Alfred Apperly
Sir Alfred Apperly (1839-1913) of Apperly, Curtis and Co
1839 Born the son of David Apperly, a Woollen Cloth Manufacturer
1851 Residing at Village, Rodborough: David Apperly (age 38 born Stonehouse), Woollen Cloth Manufacturer. With his wife Ellen and their children Alfred Apperly (age 17 born Stonehouse); Ellen (age 10); Edward Apperly (age 8 born Stonehouse); Ebenezer (age 6); David G. Apperly (age 5); Rose E. age 1); and his Sister-in-Law Elizabeth Jacobs (age 46).[1]
1865 Married at Egham to Maria Paice
1871 Residing at Slad: Alfred Apperly (age 31 born Cainscross), Woollen Cloth Manufacturer employing 16 men, 20 women and 2 boys. With his wife Maria, daughters Ethel Marianne and Jessie Maria. Also his MIL Eliza Paice.[2]
1901 Residing at Rodborough Court, Stroud: Alfred Apperly (age 60 born Cainscross), Woollen Cloth Manufacturer (employer). With his wife Maria, son Charles A. Apperly (age 27) Woollen Cloth Manufacturer; Rose E.; and Arthur L. Apperly (age 23), Woollen Cloth Manufacturer.[3]
1911 Residing at Rodborough Court, Stroud: Alfred Apperly (age 72 born Cainscross), Cloth Manufacturing (employer). With his wife Maria (age 64) and children Charles Alfred Apperly (age 38 born Rodborough), Cloth Manufacturer; and Arthur Lancelot Apperly (age 33 born Rodborough), Cloth Manufacturer. Also his sister and Emily Georgina Apperly (age 53).[4]
Sir Alfred Apperly has been a member of the County Council, member of the County Educational Authorities, Chairman of the Stroud Metal Co., Ltd., and Joint Proprietor of the Wood Worker's Co., Chalford, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Gloucester.
1913 September 7th. Died. 'Sir Alfred Apperly died shortly before eight o'clock yesterday morning at his residence, Rodborough Court, Stroud, Gloucestershire. where he had been ill some weeks. aged 75 years. He joined his father in woollen cloth manufacture and became chairman of Apperley, Curtis and Co. He was formerly president of the Free Church Council at Stroud, and president of the Mid-Gloucestershire Liberal Association.'[5]
1913 Obituary.[6]
Sir Alfred Apperly passed peacefully away his resilience, Rodborough Court. Stroud, at. 7.35 «n Sunday morning, after a painful illness of over two months' duration. Early in the year Sir Alfred was confined to the house by an attack influenza. Internal trouble supervened, and although after a few weeks' rest was able to resume some of his business and public activities, it was manifest that the illness had left its mark upon him. In the first week of July was attacked sickness, and his medical attendant (Dr. A. Barnes Davies) was called in. A specialist from London was consulted, and after a fortnight the townspeople began to realise that the patient's condition was very grave. Several times he seemed to rally, but subsequent bulletins gave little hope of his recovery, and the end came quietly on Sunday.
Sir Alfred Apperly was a son of the late Mr. David Apperly, of Cheltenham, and he was born at Stroud on January 2nd, 1839, so that, he was 74 years of age. He was educated Mr. John Sibree M.A.. J.P., late of Bussage House, Stroud, and leaving that establishment entered the woollen cloth business in which the members of the Apperly family have been engaged for something like 300 years. The firm of which Sir Alfred was the head founded his grandfather in 1794. The latter died in 1854 but nearly twenty years before that event the business Dudbridge Mills had been succeeded to by Mr. David Apperly (Sir Alfred's father) anil Mr. James Apperly (his uncle). New methods of manufacture were introduced by them, and in 1851 they were awarded the gold medal for the finest in the world at the International Exhibition in London. This was the forerunner of many triumphs won by the products of the firm.
In 1872 the business at Dudbridge passed into the hands of Sir Alfred Apperly, who was joined in 187 ft by Mr. Charles Curtis, and in 1895 the firm was converted into a limited liability company under the title Apperly. Curtis, and Co.. Ltd. Altogether they have won something like 30 gold medals and other awards for the excellence of their cloth. The firm won the highest possible awards at the International Exhibitions at Brussels in 1910 and at Turin 1911, and Sir Alfred was presented with commemorative diplomas president of the Textile and Class Jury and of the Grand at both exhibitions, while diplomas and medals were also presented to the heads of departments at Dudbridge Mills.
Sir Alfred's motto has all throughout been "Never stand still." He line never hesitated scrap machinery in order to introduce the latest and best devices in the mills under his control. He gone on extending and building and building, until to-day Dudbridge Mills stand on seven acres of land, while the weaving shed opened the Countess two or three years ago is model of its kind, and is one of the largest in the West of England. Like all the other departments of the mills it scientifically ventilated, and planned to ensure the good health and comfort of the workpeople, facts upon which the directors have over and over again been complimented by the Factory Inspectors. The happiness and well-being those who served him were always foremost in Sit - Alfred's mind. He was just in all his dealings with his employees, and being always approachable grievances were invariably promptly adjusted, and so we heard few, if any, labour disputes at Dudbridge Mills.
