William John Battersby

William John Battersby JP was a British hat manufacturer, of Battersby Hats.

Early life and family

William John Battersby was born in Edward Street, Stockport in 1839, the son of William Battersby (1797–1851) and his wife Sarah Norfolk. He married Mary Oldham, and they had eleven children, nine of whom survived infancy:

Walter Battersby
William Norfolk Battersby
George Battersby
Frederic John Battersby
Frank Battersby
James Johnson Battersby, director of Battersby Hats, was travelling as a first class passenger on the RMS Lusitania when the ship was sunk by a torpedoed fired from a German U-boat. He was the last survivor to be rescued from the ship.
Ernest Battersby
Edgar Battersby

Edgar and three of his brothers became directors or managers at Battersby Hats.
His grandson was British fascist James Larratt Battersby.

Career

Battersby was awarded a patent in 1896, for "Improvements in and connected with Hats, Caps, and similar Head Coverings", along with his son William Norfolk Battersby. He was awarded another patent in 1900, for "Improvements in Machines for Curling and Ironing Hat Brims", along with Edward Edwards.
He was also a Justice of the peace.