Born in Rotherham Fred was educated at Milk Street school in Sheffield. He was Managing Director of Askham Bros. and Renton (later Askham Bros. and Wilson who were later absorbed into Edgar Allen Co. 1903). Connected most of his life with the Tramway Network. Produced the book A Century of Permanant Way and Tramway Evolution He made a close and detailed study of various places of Sheffield's past and possesed many interesting photographs. extract from part of a tribute in Sheffield Telegraph's Current Topic feature with whom he was a regular contributor. (see also obituary on page 8, 13 July 1934) Conservative Councillor for Ecclesall fom 1929. He died 12th of July 1934 aged 74.