Samuel Gott 1892 - 1917

Samuel Arnold Gott was a draughtsman, craftsman and soldier from Cross Roads near Keighley. He was born in 1892, the youngest son of Joseph and Alice Gott. His brothers were George and William, and he also had an older sister, Sarah. Samuel went to Lees Council School, then assisted his father in his joinery and building business. He won prizes in national competitions in draughtsmanship before he was 12 years old, and attended courses at Keighley Technical School Building Trades Department. In 1914 he won first prize in a competition organised by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters for his model of a mansard roof truss, built to a 1/12th scale. The prize carried with it a certificate, a silver medal and £5. The model was later purchased from Gott by the Board of Education and was displayed at the Science Museum.

With the First World War raging in Europe, Gott joined the Army in 1915 and became a Corporal with the West Yorkshire Regiment Pioneers. His skills were put to use at the front with the construction of various military buildings. He was killed in action in France by a shell on 4th April, 1917, at the age of 24. He is buried in Fauborg D'Amiens Cemetery in Arras, France. He is commemorated on the Cross Roads War Memorial in Cross Roads Park, and on the Cross Roads Primitive Methodist Sunday school roll of honour.