Edward Theophilus Nelson (1874 – 1940)

Edward Theophilus Nelson (1874 – 1940)

Pioneering Barrister and Local Councillor. Elected to Hale Urban District Council 1913-1940, Chairman of Cheshire Urban District
Councils Association.

Edward Theophilus Nelson was born in Georgetown, Guyana, on 22 October 1874. He was the son of Philip Nelson, a builder. Edward was educated at St. Philip’s School in Demerara. He came to Britain from Guyana in 1898, to read law at St John’s College, Oxford.

In 1900, Edward was elected Secretary of the Oxford Union debating society. He was also nominated as Treasurer of the society by Raymond Asquith, the son of Herbert Asquith. Edward held the position of Treasurer between 1900 - 1901.

The 1901 census indicates Edward was a visitor at 47, Eltham Road, London, home of rector John Pennington, his wife Sarah and their family.

Edward graduated in 1902 and moved to London where he was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1904.

By 1906, Edward was living at Beech Holme, Stamford Road, Bowdon. A year later, he was living at 2, Laurel Bank, Stamford Road and in 1909, he moved to Cecil House, Cecil Road in Hale, where he remained for the rest of his life. Edward’s legal practice was at 78, King Street, Manchester and he was registered to appear before the county courts of both Cheshire and Lancashire.

Edward was a highly respected lawyer. He was defence barrister in two high profile murder trials. Business owner, George Harry Storrs of Gorse Hall, Stalybridge, was murdered in November 1909. In two separate trials, Edward managed to save two defendants accused of George’s murder from the gallows.

In 1919, Edward was involved in another notable case, when he defended a group of African men accused of rioting in Liverpool, after being caught up in racist violence. He was successful in having several of the men cleared of wrongdoing.

In 1913, Edward stood for the West Ward of Hale Urban District Council as a Conservative candidate and was successful. He was elected as Chairman of the Lighting, Hackney Carriage and Fire Committee in 1913 and Chairman of the Library Committee in 1919. He was Chairman of Hale Council in 1917/18 and 1937/38.
Edward was also Chairman of Hale Council’s Rating and Valuation Committee and Chairman of the Cheshire Urban District Councils’ Association and a member of the District Councils’ Association of Great Britain.

In 1931, Edward was involved in the establishment of the League of Coloured People.

Edward was a member of Hale UDC for 27 years. He was a popular and well regarded figure in the public life of Hale and regularly attended St Peter’s Church with his daughter Onassie (Maisie), who lived with her father at Cecil Road.

Edward was a keen sportsman and cricketer and played for the Hale Cricket Club 1st XI.

Edward died on 3 August 1940. He is buried at Bowdon and Hale cemetery.

1874-1940