1923-1924, John Henry Wright, Mayor of Leigh

Born in Dalton-In-Furness in February 1873, John Henry Wright attended the Dalton Board Schools but unfortunately at the age of 10 John's Mother died and he was taken from school a year later.

At the age of 14 he started working in the iron ore mines but owing to bad trade he lost his job.

On the 31 March 1891 having left home he got lodgings in Sugar Street, Leigh and a week later he started work as a drawer at Bedford Collieries. He was working for three years when he was buried by a large fall of rock. Miraculously, he only suffered a few scratches and bruises, but John decided not to suffer providence a second time and he obtained a job at the Albion Foundry where he stayed for 26 years.

On leaving Albion Foundry, he went into business as a licensed victualler at the Bowling Green Inn, Tamar Lane, Westleigh.

John worked hard to secure the return of Charles Prestwich Scott as the Liberal member for Leigh. He worked for the Liberal Party until the formation of the Labour Party and in 1910 he worked for the Labour Candidate Mr T Greenhall. He was elected the first secretary for the St. Mary’s Ward and served on the old Trades Council for ten years. He also served on the Labour Party for 11 years and was the vice-chair until 1920.

John was elected as Mayor of Leigh in 1923. During his year of office he supported many charitable institutions such as Leigh Infirmary and the children’s holiday camp.

He also inaugurated the first Blind People’s Trust and it has been followed by each Mayor since. 

During his 13 years service on the Town Council John served on many interesting and varied positions such as Gas & Water, Watch & Cemetery, Highways, Finance, Motor Omnibus and Cleaning & Education Committee.

His greatest interest was in the Watch & Cemetery Committee when as Chair of the Fire Brigade became more efficient. During his membership of the committee the change over from horse machines to motor engines took place. The parks are also said to have been developed during John’s membership as well, becoming places of beauty and recreation.

He resigned from the Town Council owing to the attitude adopted by the extreme element of the Labour Party.

In 1894 John married Emma Graham and when he died he left his wife and 2 children.

By Ken Bullas

References

Leigh Local Studies – Biographical cuttings – John Henry Wright