Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1890 & 99

John Harrison (1838 - 1891)


John Harrison was a Police Inspector in Salford Police Force.

 

He was born on 27th May 1838 at Grindleton, Yorkshire, the son of Nancy Harrison. In 1865 he married Margaret Simkins by Registrar in Manchester. Margaret was born at Caponwray, Lancashire and was six years older than John. In September 1866 they had a son John, but sadly he died on 1st June 1877 aged 10 years and 9 months. The 1881 census reveals that John and Margaret were living at 58, Lower Broughton Road, Broughton, John was 42 and a Police Sergeant and Margaret was 48. John died on 14th April 1891 aged 52 and Margaret died on 12th August 1902 aged 70.

 

The Salford Reporter of 11th April 1891 records, "We regret to announce the death of Mr John Harrison which took place at Clitheroe last Saturday evening. Whilst crossing the railway at Clitheroe Station to post a letter, Mr Harrison suddenly dropped down dead. The deceased joined Salford Police Force in 1863, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1868 and was made an Inspector in 1885. Inspector Harrison was well known in the district and he performed his duties in a most zealous manner. He was respected not only by his comrades, but by all who knew him. In June last year he went to the house of a subordinate officer who had absented himself from his beat, and was attacked by the Constable in a brutal manner. The Constable was sent to gaol for six months for the assault. At the time the Inspector's life was despaired of. He gradually rallied, but was never afterwards fit to resume his active duties and was superannuated in August. He went to reside in Clitheroe.

 

Last Thursday, Mr Harrison paid a visit to his comrades at the Salford Town Hall and was then apparently in his usual health and spirits. The members of the police force were extremely shocked on hearing the sad news of his death. The remains of the deceased were conveyed by rail from Clitheroe to Victoria Station on Tuesday (17th April) for interment at Salford Cemetery. The cortege was formed by the widow and relatives of the deceased and 16 members of Salford Police Force, the latter of whom, acted as pall bearers. There were a number of wreaths, one being from his old comrades. He was interred in plot 33 of the Dissenters portion and Rev D Huddleston performed the service. He was 52 years of age".