Cambridge when the restrictions were lifted.
Each was different in their personalities but were united in their commitment to public service inherited from their parents.
German studied medicine and was instrumental in opening the Open Air TB hospital in Papworth and the use of chlorination to purify water.
Herbert also studied medicine and was known for visiting patients on his bike. He became a medical officer of health, retiring in 1948 with the coming of the NHS.
Ernest took an Arts degree. He wanted to be an author but was prevented by his father. At 28 he became the editor of the “Huddersfield Examiner”, a post he held for 42 years. As a journalist he preferred truth and good writing over splashy headlines.
Arthur wanted to be a farmer but father decided otherwise. He took great interest in introducing new technology to the “Examiner” and was known for explaining why it was being introduced.
Frank’s stay at Cambridge was short-lived. His father was a non-smoker and when he learned the Frank had taken up the habit, he issued an ultimatum – give up smoking or your funding will stop. Frank continued to smoke. He also joined the “Examiner” as a sports reporter.
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