Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1890 & 99

Reverend Edwin Walker (1843 - 1891)


Rev Edwin Walker was the Minister of Pendleton Congregational Church and Non-Conformist Chaplain at Salford Cemetery, Weaste.

 

He was born in February 1843 in Birmingham. His wife Sarah was born in 1847 in Southport. Their children were Samuel Robertson (born 1868), Lawrence Henry (born 1870 and married Florence B Mould in 1899), Sarah Elizabeth Mary (born 1874), Nellie M. (born 1875), Evelyn (born 1877) and Horace R. (born 1879). In 1881 the family was living at 8, Brentwood, Pendleton. Edwin was aged 38 and described as Independent Minister of Pendleton Chapel and Sarah was aged 33. The children (all scholars) were Samuel R. aged 13, Lawrence H aged 10, Sarah E.M. aged 7, Nellie M. aged 5, Evelyn aged 3 and Horace R. aged 1.

 

Edwin's father was a goldbeater in Birmingham and he died when Edwin was very young. He became interested in Christianity at a very early age and tried to convert those around him. He went to Airedale College, Bradford and trained for the ministry. On graduation he became Assistant to the Rev Millsom, Pastor of the Congregational Church at Southport. (No doubt this is where he met his future wife). After 18 months he took charge of Pendleton Congregational Church where he stayed for nearly 24 years. His ministry was distinguished by a genuine helpfulness to all who sought his advice and aid.

 

On Thursday 12th February 1891, Edwin was at Weaste Cemetery carrying out his duties as Non-Conformist Chaplain in the morning and visiting his congregation in the afternoon. When he arrived home he complained of being unwell and his medical advisers were sent for. It was discovered that Edwin was suffering from pneumonia and his condition gave great concern. By Monday 16th February, his condition was grave and he slipped peacefully away that evening. He was only 48 years old.

 

The funeral was held on Friday 20th February. A short service was held at the Walker residence in Brentwood after which the cortege made its way to Weaste Cemetery. His two eldest sons Samuel and Lawrence were in the first carriage and church deacons Messrs H. Lightbown, Ellis, Sugden, Richardson, Collins Maggatt and Mills followed. The coffin of polished oak was covered with over 50 wreaths. Hundreds of people surrounded the grave in A5 plot of the Dissenters portion, where Rev J.W. Kiddle (Minister of Stretford Congregational Church) officiated.