Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1910 & 19

William Hodgson, JP, M.I.Mech. E. (1851 - 1910)


William Hodgson was a Mechanical Engineer, a member of the Primative Methodist Church, and a Salford Councillor for 10 years.

 

He was born in 1851 in Salford, the son of Christopher Hodgson who was a native of Kirkby Stephen in Westmorland (Cumbria). His father was the senior partner and founder of the successful company Hodgson and Stead, weighing machine makers, Salford.

 

William received his education at a private school and then the Manchester Mechanics Institute. He began his career in his father's workshops under the guidance of his father's partner, Mr J.W.Stead. He had not long been out of his apprenticeship when he took control of the works. During this period in the early 1870s, the coal mine Acts came into operation and miners were paid by weight of coal. This created a demand for machines capable of weighing quickly and automatically. The firm developed and patented such machines and William took charge of the firm's business in Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland. The firm prospered and required new plant and extensions to the works. They also developed a large weighing bridge for railway trucks.

 

In 1871, William married Sarah Agnes Leslie and they had three sons. He was an active member and Sunday School teacher of the Primative Methodist Church, Trafford Road, Salford for 40 years, and became vice-president of Salford Sunday School Union. He was a life-long abstainer, like his father and was an effective advocate for its aims. He was a member of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Manchester Geographical Society and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and was a Past President of the Manchester and District Ironfounders Association.

 

In 1899 William Hodgson was elected to Salford Borough Council for Weaste Ward and served on the Gas, Tramways and Electricity Committees. His knowledge was invaluable in the latter two ctees during the provision of electric trams in the borough. He supported a move for the amalgamation of Salford and Manchester.
 

He died on 29th April 1910 in his 60th year and is burried in plot A4 of the Dissenter portion of Weaste Cemetery. His wife Sarah Agnes died 19 years later on 14th May 1929 in her 81st year.