1928-1929, Arthur Betton, Mayor of Leigh

1928-1929, Arthur Betton, Mayor of Leigh

Arthur Betton was born in Chester and came to Leigh where he lived for 53 years. Mr Betton arrived in Leigh in June 1893 as a manager for Messrs Bradley’s clothiers and outfitters of Bradshawgate and two years later he commenced his own account as a clothier and outfitter in Bradshawgate which proved so successful that he could retire in 1928. He later became the managing director of Leigh and District clothing and Supply Company.

He became mayor of Leigh in November 1928 in unusual circumstances. The Labour group moved the election of J L Prescott who had been defeated at the polls, and the Liberals and Conservatives proposed Councillor Betton. The voting for both was equal however the outgoing Mayor Hindley casted his vote in favour of Arthur Betton. After his tenure as Mayor of Leigh he was appointed as a borough magistrate in 1930.

Before his retirement he was a prominent member of the Leigh Chamber of Trade and he was first inducted to contest St Mary’s ward in 1921 as a representative for that body. He was elected as by a majority of 507 votes over the labour candidate. He successfully held this post during the 1924,1927 and in 1930. He finally lost this post in 1933 to Mr Herbert Gough.

Apart from his former association with business and municipal activities of Leigh, Arthur Betton was also known in religious circles as a Methodist. He held many positions in the Methodist church, he was a circuit steward for the Leigh circuit for six years during the First World War (1914-1918), he was also the trustee for King Street Methodist Church, Bolton Road and Bag Lane Methodist Churches as well as Atherton and Pennington Methodist Missions.

He was a Liberal and was vice president of the Leigh Liberal Club, he was also a prominent freemason and was one of the founders of the Leigh Lodge and was also a member of the Lilford Lodge. He also was connected to Leigh Cricket Club and the Leigh Literary Society.

Arthur Betton was married to Sarah Agnes Hool. Sarah was Mayoress of Leigh during his tenure. She also took interest in the social and religious life of the town. At the time of his election in 1928 they had been married for 37 years and had one daughter together who sadly passed away at the age of 16.

Arthur Betton died at in 1947 at the age of 81 after falling under ill health for some time. His funeral took place at King Street Methodist church before being buried at Leigh Cemetery.

Written by Simon Williamson

References

Biographical cuttings – Arthur Betton, available at Leigh Local Studies