Joseph Craven
Joseph Craven (c1828-1900) of Smith, Beacock and Tannett, Victoria Foundry, Leeds
1901 Obituary [1]
JOSEPH CRAVEN died in December 1900 at his residence, Broom Bank Mount, Glossop Road, Sheffield, at the age of seventy-two years. He was the eldest son of the late David Craven, who was for many years a successful building contractor. On the retirement of that gentleman the business was carried on by his three sons, Joseph, John, and Alfred, of whom only the youngest, Mr. Alfred Craven, now survives. Whilst in the building trade the three brothers carried out many large contracts, including Endcliffe Hall and several other large residences; but about thirty-five years ago they embarked upon a new venture, and put up a large works at Darnall for the building of railway waggons. Shortly before, they had executed the contract for some large engine works, and it was this which gave them the idea of entering into the waggon-building trade. The business thus established by the three brothers became a flourishing one, and at a later date its scope was extended to include carriage-building and wheel-making. Mr. Joseph Craven was actively associated with the business until about five years ago, when he retired. He was elected a member of the Iron and Steel Institute in 1884. As a member of the Reception Committee, he took an active part in organising the Manchester meeting of the Institute in 1899.