Trafford

Born at Alderley Edge, Cheshire on 26/09/1879, the birth being registered
during the December quarter 1879 in the Macclesfield R.D. - ref: 8a/156,
the elder son of John & Martha Whitworth (nee Haworth).    Aged just 7
years of age, he moved to Kansas, USA.   He returned to the UK ten years
later, aged 17 years.

1881 Census - Stamford Road, Bowdon.  Son - aged: 1 - born: Alderley,
Cheshire.   Head of household - John Whitworth - Married - aged: 36 - occ:
Cotton Merchant - born: Altrincham.   Also - Marian Whitworth - Wife -
aged: 32 - born: Salford.  Plus an elder sister - Mary Whitworth and a
younger un-named one month old infant sister (Cicely Marguerite Whitworth)
and 4 domestic servants.

1891 Census - No Trace.

1901 Census - No Trace.

1911 Census - No Trace.

John was a barrister at law and lived in Belgrave Rd, Altrincham.       In
1913, he married Ida Mary King daughter of Mr. A.J. King, Ingersley, Bleach
Works, Bollington.    He played rugby for Sale and Cheshire County.

Grandson of the late Benjamin Whitworth, MP for Drogheda.     Nephew of Mr.
Jesse Haworth, Woodside, Bowdon.     His wife was the daughter of Joseph
King, of Bollington & Windermere and formerly MP for Knutsford.

In 1901, he obtained a degree in History at Wadham College, Oxford and
second degree in Law in 1903.    Member of the '95 Club.      In January
1910 he contested Shrewsbury for the Liberals and again in December 1910 he
contested the Knutsford Constituency - he was unsuccessful on both
attempts.   He was a Member of the Bowdon District Council for many years
and was Chairman in 1914.    He was admitted to the Inner Temple, Chancery
Court and a Barrister at Law.

Enlisted in August 1914 and drafted to France in early 1917.

The 03/08/1917 edition of the local newspaper reported that he had been
gassed on the 25th July 1917.    The 28/09/1917 edition reported that
Captain Whitworth had been awarded the Military Cross.

The 18/01/1918 edition of the local newspaper reported that he had been
awarded  the MC and gave details:- "While crossing a river, his battalion
came under an intense gas shell bombardment, which destroyed the bridge
they were using.     Amidst the confusion he showed presence of mind in
extracating his battalion from a difficult situation.      Finding another
bridge and conducting them there by Platoons and passing them over the
river.    It was a dark night; they were all in gas masks and under heavy
fire - his quickness in overcoming the difficulties saved the casualties
from being greater than they were.

Died in hospital on the 31st March, from wounds received on the 26th March,
whilst leading his battalion into action.

The 13/08/1918 edition of the local newspaper reported that his will had
been proven and that his estate was valued at £7,910.  It also states that
he was a POW ???

He left three daughters and another unborn at the time of his death.    His
widow moved to the Lake District (presumably to Windermere ?)

His brother, 2nd Lt. Walter Haworth Whitworth was also killed on active
service on14/09/1918.  They are both commemorated on the Whitworth Family
Memorial in Bowdon Downs Congregational Church.

M.I. - "The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God".

His father was a member of the Manchester Reform Club, 81 King Street,
Manchester.

Sale F.C. are unable to locate their WW1 Memorial.