Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1940 & 49

John Thomas Harrison (1876 - 1947)


John Thomas Harrison was Mayor of Salford in 1938 - 1939. He was Chairman of the Art Galleries, Libraries, Parks and Cemeteries Committee and a member of the General Purposes Committee. He was a prominent Freemason and was a Butcher and Meat Dealer by profession.


He was born on 23rd August 1878 in Hulme Manchester. His father was Thomas Harrison (born 1851 in York, Yorkshire), who was a Butcher. His mother was Elizabeth Harrison (born 1849 in York Yorkshire). The 1881 Census shows that the family lived at 305, Stretford Road, Hulme where John Thomas was 2-years-old. Tragedy struck when his mother died when he was only a few years old. His father remarried in 1885 to Elizabeth M Rylance at St Mary's Church, Hulme. The 1891 census shows the family still lived at Streford Road Hulme. John Thomas's father and stepmother had produced three daughters: Betsy Fazackerly (born 1886 in Hulme), Alice Ann (born 1888 in Hulme) and Florence Mary (born 1889 in Hulme).


In 1906 John Thomas Harrison married Bertha Henson (born 1880 in Hulme) at St Mary's Church, Hulme. Bertha was the daughter of Edward H Henson, Butcher of 301 Stretford Road, Hulme and Annie Henson. Their children were Bertha Annie (born 1Q 1909 in Salford), Nancy (born 4Q 1909 in Salford) and John E (born 1911 in Salford). In 1911 they lived at 20 Zachariah Street, Salford, where John Thomas was a Butcher. In 1939 the family lived at 7 West Clowes Street, Salford. John Thomas was aged 61 and described as Meat Dealer Shop Keeper, Bertha was aged 60 and described as Unpaid Domestic Duties and John E was aged 28 and a Meat Dealer Manager.


John Thomas Harrison's political career took off when he was elected for Salford Regent Ward in November 1922. He held the seat for three years, but failed to be elected for another term in 1925. However he was elected for Docks Ward in 1927 and remained undefeated until he was elevated to become Alderman. He was Chairman of the Art Galleries, Libraries, Parks and Cemeteries Committee and was instrumental in the Council's acquisition of Hart Hill, Oakwood and Kersal Moor. He was Deputy Chairman of the Staffs Committee and a member of several committees including the Watch, River Irwell Conservancy, Local Pensions, Baths, Mayor's and Allotments Committees. In November 1938 he was elected Mayor of Salford. He was one of Salford's representatives who were presented to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth when they visited Salford in May 1938. He was also on the Committee of the Poor Children's Holiday Camp at Prestatyn, North Wales.


John was a member of South Salford Conservative Association for 40 years and its Treasurer for a number of years. He was a Manager of the Stowell Memorial Church Day School, and a President of the Salford Parks Veterans Bowling Association. John was a prominent Freemason and was Worshipful Master of Empire Lodge in 1924. He became PPGD of East Lancashire Freemasons and PPG of St John's Chapter.


John Thomas Harrison died on 2nd July 1947 and after cremation a Manchester Crematorium, his ashes were interred at grave A4/CE/4256 at Weaste Cemetery.