James Apperly
James Apperly (1811-1891) of Apperly, Curtis and Co and James Apperly and Co
Born the son of George Apperly
1842 Married to Sarah Marling
1858 Roller blind spring: design registered by J. Apperley and Co of Dudbridge Works, Stroudwater, Glos [1]
1858 Patent to Samuel Stephens Marling, of Stanley-park, in the county of Gloucester, Esq., and James Apperly, of Dudbridge, near Stroud, in the same county, Woollen Cloth Manufacturer, for the invention of " improvements in the construction of fulling machines."[2]
1881 Residing at Dudbridge House, Stroud: James Apperly (age 70 born Stroud), Retired Cloth Manufacturer. With his wife Sarah, two daughters and son Charles J. Apperly (age 23 born Stroud), Bank Clerk.[3]
1891 May 20th. Died. 'Our obituary of today contains the announcement of the death of Mr. James Apperly, of Dudbridge House, in his eighty first year. By his removal, the neighbourhood loses one of its oldest inhabitants. He has been so long an invalid that many years have elapsed since his familiar figure and kindly face were seen amongst us, but there are many who will remember his genial manner, and sincerely mourn the loss of a warm hearted and generous friend. Succeeding his father, and for many years in conjunction with his brother, he, in early life, successfully carried on the business of a cloth manufacturer at Dudbridge Mills at present worked by his nephew, Mr. Alfred Apperly. The gold medal for the finest black cloth in England was awarded to him at the first Exhibition of 1851, an honour at that time unique. Almost his last kindly act to his immediate neighbourhood was the formal handing over to the County Council of a piece of land for the continuation of the foot path from Rodborough to Dudbridge, which it was his wish years ago should he completed.'[4]