Joseph Sidebotham
Mr J. Sidebotham, J.P., F.L.S., F.R.A.S. died in June 1885 aged 61 [1]
DEATH OF MR. JOSEPH SIDEBOTHAM. The death is announced of Mr. Joseph Sidebotham, of Erlesdene, Bowdon. Deceased was the descendant of old Cheshire family, and was born in the neighbourhood of Hyde. After receiving private commercial education, he went through the whole process of learning calico printing with Messrs. Nelson, Knowles, and Co., and in 1847 became connected with the Strines Printing Company, of which he was a partner for about 33 years. In 1877, upon the death of his cousin, Mr. John Sidebotham, of Kingston, Hyde (who left him a considerable property both in land and collieries in that neighbourhood) he retired into private life. Mr. Sidebotham' was a man of no inconsiderable scientific attainments. With the late Bishop Lee, he may be said to have been one of the founders of the photographic section of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, and he was likewise one of the founders of the Manchester Photographic Society. He was, further, an enthusiastic entomologist and proficient in the science of astronomy. In 18?? he was placed on the magistracy of the Altrincham division of the county of Cheshire. Possessed of considerable property in the neighbourhood, he founded, at cost of £10,000, in 1882, the beautiful church of St. Anne's, Haughton, near Denton, all the sittings of which he made free and unappropriated.[2]