William Belk (1849-1898)
1899 Obituary [1]
WILLIAM BELK, son of the late Mr. Thomas Belk, Recorder of Hartlepool, was born on the 6th February, 1849.
After being educated at the Royal Grammar School, Lancaster, he served an apprenticeship of five years to Thomas Richardson and Sons, mechanical engineers, of Hartlepool. He was subsequently employed by that firm in their marine-engine department, and in erecting machinery abroad.
In October, 1874, Mr. Belk was appointed assistant to Mr. John Howkins, then Engineer to the Hartlepool Port and Harbour Commissioners, and on the resignation of that gentleman in July, 1877, he succeeded to the post, which he held until his death.
Among the works which Mr. Belk carried out as Engineer to the Commissioners may be mentioned the construction of a breakwater at the Heugh, the deepening by means of dredging of the approach to the harbour and docks, the improvement of the lighthouse, and the erection of sea-walls and groins.
Mr. Belk died on the 16th July, 1898, at the comparatively early age of 49.
He was elected a Member on the 9th January, 1883.