Barnsley Independent – Saturday 06 December 1919
Barnsley Co-op’s. Loss.
The Death of Mr J Elliott, J.P., President.
We regret to record the death of Mr. John J.P., President of the Barnsley British Co-operative Society. Ltd., which took place at his residence, 155. Doncaster Road, Barnsley, on Monday noon.
The deceased gentleman, who was 75 years of age, was wonderfully active until about a fortnight before his death. He attended a business meeting of the Society on Nov. 19th, and on way home had a seizure. His recovery was hoped for, but he gradually sank and passed away as stated.
Mr. Elliott was a leading figure in the Co-operative Society movement, and by his business abilities, and unfailing courteousness, he won the esteem of all with whom be came into contact.
He was elected director of the Barnsley Society thirty-five years ago—in February. 1881—and twenty years ago he succeeded the late Mr. James Fairclough as president. With the exception of a six month’s interval Mr. Elliott bad unbroken period of service on the directorate, and saw the local Society develop to present large dimensions—the second largest Co-operative Society in the United Kingdom, with a membership of 54,000, and an annual cash turnover of two and a half million pounds.
ln the growth of the Society Mr. Elliott took a prominent part, and curried the complete confidence of the members. During the difficult days of war time his was a heavy responsibility, but he shouldered it bravely, sparing himself where the Interests of the Society were concern.
For something like 20 years Mr. Elliott devoted practically the whole of his time to the business of the Society and his death leaves a vacancy which will be difficult to fill.
The deceased gentleman was formerly chairman of the Co-operative News Ltd. and he was a director of the Stepney Fishing Co, Scarborough and the Barnsley Tin Canister Co. Ltd.
He was apprenticed to the Clay Coal and Iron Co., came to Wombwell In 1859, and for many years was foreman joiner at the Wombwell Main Colliery Co., retiring in 1869.
During his stay la Wombwell, he took an interest In public life, and served on the Local Board and Urban Council for several year.
He was one of the founders of the Wombwell Band of Hope and Sunday School Union, and for 25 years was superintendent of the Wesleyan Sunday School.
Since he came to reside in the town, he was prominently associated with the Pitt street Wesleyan Church, having held many offices. He was an active worker on behalf of the Barnsley Becket Hospital of which institution he was a member of the governing body.
Ten years ago he was appointed magistrate, and faithfully fulfilled the duties of that office.
Mr. Elliott was twice married and leaves a widow and son—Mr. C. H. Elliott, J.P., general manager of the Wombwell Main Colliery—and a daughter.