Rowntree

English quaker philanthropist, son of Joseph Rowntree and author of 'Poverty, A Study of Town Life' (1901). Signed 'B S Rowntree' beneath typed 'Yours sincerely,'. Docketed in pencil in another hand, "B.S. Rowntree (chocolate)".. Fragment of around one inch by three inches.

The elder. Quaker grocer and philanthropist (1801-1859). The letters provide an amusing insight into nature of customer relations on the British railway system. The first, 4 pp, 12mo. "I left Middlesboro' on the 1st of 8mo at 6.40am. for Leeds only Booked to Preston Junction - when waiting in that office I saw two Men sent away without a Ticket for Darlington. The Station M[aster] who was issuing Tickets said "you can pay the Guard" this looked no unusual mode of acting when busy - is it approved of at Darlington? The Station M[aste]r.

The Elder. Quaker grocer and philanthropist (1801-1859). The first letter, 4 pp, 8vo. "I want thee to help me in Sarah Sanderson's affairs which seem to require some little arrangement. The poor woman died, or rather was burned to death at New castle". As one of the trustees of her property, along with John Sanderson and Jonathan Brushman, he explains how he wishes to settle the problem of the distribution of £1200 of shares in the Stockton & Darlington railway among her children. With small closed tears along two creases, but otherwise in good condition.

The younger. Quaker cocoa manufacturer and philanthropist (1836-1925). Both letters one page, 4to, and written by an amanuensis. The letters deal with a "proposed new siding", for which "Mr Copperthwaite & my Clerk of Works" think it will be necessary to "take down the bridge which connects the north & south portions of my land, & which is situated midway between the road to & the road to ." In the second letter he says he is leaving for Scarborough that morning, and that he fears his two days' absence "might delay operations with the branch line".