William Kenrick (1831-1919)
c.1830 Born, son of Archibald Kenrick and his wife Anne
Educated at a private school in Handsworth, and the Hove School.
Studied mathematics and chemistry at University College.
1847 William was responsible for the commercial management of the family firm, Archibald Kenrick and Sons; his brother John Arthur Kenrick took responsibility for production.
From the 1860s both Kenrick brothers became increasingly engaged in other business ventures and in public affairs.
His sister Harriet was the first wife of Joseph Chamberlain, and his cousin Florence Kenrick the second wife.
1862 he married Mary Chamberlain, the elder sister of Joseph Chamberlain - William became a close political ally of Chamberlain's. Kenrick and his wife had two sons, including Wilfrid Byng Kenrick and two daughters.
1882-6 William was chairman of the general committee of the National Liberal Federation
1885 became MP for North Birmingham (to 1899).
1919 He died on 31 July at The Grove, Harborne Park Road, Birmingham.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Biography of the Kenrick family, ODNB