Arthur Crookall
Arthur Binns Crookall | |
---|---|
King George V | |
Governor | Sir William Fry, Sir Claude Hill, Sir Montagu Butler |
Personal details | |
Born | 1873 Blackpool, Lancashire[1] |
Died | 15 June 1935 Harrogate, Yorkshire[1] |
Nationality | British |
Political party | Independent |
Spouse(s) | Jane Callow 29 December 1896 - 15 May 1922 (her death); Alice Crookall (nee Callow) 9 August 1923 - 15 June 1935 (his death) |
Children | Gertrude Crookall; Jenny Crookall; Arthur Callow Crookall; William Crookall; Ramsey Crookall; Douglas Crookall |
Parent | James Crookall Rebekah Crookall |
Profession | Businessman / Philanthropist |
Arthur Binns Crookall
Biography
Personal life
One of four children of James and Rebekah Crookall, Arthur Crookall was born in Blackpool, Lancashire[4] in 1873 and moved to the Isle of Man at the age of 14.[5] Having served his apprenticeship Crookall became a master painter trading at Duke Street, Douglas.[6]
On 29 December 1896 Crookall married Jane Callow (20 April 1872 - 15 May 1922) at Maughold Parish Church.[7] They set up the family home at 2 Osbourne Terrace, and later moved to "Woodlands", a palatial family home on Alexander Drive, Douglas. The marriage produced six children.[7] Following the death of his first wife, Crookall married Alice Crookall (née Callow), the sister of his first wife and widow of his deceased half-brother John Robert Earnest Crookall (d. 16 September 1922) on 9 August 1923; the wedding was again at Maughold Parish Church.[8]
Crookall became a leading member of the Isle of Man's
In sport Crookall was widely regarded as a very able footballer, playing for Wanderers F.C.
Political career and business
For over 25 years, Crookall was a prominent Manx politician. He entered Douglas Town Council in 1911, and was Mayor of Douglas for five years from 1922 - 1927. He became a
Throughout his time as a councillor, he was a strong advocate for many enhancements to Douglas, such as the widening of Loch Promenade in 1929. This was required to reduce congestion at the junction of the Victoria Pier and the promenade and provided welcome employment for many of the town's men over the lean winter months.
During the First World War he oversaw the setting up of the
He was Captain of the Parish of Malew for a few weeks before his death.
Philanthropy
Crookall was one of the greatest philanthropic benefactors in the history of the island. He donated hundreds of presents to poor children every Christmas.
Crookall was also instrumental in the erection of the Douglas War Memorial, contributing the highest personal donation towards its construction.[15]
Death
Crookall caught a cold which developed into pneumonia in early June 1935.[1][2][3] He died in Harrogate, Yorkshire, on Saturday 15 June 1935. He was survived by his second wife and children.
His funeral was attended by every Manx senior dignitary. The
Crookall's estate at the time of his death amounted to £130,000.[16] Of this amount £10,000 was left in trust for the Jane Crookall Maternity Home.[16] Additionally £2,000 was set aside out of the Residual Trust, the income on which continued to provide the poor children of Douglas with presents at Christmas.[16] A collection of art was left to the Trustees of the Manx Museum.[16]
A.B. Crookall Trophy
The A.B. Crookall Trophy is awarded by the Manx Motorcycle Club to an individual for winning the Senior Manx Grand Prix.[17]
Crookall was a strong supporter of the establishment of a supplementary race meeting on the
First awarded at the inaugural meeting in 1923, the trophy is presented to the winner of the Senior Manx Grand Prix race, the finale to the racing programme.
References
- ^ a b c d Isle of Man Examiner, Saturday, July 15, 1911; Page: 8
- ^ a b c Isle of Man Times, Saturday, September 18, 1943; Page: 4
- ^ a b c Mona's Herald, Tuesday, June 18, 1935; Page: 5
- ^ "Arthur Binns Crookall - 1911 Census - iMuseum". iMuseum - Manx National Heritage. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- ^ "1925 (portraits) - Isle of Man Examiner Annual". www.isle-of-man.com. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- ^ Mona's Herald, Wednesday, January 18, 1899; Page: 7
- ^ a b Mona's Herald, Wednesday, January 04, 1922; Page: 4
- ^ Ramsey Courier, Friday, August 10, 1923; Page: 3
- ^ Mona's Herald, Wednesday, August 15, 1928; Page 3
- ^ Ramsey Courier, Friday, May 28, 1937; Page: 5
- ^ Isle of Man Examiner, Friday, July 14, 1922; Page 2
- ^ Isle of Man Times, Saturday, July 15, 1922; Page 5
- ^ Mona's Herald, Tuesday, December 29, 1931; Section: Front page, Page: 1
- ^ "Jane Crookall Maternity Home (Former) - Douglas". April 2012.
- ^ Mona's Herald, Wednesday, January 18, 1922; Page 10
- ^ a b c d Ramsey Courier, Friday, June 28, 1935; Page 4
- ^ a b "Isle of Man Guide - RACES, Manx Grand Prix History".