1912-1913, Edward Dickinson, Mayor of Wigan

Edward Dickinson, Mayor of Wigan November 1912 to 1913

Born: Wigan 28 February 1867

Died: 11 April 1925

Parents: John Dickinson and Mary Smith

Wife: Sarah Jane Mawdsley

Married: 17 June 1891, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, Wigan

Elected as a Conservative Representative of Pemberton North Ward

Appointed Alderman: 3 August 1910

Invited to become Mayor: September 1912

Appointed Justice of the Peace: 1915

Alderman Edward Dickinson was born in Scholes, Wigan on 28 February 1867. He was baptised at Wigan All Saints Church on 29 March 1867. His parents were John Dickinson and Mary Smith. He had four sisters; Nancy Hannah, Jane, Martha and Mary; and one brother John. The 1871 census shows the family living at 55 Scholes Street, Wigan and the occupation of his father as a Broker.

Ald. Dickinson attended St. Catharine’s School, Schofield Lane and then went on to Wigan Grammar School. He started in business with his brother John as a Pawnbroker in Wallgate, a partnership which continued until John’s death. He was able to climb the ladder of success, starting as a shop boy, assistant and gradually moving to manager until becoming head of his own business. For nearly 40 years he was in business in the Wigan district with branches at Newtown, Pemberton, Wigan and Platt Bridge. On his election as Mayor in 1912, the Wigan and District Association of Pawnbrokers held a complimentary dinner in his honour at the Clarence Hotel. It was attended by many dignitaries including the Mayors of Widnes and Preston as well as the President of the Bolton Association of Pawnbrokers. The members of the Wigan and District Association decided it was necessary to show Ald. Dickinson tangible proof of their great regard and esteem in which they held him and by common consent this was to be an address in a bound album which contained the full address by the President and the signatures of every member of the Association. Ald. Dickinson was later honoured by being elected President of the Association himself.

Ald. Dickinson took a keen interest in sports especially bowls and football. He was one of the founders of the Wigan Bowling Green Ltd. at the Bellingham and served on the club directorate. He also served as a director and President of Wigan Rugby Football Club. He had an interest in Freemasonry and was one of the oldest members of the Peace Lodge being initiated into the Lodge on 26 November 1901.

Ald. Dickinson was associated with St. Mark’s Church, Newtown and served as a sidesman there for many years.

Ald. Dickinson married Sarah Jane Mawdsley on 17 June 1891 at St. Michael’s and All Angels, Wigan. Sarah was the daughter of James Mawdsley of Hough Wood Farm, Billinge. The couple lived at 109 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton according to the 1901 census later moving to 148 Wigan Lane per 1911 census. They employed a housemaid Sarah Cowap. The couple had no children.

Ald. Dickinson was elected as a Conservative member of the old Pemberton District Council and after it was amalgamated with Wigan, he represented Pemberton North Ward on the Wigan Town Council until 1910 when he was appointed an Alderman.

He served on various committees

1. Chair of the Electric Light Committee
2. Chair of the Corporation Water Committee
3. Life Vice President of the Wigan Infirmary
4. Chair of the Maypole Colliery Disaster Fund

He was selected to become Mayor of Wigan in September 1912. This was the first time in the history of the Council that the selection of Mayor was left to all parties to decide. The sub-committee of the General Purpose Committee unanimously invited Ald. Edward Dickinson, the Deputy Mayor at the time to allow his name to be put forward for the nomination as Mayor. Ald. Dickinson said that he could not decline the invitation which had been put forward by a committee representing all shades of opinion of the Council, such circumstances being unique, he could not do anything other than accept.

During his mayoralty, the King and Queen on 10 July 1913 visited Wigan as part of their industrial Lancashire tour of duty. Ald. Dickinson was very proud that his year of Office coincided with the Royal visit to the town. During his Office, the Mayor and Mayoress with the Chair of the Education Committee and the Director of Education visited all the elementary schools in the town.

Ald. Dickinson was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1915.

Ald. Dickinson died at his home ‘Mayfield’, Wigan Lane on 11 April 1925. His health had not been good for some years prior to his death, having suffered a seizure three years before. He was only 58 years old at the time of his death and he was buried in the parish of Douglas in Parbold on 15 April 1925.

Probate records show that Ald. Dickinson left an estate of £30309.10s 1d.

He left a legacy in his will to revive the old folks treat for the inhabitants of Newtown. In 1926 approximately 200 elderly guests, ages ranging from 65 to 99 attended the function according to the Wigan Observer 23 January 1926. Each guest received a shilling, enjoyed a meal and were entertained with a concert.

Sources

Ancestry.com

Wigan Observer 14 September1912 Page 9

Wigan Observer 21 December 1912 Page 7

Wigan Observer 17 March 1913 Page 9

Wigan Observer 4 November 1913 Page 2

Wigan Observer 18 April 1925 Page 9

Wigan Observer 25 April 1925

Wigan Observer 23 January 1926 Page 13