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James Butterworth

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James Butterworth
Born(1771-08-28)28 August 1771
Died23 November 1837(1837-11-23) (aged 66)
NationalityBritish
Occupations
  • Poet
  • Author
  • Antiquarian
  • Topographer
SpouseHannah Boyton
Children10, including:
Edwin Butterworth

James Butterworth also known as Paul Bobbin (28 August 1771 – 23 November 1837) was an English author, poet, antiquarian and topographer of Manchester and the surrounding area.

Life

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The youngest of 11 children, Butterworth was born on 28 August 1771 in the parish of Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. His parents, thought to be handloom weavers, sent him to school under John Taylor of Alt and there he took on some instruction of the lower classes.[1]

Butterworth attained some skill in ornamental penmanship. After many years spent in tuition, he acted for some years as postmaster of Oldham, and died on 23 November 1837.[1]

Works

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Despite expressing some early frustration with publishers, James Butterworth produced a series of books and pamphlets on local history, including his personal observations. His writings were:[1]

Some of Burton's manuscripts went, with those of his son Edwin, to the Oldham Lyceum. He is said also to have published Mancunium, a poem.[1]

Family

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Burton married in 1792 Hannah Boyton, with whom he had ten children. The youngest, Edwin, was also known as a topographer.[1]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e Stephen, Leslie, ed. (1886). "Butterworth, James" . Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 8. London: Smith, Elder & Co.

Attribution

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainStephen, Leslie, ed. (1886). "Butterworth, James". Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 8. London: Smith, Elder & Co.