Joseph Rank

Joseph Rank (28 March 1854 - 13 November 1943) was the founder of Rank Hovis McDougall, later RHM, one of the United Kingdom's largest food production and flour-milling businesses until it was acquired by Premier Foods in 2007.

Born in Hull and educated at the Reverend Haynes's School in Swinefleet near Goole, Joseph Rank initially joined the family milling business.

In 1875 he established his own business when he rented a small windmill. Then in 1885 he installed a mechanically driven flour mill at the Alexandra Mill in Hull. His approach was to establish mills close to ports around the United Kingdom so expanding the business until it was the largest flour-milling business in the Country.

During the 1880s he became a staunch Methodist. He was also a lifelong cricket fan. He established various charities which have now been consolidated into the Joseph Rank Trust and also supported the Hull Royal Infirmary. During World War I he served on the Wheat Control Board. Sadly he saw the mills that he had built bombed to destruction during World War II.

He died at his home in Reigate Heath in 1943.

In 1880 he married Emily Voase and together they had three sons and three daughters, one of whom was J. Arthur Rank, 1st Baron Rank. He married again in 1918, this time to Annie Maria Witty.