Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1900 & 09

William Southern (1829 - 1909)


William Southern was a Builder, firstly in partnership with his father and then with his sons. He lived at The Rookery, Broughton Park, Broughton, Salford.


He was born in Salford on 13th July 1828 and baptised on 13th August 1828. His father was Henry Southern (1797 – 1863) who was a Builder, renowned for building St. Bartholomew's Church and the Triumphal Arches at Peel Park and Cross Lane for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1851. His mother was Ann (nee Linley) Southern and they were married at St. John's Church, Deansgate, Manchester on 18th March 1821.


William had four siblings: Samuel Linley (b.1826), Mary (b.1831), Henry jnr (b.1834) and Elizabeth (b.1839). In 1841 they lived at St Philip Place, Salford and in 1851 they lived at 67, Regent Road, Salford. William worked for his father Henry, until his death in 1863, when William was aged 35 became a partner with Henry jnr.


In 1854 William married Harriet Bancroft by Registrar in Salford. Harriet was born on 7th May 1829 and baptised on 9th August 1829 at Salford Independent Chapel. Her parents were James and Harriet Bancroft of Islington Square, Salford. In the 1871 census, William and Harriet were living at The Rookery, Broughton Park, Broughton with five children all born in Broughton: William Henry (b.1857), Charles (b 1859), Helen (b.1861), Alfred (b.1863) and Mary Beatrice (b.1867). Their eldest son James Bancroft (b.1856) was at boarding school, at Altrincham, Cheshire. In 1881 James B was aged 25 and a Builder, William H was aged 23 and a Builder, Charles was aged 21 and a Calico Printer, Helen was aged 19, and Alfred was aged 18 and a Builder.


Harriet died on 19th February 1886 aged 56 and was buried at Weaste Cemetery, A3 Plot. William died on 15th March 1909, aged 80 and was re-united with his wife.


First son James Bancroft Southern was a builder and did not marry. He continued to live at The Rookery. He later occupied a bed-sit at his sister Helen's house at Blantyre, Water Park Road, Broughton. James died on 3rd October 1936 aged 80.


Second son William Henry Southern married Grace Anita Harvey in 1881 in Salford by Registrar. William Henry was also a Builder and in 1891 they lived at Great Clowes Street, Broughton. In 1911 they lived at Howe Street, Broughton.


Third son Charles married Ann C Baxter in 1884 at St Paul's Church, Kersal, Salford. In 1881 he was a Calico Printer and by 1901 a Yarn Agent, living in Southport, Lancs.


Daughter Helen lived at Blantrye, Water Park Road, Broughton and lived on Private Means. She died on 9th October 1925 and was cremated at Manchester Crematorium.


Alfred was also a Builder, but there is no further information.


Mary Beatrice, remained single and lodged with her sister Helen at Blantyre. She became a Christian Science Practitioner and it was reported in the Manchester Evening news on 28th August 1914 that she had been caring for a sick lady using CS principals who had died. The Coroner would have charged her with Manslaughter if he had been able to do so. Mary Beatrice died in Moss Side, Manchester, 1957 aged 90.