William Mount Kidd: A Life in Business and Family (1869–1951)

William Mount Kidd was a businessman from Limerick, Ireland, known for his active involvement in local trade. This article explores his life, from his early days in Limerick to his later years in England, highlighting his family background, business ventures, and personal life.

Early Life and Family Background

William Mount Kidd was born on 18 September 1869 at 50 William Street, Limerick, in the home of his maternal grandfather. His parents, James Morgan Kidd (1840-1909) and Isabella Fife (1841-1918), were both born in Scotland but married in Limerick on 1 November 1864. The couple were Presbyterian and had moved to Ireland before William’s birth.

Marriage and Domestic Life

In June 1899, William married Flora Lizzie Upward at the Presbyterian Church on Henry Street, Limerick. Flora was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1862. At the time of their wedding, William was living in Westfields, while Flora resided at Park View, Corbally. The couple did not have any children.

Residences

Throughout his life in Limerick, William lived at various addresses:

  • Military Road (O’Connell Avenue): Listed in both the 1901 and 1911 census, where he lived with his wife and a servant. In 1901, the servant was Margaret McCarthey, a 25-year-old Catholic woman from Newcastle West. By 1911, they were employing Margaret Connell, a 15-year-old Catholic girl born in the city.
  • He also resided at 4 Verona Villas, 2 Alexandra Terrace, and Ballineer Ennis Road.

Business Ventures and Legal Issues

William Kidd owned a store at 103 George Street (now O’Connell Street). However, his business activities led to a few legal issues:

  • 1904: Cautioned for causing an obstruction outside his store, where 6 bags, 8 ropes, and 3 barrels were found blocking the area.
  • 1907: Fined 2 shillings and 6 pence plus court costs for adding water to butter before selling it. This practice was illegal as it deceived customers by increasing the weight of the product.
  • 1913: Fined 2 shillings and 6 pence for having a bicycle on a public road after dark without a light.

Despite these incidents, his store remained active in the local community, as evidenced by advertisements in 1912, showcasing the range of products he offered.

William Mount Kidd advert 1912

Advert for William Kidd’s store in 1912.

Later Years and Death

In 1920, William and Flora left Limerick and moved to England. By the 1950s, they were residing at Whitestone, Cookshaven-lane, Teignmouth, Devon. William Mount Kidd passed away on 16 August 1951 on the Isle of Wight. He left an estate of £252 2s 6d to his brother Edward, who was living in London at the time.

Siblings and Family Connections

William was one of several siblings:

  • Edward Kidd (b. 13 May 1872): Immigrated to Canada in autumn 1912. His wife, Ethel Louise, followed in May 1913. The couple returned to Limerick in July 1915 for another four years before leaving the city again.
  • Elizabeth Kidd (b. 24 Feb 1868): Married John McClean in 1899.
  • Georgina Morgan Kidd (b. 5 Oct 1865).
  • Robert Kidd (b. 7 Feb 1874).
  • Elizabeth Mary Kidd (b. 2 May 1880).
  • Allan Bruce Kidd (b. 18 Feb 1885, d. 1948 in Dublin).

Conclusion

William Mount Kidd’s life spanned across two countries, reflecting a blend of local business practices and the mobility that characterized many families of his time. From running a store in Limerick to eventually retiring in England, his story is one of both community presence and broader movement. His family connections, legal encounters, and varied residences provide a glimpse into the life of a local businessman in early 20th-century Ireland.