John Shortridge
John Shortridge (c1803-1869) of Shortridge, Howell and Jessop, Shortridge, Howell and Co and Shortridge and Wright
1826 Married in Chipping, Lancs., to Ellen Leach
1861 Listed at Chipping House, Eccleshall Bierlow: John Shortridge (age 58 born Cumberland), Steel Manufacturer employing 90 men and 30 Women and Boys. With his wife Ellen Shortridge (age 61 born Lancashire) and their four children; Jane Shortridge (age 20 born Derbyshire); James Shortridge (age 22 born Lancashire), Steel manufacturer; Ellen Shortridge (age 15 born Kent); and Herbert Shortridge (age 4 born Yorkshire).
1869 May. Died in an accident. '...Mr. Shortridge was driving home from Barlow with his daughter, Mrs. Sellars, and when near the works of Mr. Tyzack the horse took fright — at what is not known — and commenced to kick and plunge in a very alarming manner. After smashing the splashboard and otherwise damaging the carriage, and tearing the shoes off its hind feet, the animal made a sudden plunge and overturned the vehicle, throwing its occupants out upon the road. Unfortunately, the carriage fell upon Mr. Shortridge, and was dragged off him by the horse, which suited at a great pace....'[1]
1869 Obituary.[2]
Another name has been added to the already long list of Sheffield merchants and manufacturers who have passed from amongst us within a comparatively short space of time. We regret to say that the accident which happened to Mr. John Shortridge, of Chipping House, Abbeydale, on Wednesday last, has terminated fatally. After lingering in great pain till yesterday morning he died rather unexpectedly about seven o'clock.
A self-made man, Mr. Shortridge possessed rare business qualifications, and during a long and prosperous career he was engaged in several very important undertakings. On his first introduction to Sheffield he is said to have been in a comparatively humble sphere. Afterwards he became a sub-contractor, and from that position he rose to occupy a leading position amongst the greatest railway contractors in the kingdom.
As partner in the celebrated firm of Messrs. Miller, Blackie, and Shortridge he was concerned in several very difficult and gigantic works in connection with the construction of the railways in this part of the country, and amongst their achievements was the erection of the fine bridge which spans the Wicker and the viaduct along which the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway runs through the north-east end of the town.
Mr. Shortridge was also one of the contractors for the construction of the Redmires dam. Subsequently he headed the firm of Shortridge, Howell, and Co., of the Hartford Steel Works, and he also engaged in several other businesses. For his age he was considered strong and hearty, though he has recently suffered from asthma. His widow, two sons, and two daughters survive him.