Description: William Smith served as a Councillor on Glossop Council for many years, eventually becoming an Alderman but never Mayor. KellyÆs Directory of 1876 lists him as Alderman so he must have been a Councillor soon after the town received its Charter in 1866. In 1872 William was a candidate for the Board of Guardians, which was responsible for running the Union Workhouse, now Shire Hill Hospital.
The 1861 Census shows William Smith, aged 33 years, Master Shoemaker (born at Gee Cross) living at High Street West, Glossop with his wife, Ann aged 29 years (born at Hucklow) and a son, Thomas, aged 8 years (born at Gee Cross).
By 1871, William was employing seven men and young Thomas gave his occupation as salesman. In 1881 Thomas was living at Turnlee House but was still employed as a shoe salesman. His father, William was still living in the shop.
Thomas moved to Turnlee House as a result of marrying Mary Alice Tomlinson, daughter of William Tomlinson who kept the chemistÆs shop at 53, High Street West, Glossop.
As a result of moving to Turnlee House, Thomas got a job with Olive & Partington at Turnlee as a paper salesman. His son, Arthur William Smith and grandson Thomas Smith were later managers and directors with Olive & Partington Company.
Neville T. Sharpe.