Barlow, Thomas, 1825-1897 (textile merchant)
Dates
- Existence: 1825 - 1897
Biography
Thomas Barlow, the youngest of seven children of John Barlow and Deborah Barlow (née Neild), a Quaker family, of Alderley Edge, Cheshire, was born on 1 June 1825. Having served an apprenticeship as a silk dealer in Macclesfield, Thomas Barlow took over the business of Josiah Merrick and Co. of Manchester, velvet and fustian manufacturers, in 1848. He renamed the business Barlow & Co., and concentrated on manufacturing and later trading textiles in the United Kingdom. From the mid-1850s the firm started importing cotton from America and began exporting textiles to India and the Far East. After various business partnerships, he established Thomas Barlow & Bro. in Manchester. During the 1870s and 1880s the firm established trade agencies in Calcutta, Shanghai and Singapore to export goods from the United Kingdom, to import tea and coffee, and to acquire plantations in these regions. He married Mary Ann Emmott, a Quaker and the daughter of George Emmott of Disley, on 9 August 1855 and they settled at Torkington Lodge, Hazel Grove. They had four children: John Emmott Barlow (1857-1932); Frank Barlow (1859-1929); Lionel Barlow (1864-1901); Percy Barlow (1867-1931). Thomas Barlow died on 23 December 1897 at the age of 72.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Papers of Thomas Barlow (1825-1897), 1719-1911
Comprising personal papers, domestic and estate papers, business and financial papers, and legal documents. Includes material relating to Thomas Barlow's wife's family, the Emmotts.