A series of articles celebrating some lesser-known contributors to the Leeds story. Click a link to read the full profile. 

Enjoying these articles? You might also enjoy our Brief History of Leeds series.

#1: Samuel Schofield – aka Sam The Newsman
Newsagent and theatre programme seller, a familiar figure on the streets of 19th-century Leeds.

#2: Cedric Clarke
Leeds’ first Councillor of African-Caribbean heritage.

#3: Maud Dightam
Joint-first woman elected as a Councillor in Leeds.

#4: Olga Denver
Circus performer, and friend of Hollywood stars.

#5: Mary Brewer
Another circus performer, proprietor and professional weightlifter.

#6: Alice Mann
Leeds-born Radical publisher and printer.

#7: John De Morgan
19th-century Radical, active in Leeds during the late 1870s.

#8: Annie Tunnington
The ‘Poppy Lady of Leeds’.

#9: Dr. Isaac Hipshon
Jewish Doctor, novelist and playwright.

#10: Godfrey Wood
Confectioner, caterer and businessman.

#11: Henry Baker
Superintendent of Leeds Corporation Fire Brigade.

#12: Frances Rushworth
Unassuming dressmaker, with an extraordinary place in Leeds’ electoral history.

#13: Gertrude Paul
Educator and activist; the first Black headteacher in Leeds.

#14: Norma Hutchinson
Trade unionist and the first Jamaican elected to Leeds City Council. 

#15: Buffalo Bill
American showman, a long way from home during two visits to Leeds.

#16: Brothers Johnson
Swimmers extraordinaire!

#17: Arthur Rigby Turner
Ironmonger with a unique catalogue of for-sale items.

#18: George Lucas
A new hope for temperance campaigners in 19th-century Woodhouse.

#19: Jessie Beatrice Kitson
The first woman to be Mayor of Leeds.

#20: Charles Ward VC
Hunslet-born soldier, honoured for an act of bravery during The Boer War.

#21: John Wormald Appleyard
Leeds-born sculptor whose carvings adorn the Central Library.

#22: Gerry Francis
Leeds United’s first Black football player.

#23: James Potter Schofield
Former fireman who was killed on duty tackling the 1892 Leeds New Station fire.

#24: R.C. Oldham
Scenery artist and playwright at the Grand Theatre, known as the ‘King of the Pantomime Writers’.