1883-1887 and 1892-1893 John Bullough, Chair of the Atherton Local Board

1883-1887 and 1892-1893 John Bullough, Chair of the Atherton Local Board

Self-taught plasterer-turned businessman John Bullough had five terms as chair of the Atherton Local Board and, although an advocate of local councils working together, during his time as first citizen he fought passionately but in vain to fend off attempts by the Leigh Local Board to extend its jurisdiction into parts of Atherton.

Born in Dan Lane, Atherton, in September, 1830, John Bullough received no special tuition but spent his leisure time on self-instruction and improvement. Up to the age of 24 he worked as a plasterer in Atherton before joining the management of the bolt works in Dan Lane, under his uncle, Mr Edward Davies.

He occupied a similar position when the company moved to the Valley Works and then to the Colliery Brook Works in Bag Lane, where in time he took over the business from Mr Davies, who had no sons.

The poor of the township lost a valuable friend when John Bullough died in December 1893, for much of his life was spent trying to improve the condition and surroundings of his less fortunate townspeople. He was a trustee of the first £50 Club formed in Atherton and held at the Wheatsheaf Inn – an organisation he worked with up to the time of his death. He was president and trustee of a similar club which was held at the Kings Head Hotel.

During the unhappy struggle in the coal trade, Mr Bullough played a prominent part in the efforts to alleviate the terrible distress of the miners and their families and at the inauguration of the Central Relief Committee he was unanimously elected chairman.

He was also a member of the Board of Guardians and in that capacity was known for his indefatigable exertions on behalf of the township he represented. He also took a great interest in the Independent Order of Oddfellows, being a PPGM in that order.

In politics he was an ardent radical and took an active interest in the Liberal party.

He served for 22 years on the Atherton Local Board, of which he was chair for four consecutive terms (1883 to 1887). He was elected for a fifth term in 1892 and during his final year in office he vehemently opposed the proposed takeover by the Leigh Local Board of portions of the Atherton district (the Leigh end of Atherton), attending every day of the inquiry which was held at Leigh Police Courts. But a year after his death, the Local Government Act 1894 added part of the township to the new Leigh Borough Council and reconstituted the rest as Atherton Urban District Council.

A great supporter of technical education, Mr Bullough took a great interest in the building of the Atherton Technical School, and saw his efforts rewarded when he took an active part in the school’s opening ceremony shortly before his death.

He was also on the committee in connection with the Joint Hospital scheme and was in favour of working in conjunction with other boards.

He died in December, 1893, at the age of 63 after developing pneumonia following an attack of bronchitis. He left a widow, Alice, who was his second wife, and 13 children – nine sons and four daughters. He was buried at Atherton Cemetery.

Written by Gordon Sharrock

References

Biographical cuttings - John Bullough, available at Leigh Local Studies.