Stephen Craddock, 1896 - 1897
Craddock originated from Northampton. His father died when he was a child and consequently his education was limited. After the death of his mother he left for Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and eventually settled in Wolverhampton with his elder brother when he was twelve years old. Two years later he was apprenticed to a
Mr Edwards, a boot-maker in Bilston Street. After his apprenticeship had finished and at the age of twenty-two he went into partnership with his brother to develop Craddock Brothers Boot & Shoe Works, located in Powlett Street. The company employed a large work force. In 1893 it was rumoured that staff were dismissed when it was discovered that they were members of trade unions! The firm owned retail outlets in Queens Square and Snow Hill. Craddock was elected as a Liberal member of Wolverhampton Council in 1887 and represented St George's Ward: his membership was to last nearly forty years. He was a Congregationalist and became the deacon for Queen Street Congregationalist Church. He served on many committees including those of the Free Library,Sewerage, Parks & Baths, and Lighting. He also took an interest in East End Park and pioneered a scheme to clothe destitute children. During his term of office as mayor he was appointed as Magistrate of the Borough, developed the Technical School and initiated the erection of the new Free Library on the site previously occupied by the theatre in Cleveland Road. The Duke of York laid the foundation stone and Craddock performed the opening ceremony. A tablet was placed in the library recording his services for the occasion. The Free Library Scheme commemorated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, and the Mayor and Mayoress held a garden party in West Park for local inhabitants and members of the council. He also represented Wolverhampton at a reception at Buckingham Palace on the 25th June 1897. Craddock frequently participated in football matches with local residents, and was associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. At this time he lived at 'Park View' in Park Road. He later lived at 'The Old House', Tettenhall, where he died on the 4th September 1925, aged seventy-two.

J Jones The Mayors of Wolverhampton Vol 2
Cited in Kelly's Directory of Staffordshire 1896 (Kelly & Co Ltd London) pp. 486 and 499
WH Jones 1903 Municipal Life in Wolverhampton (Alexander & Shepherd Ltd London)
Article refuting the claim of dismissed employees Wolverhampton Chronicle 22nd February 1893 p.8
Death Wolverhampton Chronicle 9th September 1925
Photograph Index - Y1/CRA.S. L6/CRAD, C3/QUE/2/11, OV/287 and C1/SNO/5/2