West Ardsley Iron and Coal Co
1859 John Rhodes Esq., of York retired from the Partnership with William Firth, of Leeds, in the county of York, Esquire, George Edmund Donisthorpe, of the same place, Esquire, Thomas Clayton of Bradford, Esquire, and William Bower,of Drighlington, Esquire, as Coal Masters, under the style or firm of the West Ardsley Coal Company[1]
1861 The first coal-cutting machine that proved to be of any practical utility was that invented by Messrs Ridley and Rothery, and introduced in this year at the West Ardsley Colliery, by Messrs. Firth, Donisthorpe, and Bower[2]
1861 Thomas Clayton of Bradford retired from the Partnership William Firth, of Leeds, Esquire, George Edmond Donisthorpe, of the same place, Esquire, and William Bower, of Drighlington, in the same county, Esquire, as Coal Masters, under the style or firm of the West Ardsley Coal Company.[3]