1914 - 1917
(460)
(Boot & Shoe Manufacturer and Company Director).
A gentleman of outstanding commercial and civic qualities who may be considered one of the city's foremost sons. His father was the late Mr. William North of Rothley, and he was born there 11 January 1855, the family being descendants of an old yeoman branch established at Wanlip, Seagrave, Rothley and Syston since the reign of Henry VIII.
Educated at a private school, he entered public life as a representative of the Belgrave School Board, subsequently he served nine years on the Leic. Board of Guardians and twice acted as chairman of that body. He entered the council chamber in 1889, and no doubt, in view of his whole hearted devotion to the cause of education, was later elected chairman of the Education Committee, a position which he still capably fills. In 1907 he was appointed a magistrate, and raised to the aldermanic bench in 1912.
It was to AId. North that the council turned for guidance at the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, and it was his singular distinction to be in control as chief citizen during the whole of those four strenuous and difficult years. He stood at the helm from the time of his first election as mayor 9 November 1914 until within a few days of the Armistice. For these valuable services, the city council 15 April 1919, presented him with the Honorary Freedom of Leic., and on the occasion of the visit of their Majesties King George and Queen Mary, 10 June 1919, the honour of KNIGHT-HOOD was conferred upon him at the De Montfort Hall, Leic.
AId. Sir Jonathan North, the senior member of the corporation, despite advancing years, is still an active and influential member of the civic body, and recognised as a staunch upholder of liberal democratic views. His business activities have been expended as a partner in the firm of Messrs. Leavesley and North, and as chairman and managing director of Messrs. Freeman, Hardy and Willis Ltd. He married in 1878 Kate Eliza, daughter of Mr. Mark King Trott of Taunton, Somerset, by whom he has had issue two sons and two daughters. His eldest son Mr. Wm. Albert North, J.P., of Keythorpe Hall, co. Leic., being at present (1935) High Sheriff of the county.
Arms of North, as granted to Sir Jonathan 21 October 1927 :-Per chevron sable and or, in chief three fleurs; de-lis, and in base a dragon's head erased, all counter, changed. Crest :-Issuant out of a crown palisado or, a dragon's head sable holding in the mouth a fleur-de-lis bendwise or. Motto :-ANIMO ET FIDE. Plate 7.
Residence 1935: Glebe Road, Leic.
