Two important mill owners

John Washington Baron (1866 – 1943)

John Washington Baron was born In Gt Harwood, the son of David and Sarah J. Baron (Hargreaves). He Married Ellen Smith On October 9 th 1888.

As a young man John W Baron was sub editor of a Manchester Textile Journal. He won a bronze medal with second-class honours in cotton spinning at the technological examinations.

In 1891 the family were living in Stock Street, Cheetham, where indeed John was listed as an Assistant Editor. By 1894 John W Baron was listed as a Mill Manager living in Lomax Street. With James Boardman he became a partner of the Wellington Mill Company and in 1899 they leased Deveron Mill later building Palatine Mill and Waverledge Mill.

He was a member of Great Harwood Council for eight years and a county councillor for 30 years, “ keen educationist, ardent social and public worker,” Justice of the Peace and Methodist lay preacher.