THOMAS HOLLAND (1860-1950)
Thomas Holland was born on 27 December 1860, to parents Benjamin and Mary, and was baptised at All Saints church the following month. His father was the manager of Eckersley’s mills[1], and the family lived at Factory House, adjoining the mills[2]. As a boy he was a chorister at St James’s Poolstock.
On 11 June 1890, Thomas married Carry Lister at Christ Church Didsbury. His wife was the daughter of John Haig Lister, who was the manager of a large branch of Parr’s bank in Manchester. No children were born to the couple.
Thomas worked for Coops the clothing manufacturers, first as a travelling representative, then as manager of their Wallgate shop. When Mr Joe Coop decided to retire he offered the business to Thomas Holland, but the latter decided his civic duties should take priority.[3]
In 1918 he was elected to represent All Saints ward. His responsibilities included the burial department board, allotment by-laws, the animal diseases act, and sanitary works & sewage disposal. He was also associated with various child welfare, education and health committees. He was chairman of the finance committee of the Mining and Technical College, and honorary treasurer of the Wigan and District Operatic Society.
In 1919 Thomas became a magistrate.
In 1920 he was awarded the MBE for his work during the war. He had served as honorary treasurer to the local war pensions committee and had also served on the Military Tribunal.
For three and a half years Councillor Holland devoted twelve hours a day, including Saturdays, to the work, doing everything he possibly could in the interests of the dependents of the men who were serving their country…and acted as adviser and friend to all who needed his assistance.[4]
In 1924 he was elected mayor.
After the death of Carry in 1930, Thomas married Maria Pennington on 24 June 1931, at St Peter’s Birkdale. He was 70, three years older than his wife.
In 1940 he was elected as an alderman.
Thomas Holland died on 2 October 1950 at his home, 20 The Promenade, Southport. His estate was valued at £12,467 1s 8d.
[1] There is an extensive description of Eckersley’s mills on the Historic England website: https://tinyurl.com/3kc8u72z
[2] Wigan Observer, 17 April 1920
[3] Wigan Examiner 6 October 1950
[4] Wigan Observer 15 April 1920