- Mayor
- Bolton: 1846-47 (Conservative)
- Born
- Bradshaw, Turton 29 February 1788
- Died
- Silverwell Street, Bolton 25 November 1865
- About
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Chemist and Druggist.
Son of William Scowcroft, Innkeeper, of Bradshaw.
Prior to the incorporation of Bolton in 1838 he was a Trustee, High Constable and, in 1825, Boroughreeve of Great Bolton.
Property and Income Tax Commissioner.
Represented Exchange Ward 1842-47. Alderman for Derby Ward 1847-53.
In December 1847, shortly after his year as Mayor ended, he was brought before the Magistrates for pushing a girl who was standing at the doorway of a shop on a Sunday. His argument was that the shop, a barbers/dentist, should not be open on a Sunday - she said she was letting in air as it was the only door. The case led to several editorials in Bolton Chronicle.
In 1859 he was attacked and robbed in Silverwell Street by two ex-militia men. They tried to throttle him and robbed him of £20. They were caught later when they tried to spend a sovereign in a public house in Halliwell. They were found guilty.
He was Treasurer of Bolton Prosecution Club for 52 years and Treasurer of Bolton Savings Bank.
Sub-treasurer of the Bolton Dispensary and Infirmary, being an active supporter and financial benefactor.
Trustee of various charities.
President of the Chemists and Druggists Association.
Warden of St George's Church, Bolton where a memorial stained glass window depicting the story of the Good Samaritan was dedicated to his memory in 1867.
Buried at Bradshaw Church.
Many of his 14 children died at an early age and are buried at St George's Church with a gravestone bearing the verse:
So fresh fair flowers from the garden gone
Who could have plucked then but the hand of God alone
Be silent grief! Tho' sweetly here they grew
They'r now transplanted to a garden new
Ripe to enjoy their lovely Saviour's charms
They clapped their wings and flew into his arms. - Heraldry
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James Scowcroft's link on the Mayor of Bolton's Chain of Office.
On a wreath argent and gules a bull's head issued sable horned or.
Motto = DAT DEUS INCREMENTUM (God gives increase)
No source found. - Family Tree
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