Myles Burton Kennedy facts for kids
Myles Burton Kennedy (1862–1928) was an important businessman from the Furness area in England. He was known as an "ironmaster," which means he owned or managed companies that made iron. He also owned the Roanhead mines and was the chairman of the North Lonsdale Iron & Steel Company.
Family and Early Life
Myles Burton Kennedy came from a family deeply involved in mining. His grandfather, Charles Storr Kennedy, helped start the Ulverston Mining Company in 1838. Charles later took over mines like Green Haume and Roanhead. While some mines didn't work out, Roanhead became very successful.
Myles Burton's father, also named Myles Kennedy, was born in 1835. He studied at the Royal School of Mines, learning about mining and metals. He married Margaret Rowley in 1861 and they had many children. He was also a captain in a local volunteer army group.
After Charles Storr Kennedy died in 1857, his sons, Charles Burton and Myles, continued the family business together. They called their company "Kennedy Brothers." Myles Kennedy, the father, later built a grand house called Stone Cross in 1874. He also became a leader at the North Lonsdale Ironworks Co.
Business Leadership
When his father passed away, Myles Burton Kennedy took over the family business, Kennedy Brothers. He joined the board of the North Lonsdale ironworks in 1889. Later, he became the chairman, meaning he was in charge of the company.
He also became the chairman of another important company, the Whitehaven Haematite Iron Co. This shows how important he was in the iron industry. Myles Burton Kennedy also managed a steam ketch, which is a type of boat, called the "Harvest." After he died, his son, Nigel, took over the Roanhead mines.
Other Interests and Public Service
Myles Burton Kennedy was active in many areas beyond business. When he was younger, he enjoyed sports like football and cricket, playing for the Ulverston teams. He was also involved in the local hound trail association.
He was a prominent member of the masonic lodge in Ulverston. In 1905, he helped lay the foundation stone for their new building. Myles Burton Kennedy was also a Justice of the Peace (JP), which meant he helped with local law and order. He officially opened the Ulverston Coronation Hall in 1904.
He continued his family's tradition of military service, becoming a commander in the volunteer corps. He even managed a shooting range at Sandscale Haws. Later in his life, he served as the High Sheriff of Lancashire, a very old and important role in the county.
