Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1857 & 1869

Joseph Ashworth (1813 - 1869)


 Joseph Ashworth was a Merchant in cotton goods, in partnership with his brother Thomas as T & J Ashworth and Co. He was an Alderman for Salford Council and a great supporter of Pendleton Mechanics Institute.

 

He was born on 8th March 1813 in Manchester. His parents were John Ashworth (born 1775 in Manchester) and Sarah (nee Brown) Ashworth (born 1775 in Salford), who married on 5th June 1796 at Manchester Collegiate Church (which later became Manchester Cathedral). It would appear that he had at least 3 siblings, Thomas (born 1800 in Salford) John (born 1803 in Manchester) and William (born 1807 in Manchester). In 1841 he resided with his brothers Thomas and William at Woodlands, Broughton. In 1851 he resided with his brothers John and William at 3, Acton Square, Salford, where he was described as a Nankeen Manufacturer. And in 1861 he resided with his brother William at 3, Gardner Street, Pendleton, where he was described as Cotton Cloth Manufacturer.

 

Joseph was a great benefactor of Pendleton Mechanics Institute. The Guardian of 1st September 1856 records "The foundation stone of a new building for the Pendleton Mechanics Institute was formerly laid on Saturday afternoon by Mr Joseph Ashworth in the presence of a large number of members, subscribers and friends. The building will be erected on a plot of ground forming part of the Priory Estate, a few yards out of Broad Street, Pendleton. Several items were placed in a cavity under the foundation stone, and covered by a brass plaque inscribed "This stone was laid by Joseph Ashworth, Esq, August 30, 1856."

 

The Salford Weekly News of 27th March 1869 records, "In politics, Joseph Ashworth was a staunch Liberal. He was a member of Salford Council for 8 years and always looked closely after the interests of his constituents. He took an active part in all matters that came before the Council, particularly if it affected Pendleton. He was a member of Pendleton District Nuisance and Scavenging Committee; member of Pendleton Highways, Paving, Improvement and Lamp Committee; and Chairman of Pendleton Finance, Town Hall and General Purposes Committee. He was very highly respected by the whole of the members of Salford Council, by the burgesses and by the public generally. For the welfare of the working class in Pendleton district Alderman Ashworth laboured long and earnestly. He was connected with the Pendleton Mechanics Institute from its formation and it was chiefly through his instrumentality that the structure was erected, he having contributed very handsomely to the building fund. For a lengthy period he was President of the Institute and he always manifested much interest in the welfare of its members. Mr Ashworth also took a great interest in the building of Pendleton Town Hall and since its erection it was his custom, nearly every day, to visit the building."

 

Joseph Ashworth died of apoplexy (stroke) at his home, Seedley Terrace, Pendleton on 20th March 1869. He was 56 years old. He was laid to rest in a vault in A3 plot of the Dissenters portion. A large memorial was erected, which is now Grade II listed.