Thomas Greenwood
[1855-1932]

Alderman Thomas Greenwood of 2 Stansfield Terrace, Cornholme, the first Labour Mayor of Todmorden, died on the 1st of October, aged 77.

He had a stroke on the 21st of September. He lost the use of his right arm and leg and it affected his speech.

His funeral was held at Cornholme Methodist Church on Wednesday afternoon (5th October).

He was born in 1855 and started work at Wilson Brothers Bobbin Works, Cornholme at the age of 10 for 2s. per week.

At 17, he started working at the Old Brick Works and was a brick moulder for many years. For four years he was caretaker at the Cornholme U. M. C. and School.

Leaving this district, he went to Bacup where he was in business at the Coffee Tavern, returning after five years to resume work at the Bobbin Mill as a bobbin turner. Shortly after this he started a newsagency and stationer's business, which is now carried on by his son, Mr J. W. Greenwood.

He was a stalwart supporter of the trade union movement and was elected a member of the Todmorden Trades Council about 1892 and has been a member ever since.

For sixteen years he held the position of secretary and organiser for the Amalgamated Society of Wood Turners. He retired from this position at the conclusion of the great strike at Wilson Brothers.

He was elected to the Town Council in 1899, the first Labour representative appointed to that body. He became the first Labour Alderman in 1912. He was elected the first Labour Mayor of Todmorden in 1920 and held the office for three years. During this time, the duties of Mayoress were performed by his daughter, Mrs Mason.

In 1923, he was made a Justice of the Peace for the West Riding.

He was a choirmaster for over 50 years.$$Initially he was choirmaster at Cornholme U.M. Church, then at Zion Baptist Church, Bacup, and finally he was choirmaster for 24 years at Todmorden Unitarian Church. He also won prizes as a tenor soloist