Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1900 & 09

George Dodd (1853 - 1909)


George Dodd was a prominent, local Musician and specialised in playing the cornet.


He was born on 1st January 1853 in Liverpool and was baptised on 23rd January 1853 at St Anthony's RC Church, Liverpool. His parents were Joseph and Bridget Dodd. In  1971, George was aged 18 and lived at the Militia Barracks, Bolton Road, Elton, Bury, Lancashire. The Militia Barracks was located near the Wellington Barracks on Bolton Road. It was opened in 1859 and housed the 7th Regiment of the Royal Lancashire Militia. It is likely that this is where George learned to play the cornet.


Later in 1871 George married Martha Binns at Bolton by Registrar (probably at the RC Church). Martha was born in 1824 and lived at Badger Street, Bury. Her father was James Binns (b.1821 in Colne, Lancashire), who, according to Worrall's Directory of 1871 was a Beer Retailer. Martha's mother was Susan Binns (b.1826 in Tiverton, Lancashire). George and Martha's children were Sarah Ellen (b.1872 at Bury North), Joseph (b.1874 at Bury North), James Binns (b.1875 at Bury North), David (b.1877 at Salford, Regent Road) and Fanny (b.1880 at Broughton). The 1881 Census shows that the family lived at 6, Star Street, Broughton, where George was a Professor of Music.


In 1891, the family lived at Choir Street Broughton, where George was a Musician aged 38, Martha was 39, Sarah was a Machinist aged 18, Joseph was a Musician aged 17, James was a Musician aged 15, David was a Scholar aged 13 and Fanny was a Scholar aged 10. By 1901 the couple lived at 65, Fenney Street, Broughton. Also in the house was David (now married in 1901, with his wife Margaret, nee Reavey, and son George Dodd Mackay aged 7), and daughter Fanny. However on 13th May 1909, George Dodd died aged 56 and was buried at Weaste Cemetery.


George played cornet at many concerts which were reported in local newspapers. The Heywood Advertiser 1st December 1882 at the Wesleyan School, Heywood, where solo artists include Mr George Dodd of the De Jong's Orchestra. Rhyl Record and Advertiser 11th July 1885 at Rhyl Town Hall, cornet sole by Mr George Dodd, winner at Liverpool Eisteddfod 1884. Preston Herald 15th January 1887, Popular Military Concert at the New Public Hall, Preston. Manchester Courier 14th February 1887 – excellent entertainment on Saturday evening where Mr George Dodd played several cornet solos. Congleton and Macclesfield Mercury 17th December 1887 – concert for Biddulph Foresters Friendly Society at the Oddfellows Hall, Bradley Green. Leigh Chronicle 13th January 1888 at Leigh Assembly Rooms playing Carnival de Venice and Concert Polka exhibition. Staffordshire Sentinel 9th December 1889, at the Lion Hotel, Shelton, England's champion cornet soloist Mr George Dodd of Manchester. Manchester Courier, 20th January 1890, at Association Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, Mr George Dodd and Master Dodd proved themselves to be able performers. Isle of Man Times, 27th August 1890, at the Sacred Concert at the Grand Theatre, warmly applauded for his cornet solo "The Lost Chord." Todmorden Advertiser and Hebden Bridge Mercury, 5th August 1898, Mr George Dodd was Judge at the Brass Band Competition at Whitworth on 16th July.