Background
He was born in Holbeck, Leeds in 1823 of poor parents, and began to work in a local mill at the age of 10, becoming an engineering apprentice at 15.
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Henry Marsden
Edit Profilephilanthropist Victorian mayor Mayor of Leeds
Career
In 1848 he emigrated to the United States of America where he made a successful career in mechanical engineering, and returned a wealthy man to Leeds in 1862, setting up a factory for patent stone-crushing machinery to take advantage of the demand at that time for road building. His interest in local affairs led him to the Liberal Party and he was elected as local Councillor for Holbeck in 1866, becoming an Alderman in 1872 and Mayor in 1873. He also served as Chief Magistrate for six years.
lieutenant was said that "from the beginning he conducted the business of the town and of the Council without consideration of sect, party or denomination, acting with strict impartiality and goodwill to all", and that he donated £2000 per year to good causes.
He is buried in Holbeck Cemetery in Beeston where his grave is marked by a Grade II-listed memorial. Following his death, a public subscription raised £1000 to erect a statue of him, (which has now been moved to Woodhouse Moor) by Leeds-based sculptor John Throp (1819 - 1889).
