MR THOMAS WILFRED HAUGHTON
1855-1936
Mr T. W. Haughton was one of the best known men in the Ulster linen trade. His very successful business career began about 1876 when in partnership with Mr J. W. Frazer, he established a linen merchanting business in Belfast. This developed rapidly and in 1881 the partners added bleaching to their activities. They founded the bleach works at Cullybackey and gave steady employment to a large number of workers.
Mr Haughton was deeply interested in public and political affairs. He was a member of the Ulster Unionist Council, and one of a delegation which visited England shortly after the establishment of the Northern Parliament to put Ulster’s position clearly before the members of the Imperial Parliament. He was also for a considerable time a very active and valued member of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce. He was also a Justice of the Peace for County Antrim, a Prince Mason, and a member of the Union Club. Always interested in sport, he excelled with the gun and won many cups for shooting in connection with the Ulster Gun Club.
Mr Haughton was possessed of a genial, kindly disposition and was regarded with affection by all sections of the community. He took a deep interest in local affairs and was exceedingly generous and sympathetic towards all worthy objects. He died on the 29th January 1936 in his 81st year and was survived by his widow and two sons Mr J. Haughton and Mr S.G. Haughton and a daughter Mrs Malcolm Patrick of Glarryford.