“A quaint old Lancashire worthy is being interred today
in Walmsley Churchyard in the person of the
late Mr. Solomon Mather, of Perk Terrace, Eagley
Bank, who died Tuesday in the 91st year of his
age.  He was born at Hall-i’th’-Wood, where he
received such education as was in those days imparted
as a Dame’s School.  His father was an old Hand-
loom weaver who brought his goods to the
open market at the top of Bank-street
in the customary wallet.  When the firm of Messrs
Chadwick and Bro. Was established at Eagley,
Solomon Mather went to work there, and remained
with the firm for 53 years, retiring at the age of 75.
He was a staunch Liberal in politics, but, curious to
relate, never had a vote until the last two
years, and then had not an opportunity of
exercising the privilege.  He recollected the battle
of Waterloo, and was full of anecdotes of
Peterloo, and Henry Hunt, whose carriage he helped
to drag part of the way from Eagley Bank to
Salford, the party wearing the proverbial white hat.
Mr. Mather was of a very social disposition, and
consequently much esteemed by a large circle of
acquaintances.  All his life he was fond of outdoor
sports, and loved the “jack” on the bowling
green, which he followed as recently
as a week before his death.  Many friends at
the Back-o’th’-Bank Green provided him with his
favourite recreation, which was recommended by the
late Dr. Rothwell as a means of maintaining his
health.  He had been a widower for many years, and
lived with his son-in-law, Mr. James Haslam.  There
are two children and numerous grandchildren living
to perpetuate his name.
”