Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1880 & 89

Peter Eden (1825 - 1889)


Peter Eden was a Manufacturing Chemist, an Overseer of the Poor for Pendleton and a champion dog breeder

 

He was born in Shrigley, Cheshire in late 1825 and Christened in Pott Shrigley Roman Catholic Chapelry on 29th January 1826. He was the son of Edward and Prudence Eden, (who were also buried at Weaste Cemetery). Edward was from north Lancashire farming stock and Prudence's (nee Unwin) family went back several generations as doctors in Shrigley. They came to Salford and became Landlord and Landlady at the Butchers Arms Hotel, Cross Lane, opposite the Cattle Market.

 

Peter owned the bleaching company ManChem (which was managed by his nephew John Henshall). ManChem employed men from the workhouse and became very successful. The 1881 census reveals that Peter was living at Spring Bank, 4, Sandy Lane, Pendleton, not married and his occupation was Manufacturing Chemist. In the same house were his sister Elizabeth Eden aged 52 (born in Stockport) and his niece Elizabeth Ball, aged 17 (born in Pendleton). Slater's Directory for 1881 reveals that Peter Eden was a Manufacturing Chemist at Cross Lane, Salford. When he died, he left in excess of £14,000, (a considerable sum in those days), mainly to John Henshall's surviving children.

 

The obituary notice in the Salford Reporter of 16th February 1889 says "Peter Eden was an Overseer of the Poor for Pendleton, who died at his residence, Spring Bank, on Saturday 9th February in his 64th year. Formerly a Manufacturing Chemist, from which business he retired about 2 years ago to enjoy in tranquillity, the fruits of his success. He was an ardent fancier and competent judge of pigs and dogs, with which animals of his own rearing, he carried off a large number of first prizes. This was his hobby. In politics he was Conservative, in religion, a Catholic.

 

The funeral took place on Wednesday morning (13th February) at the Salford Cemetery, the body being interred (in plot A9) in the Catholic portion of the grounds. The Rev. Father Saffenreuter, Rector of St.James' Pendleton officiated. Amongst the mourners were Thomas Ball (brother-in-law), James Henshall, Thomas Smith, Joseph Smith, C. Brierley, J.F. Mart JP, T. Statter, Peter Gorton, Edward Horley, H.T. Crofton, Dr O'Gorman, Rev J. Mahney and Mr T. Dearden (Assistant Overseer for Pendleton). A large number of wreaths were sent by friends and sympathisers."

 

We are indebted to Richard Haynes for further information about Peter Eden. "Every serious book on Yorkshire Terriers mentions "Albert" the first Yorkshire Terrier recorded in the first Kennel Club stud book, a successful winner at the premier shows in 1863 and 1864, and his owner Peter Eden. This dog is the great grandsire of "Huddersfield Ben", the most famous dog in the breed to which all are related. Peter's nephew John Henshall (buried at Weaste Cemetery next to Peter's grave), was also very successful breeding dogs, some small terriers, but mainly bulldogs. John was following in his famous uncle's footsteps as a sort-after and valued judge of dogs, but sadly died in his prime."

 

The Internet sings Peter's praises too. "Peter Eden of Manchester is credited as owning the first entry of a Yorkshire Terrier, named "Albert", in the Kennel Club. "Albert" appears prominently in both sides of "Huddersfield Ben's" pedigree and is considered the father of the breed. "Huddersfield Ben" (1865 – 23 September 1871) won many prizes, both as a show dog and in ratting contests. Unfortunately at the age of 6 he was run over by a carriage and killed. In 1863, "broken haired" terriers appeared at Birmingham and Mr Eden's "Albert" (No. 3585) and "Prince" (No. 3639) did the winning and went into the stud book. In 1864 at Islington, Mr Dinsdale's "Phin" (No.3636) won in the Scotch Terrier class, being followed by Mr Eden's "Albert" and "Prince". However at Birmingham "Albert" and "Prince" were first and second with "Phin" coming third. In 1865 it was the turn of Mr Eden's "Don" (No.3605) and Jerry (No.3616) to win.