Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1940 & 49

John Higginbottom (1871 - 1947)

John Higginbottom was a Conservative Councillor and Alderman for 26 years and was Licensee of the Station Hotel, Cross Lane for 32 years.

John was born in Salford in 1871. His political career commenced in 1920 at the age of 49 when he was elected to represent Crescent Ward. In January 1932 he was appointed Alderman for Claremont Ward. However, in October 1935 he decided to step down as Alderman so that he could seek election as Councillor for Crescent Ward. He suspected that there could be a change in control of the Council and that he could be removed from being an Alderman. He was successful and became Councillor for Crescent Ward again and 18 months later he was appointed Alderman again, this time for Dock Ward.

Alderman Higginbottom was a member of the Local Pension Committee for all of his 26 years and Chairman of that Committee for his last 14 years. He also served on the Baths and Water, Health, Public Assistance, Direct Works and Buildings and the Watch Committees. For a time he was also Chairman of the Cleansing Committee. John was also a member of the Salford Board of Guardians from 1921 to 1930 and represented the Council on the Salford Insurance Committee.

John was licensee of the Station Hotel, Cross Lane, for 32 years and prior to that, he was Licensee of the Joiners Arms Hotel, Ellor Street. He was a member of South Salford Conservative Association. John was also a prominent Freemason, being a member of Zetland Lodge and a member of Barrfield Bowling Club for many years. He retired in May 1946 and moved house to Gorse Road, Swinton, where he died on 15th January the following year. He was 75 years old. The funeral service was held on Saturday 18th January at St. Bartholomew's Church. It was conducted by Rev. H.F.Steel, Rural Dean of Salford and Vicar of St John's Church, Irlams o' the Height, followed by interment at Weaste Cemetery.