Craven Herald & Pioneer, Friday 19 December 1958.
Obituary
Well Known Skipton Cattle Dealer
Known far and wide as a cattle dealer and farmer, Mr. William Wrathall, of The Farm, Keighley Road, Skipton, died on Monday night aged 75. Possessed of robust health for almost the whole of his life , he had a serious illness about three years ago, and though he made a good recovery, he never fully recovered his strength. Yet he continued his business actively up to within a few days of his death.
Mr. Wrathall paid regular visits to auction marts at Stirling, Dumfries, Carlisle and various West Riding centres. He had also had a long association with East Lancashire marts. He was a director of Hellifield, Otley and Wigton (Cumberland) Auction Marts.
A capable judge of cattle, Mr. Wrathall officiated at many of the leading agricultural shows in Yorkshire. After the 1914 18 war he was asked by the Belgian Government to help them re-stock their country, and he sent over several shiploads of cattle from England and Scotland.
Mr. Wrathall initiated a hire purchase scheme, by which farmers were able to buy cattle on easy terms. Through this system many present day farmers were able to start in business. Mr. Wrathall was a Freemason. A native of Grassington, he had lived in Skipton since his marriage 52 years ago, and he had also a family association with Farnhill.
His cheerful and amiable disposition won him a very large circle of friends. He leaves a widow and three sons. Two of the sons are farmers Mr. Fred Wrathall, at Howgates Crest, Snaygill, near Skipton, and Mr. T. Wrathall in Carlisle. The youngest son, Mr. R.W. Wrathall holds an administrative post with the National Coal Board at Burton-on-Trent.
Cremation was at Skipton yesterday (Thursday).
Deaths
WRATHALL On December 15, 1958 at The Farm, Skipton-in-Craven, aged 75 years, William, the dearly loved husband of Maud Wrathall, and dear father of Fred, Tommy and Billy. Was cremated at Skipton on Thursday, December 18, 1958.
Craven Herald & Pioneer, Wednesday 24 December 1958
Acknowledgements
MRS. WILLIAM WRATHALL and FAMILY wish to express their sincere appreciation to all for kind expressions and letters of sympathy; also for beautiful floral tributes received during their recent bereavement.
The Farm, Skipton-in-Craven.
Craven Herald & Pioneer, Friday 3 April, 1959.
Silver Wedding
WRATHALL BILBROUGH. On April 3, 1934, at Blackburn Cathedral , by the Provost Sinker, Fred Wrathall to Janie Bilbrough.
Howgates, Snaygill, Bradley.