Biography
Robert Exley of Croft House (1787-1867). Sixth generation from Robert Exley of Halifax (d.1647). Son of Thomas and Mary Daly. Married Jane Gill. Had fourteen children.
The Exley Chronicle (Typed) (page 5) provides a detailed biography. In the early 1820s Robert became concerned about the spiritual conditions of the “uncivilised Rawdonians.” The parish church of Otley was far away, so Robert, approved by the Religious Authorities, reopened [a chapel?] and the Vestry meetings were held at Croft House. He usually wore the dress of a farmer except on evenings and Sundays.
The Exley Chronicle Biographical Sketches provide detailed biographies of several of his children (Thomas, John, Anne, Jane, Ethel, Samuel, George, Joseph) and grandchildren.
The direct line to Andrew continues through his son William.
Children (from the Chronicle and Biographical Sketches)
| Name | Born | Died | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas | 14 Jan 1812 | 1895 | Eldest. Farmer, unmarried. Died at Fourcross House. |
| John | 6 Sep 1814 | 5 Apr 1877 | Worsted spinner. m. Anne Steel. Died at Stonefall, Harrogate. |
| Robert | 19 May 1816 | m. Mary [?]. Went to New Zealand. | |
| William | 19 May 1818 | 1898 | Direct ancestor. Founded W.O. Exley & Co. m. Elizabeth Errington. |
| Robert | 17 Jun 1821 | Feb 1899 | Unmarried. |
| Anne | 11 Oct 1825 | ||
| Ethel | 6 Jul 1826 | m. [?] Masters of Bingley | |
| Jane | 7 Feb 1826 | 9 Feb 1926 | Lived to nearly 100 |
| Alfred | 20 Apr 1831 | 16 Jul 1907 | m. Elizabeth Exley. Died at Croft House. |
| Sibyl | 1 Mar 1833 | m. Samuel [Macchesfield?] of Bingley, 4 May 1854 | |
| Jane | 5 Aug 1835 | m. Robert Hopgood of Bolton Hall | |
| Grace | Dec 1837 | 10 Apr 1936 | Unmarried. Died at Dunnicliffe. |
| Sarah | 17 Oct 1841 | 8 Dec 1921 | Unmarried. Died at Pannerman House. |
Note: Some dates from the Chronicle scan are difficult to read precisely. The names show two Roberts and two Janes among the children, which was not uncommon in the period.
Evidence
- Listed on Meryll’s hand-drawn tree (Meryll’s Hand-Drawn Family Tree)
- Exley Chronicle (Typed), page 5: children’s list and biography
- Exley Chronicle Biographical Sketches: detailed biographies of his children