In addition being chairman and director of Messrs. Apperly, Curtis, and Co., Sir Alfred was chairman of the Stroud Metal Co., Ltd., a business which through his enterprise has sprung up Phoenix-like from the ashes of a onetime successful undertaking in the Thrupp district, and it has now become one of the most successful companies of its kind, its ramifications extending throughout the world. Sir Alfred was until year ago director of the Stroud Sanitary Laundry, and when he retired the workpeople presented him with a handsome 800-day clock as a token of their affectionate regard. one time the Chalford Valley was noted throughout the world for the manufacture of walking and umbrella sticks, and over thousand hands were employed at the works. Then, with the death of Mr. Dangerfield, the business declined, and Bliss Mills, which had for years been in the hands of banking company, were in danger of being closed. Such a step must have spelt disaster to the district, and so a few of the older residents, anxious to save the industry, approached Sir Alfred Apperly as one of the local captains of industry most likely respond to their appeal for help. They were not disappointed. It was big undertaking, but with characteristic pluck and determination Sir Alfred took the matter up, and after a few days' negotiation it was announced that he and his son had become owners of Bliss Mills, and a new company, entitled The Chalford Woodworkers' Company, was founded, much to the gratification of Chalford folk, who never lose an opportunity of acknowledging their indebtedness to Sir Alfred and the members of his family for the action they undertook at short notice. As soon as Sir Alfred entered into possession he began reconstruction and reorganisation work, for the premises and machinery had fallen into a somewhat dilapidated condition. A perfect transformation was in a very short time effected, and now the business is flourishing, giving employment two or three hundred hands, and manufacturing for all parts of the United Kingdom and the Continent.
Sir Alfred Apperly was a practical farmer, and his model farm at Rodborough, which few years ago was fully described and illustrated in “The Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic," was at all times admired by visitors. For ten years, up to about 1906. Sir Alfred owned and worked a large form at Hyde, Chalford, and here from flocks of Hampshire Downs the wool which was used in the manufacture of the famous Hydea cloth, which, it will remembered, was mentioned by Mr. Rider Haggard, who was Sir Alfred's guest at Rodborough Court, his " Rural England." The cloth became very popular; it was made of all English wool, and the late King Edward was supplied with it, also was the Queen, then Princess of Wales. "Hydea" is still turned out Dudbridge Mills, and incidentally it may be mentioned that in promoting the success of his own business Sir Alfred Apperly did good turn to the farmer because the increased demand for English wool naturally had the effect of putting up the price. Specimens of the cloth in the form of handsome travelling rugs wero presented to the Duchess Beaufort and the Countess Bathurst on the occasion of their visits to Stroud last year.
For a great many years - nearly fifty - Sir Alfred served the town and district on public bodies. He had been county councillor and parish councillor, for no class of work was considered by him to be too big or too small command his attention and energy. He represented Minchinhampton on the County Council from 1904 to 1907, having defeated the late Sir Edward Playne in the former year, while in January of he was himself beaten Mr. Matthew Grist. Sir Alfred took a very warm and practical interest in education. was chairman the Rodborough School Board during the whole of its existence, and on the passing of the Education Act of 1902 he was appointed a member of the County Education Committee, most of the important sub-committees of which he served. He was also governor of Marling School and vice-chairman of the Stroud group of Council School Managers. The work of the Stroud Board of Guardians was peculiarly interesting to him, and he was one of the most regular attendants at the fortnightly meetings. He also took prominent part in the details which came for consideration by the Rural District Council. During his term of office as chairman of the Rodborough Council - the first few years of the operation of the Act - he entertained the members and the Press dinner at Rodborough Court. This was only one of his many little acts kindness. Sir Alfred always appreciated any small service rendered him, and recognised the difficulties of those who volunteer to serve the public, and also the difficulties of those whose duty it is to record their doings.
Until a few years ago Sir Alfred Apperly was Nonconformist and was a worshipper at Rodborough Tabernacle. At that time he was president of the Stroud and District Free Church Council, and he had also served president of the Congregational Union of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. He severed his connection with the Tabernacle, and afterwards attended Rodborough Church, of which lie was a generous supporter. the memory of his parents he had a handsome stained-glass window erected in the church, and Lady Apperly subscribed largely towards the cost of the now organ.
Sir Alfred Apperly was one of the oldest justices of the peace for Gloucestershire, and he sat regularly at the Stroud Petty Sessions, while he was always ready to attend the occasional court. He invariably tempered justice with mercy, and in any genuine case of distress he was ever ready lend a helping hand.
Among his many other activities Sir Alfred was at one time president of the Stroud Volunteer Fire Brigade, in which office he was succeeded by Mr. James Godsell, and was for many years a member of the Council of the Stroud Chamber of Commerce.
