1908-1909, William Harrison, Mayor of Leigh

1908-1909, William Harrison, Mayor of Leigh.

William was the third son of one of the founders of Harrison McGregor & Co Ltd., Albion Ironworks, Leigh. The company was a known producer and manufacturer of agricultural machinery.

Educated at Leigh Grammar School, he later went to France to perfect himself in the French language and in 1890 he managed the French branch of Harrison McGregor & Co.

Returning to Leigh that same year, William still continued to supervise the continental business of the firm. Being a fluent linguist and a keen observer of men and manners, he was regarded as an authority on continental countries.

In 1911 he became manager of the North of England Branch of Buchanan & Co., Whisky Distillers Ltd.

When the District Council was constituted in December 1894 he became a member for St. Josephs’ ward and again in 1899 following the incorporation of the Leigh Borough.

He was chairman of the Health Committee, holding a position that allowed him to do all he could to improve the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the town, being very interested in providing good sanitary housing for the working class inhabitants of Leigh.

Due to his experience of continental educational standards he was very interested in raising education standards for the local districts. William was also chairman of the Technical Instruction Committee and the pupil teachers’ centre. 

He occupied the honourable position of President of the Agricultural Engineers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland which includes all the leading manufacturers of the United Kingdom.

William was always interested in sport and outdoor activities, playing regularly with Leigh cricket clubs’ first team and was considered a dangerous slow left hand bowler, with a nasty break from leg. He was president of the club since its formation presenting a silver cup to the club that wins the championship. He was also a supporter of other cricket, football, and swimming clubs in town.  He was a member of the Finance Committee at Leigh Conservative Association and chair of the overseers of the poor. 

He married Miss Eleanor Constance Scotson, grandaughter of the late Mr. Abraham Ackers, they resided at Hall House, Bedford, Leigh. 

William became the Mayor of Leigh in 1908. His first wife Eleanor died at the end of their mayoralty in 1909. William married again.

In 1914 he had the honour of escorting King George V around the Shrewsbury Show. William was also President of the Worsley Show in 1926 and in 1928.

For services during the First World War he received the Order of the British Empire.

William moved to London but on the outbreak of the Second World War he moved to Northamptonshire. He continued to visit Leigh and was always warmly welcomed by a large circle of old friends.

William died at the age of 80, leaving a widow. The funeral took place at Cottesbrook Church in Northamptonshire. 

By Evelyn Walls

References

Biographical cuttings - William Harrison, available at Leigh Local Studies