John Brotherton, 1883 - 1884

Brotherton was born in Wednesbury. He was apprenticed as a tube maker after a minimal education. His uncle, Cornelius Whitehouse, was an inventor who improved the manufacture of gas and water tubes. Brotherton pursued the same profession and eventually settled in Wolverhampton to start his own business, which became extensive, successful and gained a worldwide reputation for its products. Brotherton commenced corporate life when he represented St George's ward in 1873. His experience of engineering led him to sit on the Waterworks Committee to help implement an increased pure water supply. After ten years on the council, Brotherton became mayor in 1883 when he contributed to the Fine Arts & Industrial Exhibition. During his term of office, building commenced at the Borough Hospital for Infectious Diseases.

Portrait and information in J Jones The Mayors of Wolverhampton Vol 2 (Whitehead Brothers, Wolverhampton) Referenced in Kelly's Directory of Staffordshire 1896. (Kelly & Co Ltd London) p. 497