1943: Death of W J Ainsworth, former Manager of W & B Canal

From the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11th December 1943

LOSS TO BATH LIBERALISM

DEATH AT 88 OF MR. W. J. AINSWORTH

One of the oldest Liberals in Bath, Mr. William John Ainsworth, who had been prominently identified with many activities in his younger days, died at his residence, Pollard Ash, Greenway Lane, Bath, on Monday, aged 88.

Mr. Ainsworth, who was a native of Wiltshire, was educated at Salisbury. He came to Bath in his early twenties in connection with the coal-mining industry, in which his uncle, Mr. John Humby, had interests. He became a member of Manvers Street Baptists Church, then under the pastorate of the Rev. James Baillie.

Here he entered into many activities, in one of which, the Mutual Improvement Society, he shone, showing exceptional powers of debate.

CANAL TRAFFIC EXPERT.

In 1888, Mr. Ainsworth went to London, where he became manager of a meat extract factory. A few years later he went to Swindon, where for many years he was manager of the Wilts and Berks Canal at Swindon.

His knowledge of canal traffic was considerable, so that he was an important witness beforethe Royal Commission, which was appointed to consider this question, and advocated strongly the use of water transport in this country.

While at Swindon, he was elected a town councillor.

FREE CHURCH LEADER.

In 1920 he returned to Bath, where he continued to a great extent his social activities, becoming President of the Free Church Council and of the League of Nations Union for Bath.

Until his retirement, five years ago, when it was amalgamated with the Wilts Brick and Tyre Co., he had owned, since returning to Bath, the London Syndicate Brickworks at Chippenham.

Bath was the birthplace and home of his wife, Miss Lydia Willway, who died in August, 1926.

From the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 15th April 1944

BATH LIBERAL

Mr W. J. Ainsworth's £8,172 Estate

Mr William John Ainsworth, of “Pollard Ash”, Greenway Lane, Bath, who died on Dec. 6 last, aged 88, left £8,172 15s. 5d., gross, with net personality £2,845 0s. 1d. (duty paid £278). Probate has been granted to Reginald W. Ainsworth, son, of Twyford, Berks, and George L. Wates, of 71, Powis Street, Woolwich, solicitor. He left £10 to “Violet”, maid, if still in his service, and the residue to his daughter, Winifred, his other children being provided for.

Mr. Ainsworth in his younger days was a prominent Bath Liberal and Free Church leader. A Wiltshireman by birth, he was for many years manager of the Wilts and Berks Canal at Swindon.