Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1890 & 99

Abraham Williamson (1839 - 1891)


Abraham Williamson was a plaster by trade and also a champion, semi professional runner, winning many prizes.

 

He was born in 1838 in Salford (Regent Road Registry). He married Martha Shore (born in Pendleton in 1841), around 1870. Their children were Charles Herbert (born 1871 in Pendleton and died 25th January 1894 aged 22) and Louisa M. (born 1876 in Pendleton). In the 1881 census the family was living at 10, Young Street, Salford. Abraham was aged 42 and a Plasterer and Martha was aged 39. Charles was 10 and Louisa was 4. Abraham was to die on 23rd February 1891 aged 52, and Martha died on 3rd February 1928 at the grand age of 86.

 

The Salford Reporter of 14th March 1891 refers to the late Abraham Williamson as the "Salford Pedestrian". It continues, "Mr A. Allott, Monumental Mason of Cemetery Road, Weaste has been commissioned to execute and erect a tombstone over the grave of Abraham Williamson in the Borough Cemetery. It will be remembered that Williamson, who was the winner of no fewer than four Sheffield Handicaps and other important races, died at the age of 52 years on 23rd February. The stone, of a simple, but substantial character, will have a weeping willow engraved upon the top part of it and in addition to the usual inscription it will bear the words "At Rest". It is expected that the work will be completed and the stone placed in position in the course of a few days.

 

One of his Old Pals sends us the following interesting reminiscences. Williamson was a thorough Salford man and Salford should be proud of him. He was born in Hope Street in Crescent Ward and I have often run with him whilst training and against him whilst competing for prizes. His first set race was for £5 against Bill Berry, and at that time he was a mere lad of 13, carrying bobbins at Ashworth's factory. We all fancied him and felt confident that his future as a runner was full of promise. Abraham later went as an apprentice to his uncle Dick Hickson in Liverpool Street and served his time as a plasterer. He still kept to his running and was seldom out of practice or form. Abraham ran in the great Sheffield Handicap before he was 20 years of age. Three times he came second, four times he came fourth, and four times he came first. He was also a winner of many a race in different parts of the country. He was getting ready for another Sheffield race when he died aged 52." He was buried in plot F of the Church of England portion. Rev F. Sandys officiated.