Hiram Craven
Hiram Craven (1779-1842) of Craven, Whitaker and Nowell
1823 Married. Hiram Craven, of Keighley, builder, to Maria, second daughter of Mr. Hugh Wright, of Potternewton, near Leeds.[1]
1842 Died. 'Hiram Craven, Esq., Dockroyd, near Keighley: by Perseverance and Industry Mr. C. raised himself from so humble a station to be one of the first contractors for the executionof public works in the kingdom.'[2] '...who has undertaken many of the greatest public works in the county, including the building York Ouse Bridge, York Castle, and other edifices; also an extensive contractor in railway undertakings the Leeds and Manchester, York and North Midland, and other principal lines...'[3]
In 1819 his eldest son, John Craven (1800-1872), married Frances Nowell, sister of Joseph Nowell. John may have taken over his father's contracting business. He was also a partner in the Hepworth Iron Co.
Another son, Edward Craven (1811-1833), married Mary Willans, daughter of Joseph Nowell; he died on a contract in Whitby Docks.
See Also
Sources of Information
- [1] A Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers in Great Britain and Ireland Vol 1, 1500-1850, published by Thomas Telford/ICE, 2002