For quite half a century Sir Alfred Apperly had been the leader of the Liberal party in Mid-Gloucestershire. was one of the few local manufacturers and public men who did not break with Mr. Gladstone the question of Home Rule for Ireland, and his loss the party in the division will most keenly felt; in fact, at the moment it is impossible to mark out his successor. In the dark days when the party was without candidate and almost without hope. Sir Alfred stuck his guns and put new life into the remnant left. Under his enthusiastic direction the party recovered, and in 1902 lie played the chief part in the election which culminated in the return of Sir (then Mr.) Brynmor Jones to Parliament instead of Mr. George Holloway. When Sir David Brynmor Jones left the constituency the party was placed once again in an almost hopeless condition, and it was Sir Alfred Apperly who was unanimously invited to become the candidate. He would readily have done so but for the heavy calls made upon his time by the great business which he controlled. In more recent years much of his responsibility in this direction was cased by the assistance of his painstaking sons, and had a vacancy in the representation of the party occurred Sir Alfred would doubtless have been ready shoulder it, despite his great age, for he never shirked work on behalf of the cause which he had at heart. On the departure of Sir David Brynmor Jones from the constituency Sir Alfred induced Mr. Charles Allen to fight Mr. (now Sir Alfred) Cripps. At the 1895 contest the latter won by 600 odd votes, but in 1900 the tables were turned, and ever since Mr. Allen has retained the seat, not little of his success being beyond doubt directly due the influence of Sir Alfred Apperly, who annually for many years was elected president of the Mid-Gloucestershire Liberal Association, office which he held at the time of his death. He was also treasurer the Western Counties' Liberal Federation, and attended the national and other conferences of the party whenever possible. As a reward for his services to Liberalism he was made a knight in 1907.
Rodborough Court, Sir Alfred's charming residence, was designed and rebuilt in 1888 by Mr. Alfred Bucknall, of Clifton, and in 1899 additions were made by Sir Alfred's nephew, Mr. P. Morley Horder. of London. It has been the venue of many memorable political functions, while Sir Alfred and Lady Apperly were at all times ready to loan the grounds for religious gatherings, etc. Within the past year or two the house and grounds have been further added to and beautified, for in his domestic surroundings as in his business life. Sir Alfred could never stand still. He wanted the latest and best of everything, and he generally succeeded in carrying out his ambitious.
Everything Sir Alfred Apperly undertook he did well, and at all times of domestic rejoicing he saw to it that his employees joined in the festivities. For instance, when he was knighted entertained the workpeople at Dudbridge Mills, and the Metal Works, too, and was delighted to receive from them on behalf of Lady Apperly and himself massive silver rose bowls as tokens of their esteem and commemoration of the auspicious event. Whenever any member of his family was married he also entertained those whom he delighted to call his fellow workers, and the last occasion of the kind was in December, when over 1,200 of the workers Dudbridge and Chalford sat down to dinner on three evenings at Stroud Subscription Rooms to celebrate the marriage or Mr. Charles Apperly in November. When Free Church conferences or other important gatherings were held in Stroud Sir Alfred could always be relied upon to invite the delegates to Rodborough Court, where they were hospitably received and" entertained.
A lover of all forms of manly sport. Sir Alfred Apperly lent financial aid to local football and cricket clubs. He was formerly president of the Stroud Rugby Football Club, president of the Prince Albert (Rodborough) Bowling Club, and vice-president of other local athletic organisation far too numerous to mention. The sports annually held, until 1912, under the auspices of the Stroud Rugby Football Club were always generously supported him and other members of his family.
By Sir Alfred Apperly's death the Stroud district has been robbed one of its most respected manufacturers and one of its most devoted public men, and all who knew him learned to respect him. Politically his views were shared by few of his fellow manufacturers and colleagues on local administrative bodies, but this fact was not allowed to interfere with his private or social life, and he numbered among his best friends many who were strongly opposed to him on the political platform.
Much sympathy felt for Lady Apperly in the heavy bereavement which has befallen her and the members of her family. Lady Apperly, who was daughter of the late Mr. H. C. Paice, of Egham, Surrey, was married to Sir Alfred in 1865, and there is family of three sons and three daughters, namely, Mr. Charles Alfred Apperly. J.P. managing director of Messrs. Apperly, Curtis, and Co., Ltd., and the Stroud Metal Co., Ltd.. and manager of the Chalford Woodworkers' Co.; Mr. Ernest Paice Apperly, the manager and director of large woollen mill in Yorkshire; and Mr. Arthur (who was formerly secretary of St. Andrew's College, Grahamstown, South Africa), who is also director of the firms with which Sir Alfred was identified. The eldest daughter married to Mr. J. D. Hedderwick J. P. of Glasgow; the second to Mr. A. E. Tilley, a member of the firm of Messrs. Singleton, Fabian, and Co., chartered accountants, of London; and the third Mr. George Daniel Gooch, grandson the late Sir Daniel Gooch.