Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1880 & 89

Charles Jenkinson Handforth (1821 - 1887)


Charles Jenkinson Handforth was a Provisions Dealer with premises on Broad Street, Pendleton and was connected with the New Windsor Congregational Church and the Pendleton Congregational Church.

 

He was born in Cheadle, Cheshire, in 1821, his father being the proprietor of Wilmslow Mills. In 1842 he married Elizabeth Thorniley at Manchester Cathedral. They had a son, George Henry, born 1847. (George Henry married Jessie Ann Scott in 1884 in Salford. Jessie died in 1892 aged 36 and George died in 1913 aged 66) and a daughter Elizabeth, (born 1851). (The newspaper report indicates that there was another daughter who married Rev E Walker). Charles' wife Elizabeth died on 15th July 1861 aged 38.

 

Charles married again the following year to Rachel Armitage by Registrar in Manchester. Charles and Rachel had sons: Charles Armitage (born 1863), John Armitage (born 1865) and Herbert, (born in 1867, who tragically died on 13th May 1871 aged 3 years and 7 months). Rachel died on 9th April 1871 aged 44. Charles married for the third time in 1873 to Ellen Macoun (or Mawdsley) at Ormskirk.

 

The 1881 census shows the family living at 125 Broad Street, Pendleton. Charles was shown as aged 60, married and a Provisions Dealer employing 4 men and 2 boys. There is no sign of his wife. Other family members at 125, Broad Street are George H, age 34, unmarried, Provision Dealer Assistant; Elizabeth, aged 29, unmarried, Provisions Dealer Assistant; Charles A, aged 17, joiner's apprentice; and John A, age 15, scholar.

 

The Salford Reporter of 15th October 1887 records "the death of Charles Jenkinson Handforth on 6th October at his residence 125, Broad Street, Pendleton. He commenced business as a baker and provisions dealer in Broad Street in 1841, but in 1846 the business failed. However, Charles paid his creditors 20 shillings in the pound. In 1859 he built a large shop at 125 Broad Street which flourished. He was a Liberal in politics, but took no part in elections. Charles was Superintendent of the New Windsor Congregational Sunday School for 14 years. In 1859 he joined the Pendleton Congregational Church and during a period of 21 years he was superintendent of the Sunday School and a church deacon".

 

The funeral of Charles Jenkinson Handforth took place on Monday 10th October at Weaste Cemetery. A large number of friends and relatives gathered including Benjamin Armitage (Sorrell Bank), Henry Lightbown, James Farmer jnr. and Mr R.A.Armitage JP. The Service was conducted by Reverend E Walker (son-in-law) and his remains were interred in plot A5 of the Dissenters portion.