Aronsberg Volf (Wolf,William) (1833, Courland, now Kurzeme, Latvia – date of death unknown, Manchester, UK?)

Entrepreneur, manufacturer of optical, mathematical, and navigational equipment.

Emigration and Early Career

Emigrated to the United Kingdom with his family.

Initially established a glass business with his brother Maurice, but the venture ended in bankruptcy.

Spent several years working as a travelling salesman.

Business Success

1864 – Founded W. Aronsberg & Co., Wholesale & Retail Opticians in Manchester.

The company specialized in manufacturing and selling:

Eyewear

Navigational instruments

Surveying equipment

Astronomical tools

Microscopes

Barometers

Community Contributions

1889 – Founded a synagogue in Manchester at 122 Cheetham Hill Road (M8).

27 December 1964 – The synagogue merged into a larger congregation known as the Manchester Great and New Synagogue (Stenecourt Synagogue).

Legacy

Examples of Aronsberg’s equipment are preserved at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.

References

🔗 Manchester Museum of Science and Industry – W. Aronsberg & Co.

🔗 JewishGen – Manchester Great and New Synagogue