The Ancestry & Family of Jonathan Dewhurst ~ Actor

Submitted by Sue and Phil Taylor , direct descendants of John and Mary Weedall Dewhurst

Jonathan Dewhurst was an eminent Victorian actor, who ran his own touring company in the north of England, appeared in London's West End theatres and toured Australia and India. Three of his children made the theatre (and films) their careers and through marriage the acting connections were numerous. In 2001 Jonathan Dewhurst - The Lancashire Tragedian was published, and was one of the five short-listed finalists for the Theatre Book Prize 2001. The book is available direct from the authors at [email protected] at 30% discount (inc UK p&p) to members searching through this site. What you see here is the known genealogical record of the family ~ for more information, click on the star to see Jonathan's website!

Family of John Dewhurst and Mary Weedall (née Brotherton)

[1] John had various occupations over the years including; Provision Merchant, Licensed Victualler, Police Officer, Jail Turnkey, Governor of Wigan Workhouse, Frog Lane, and Innkeeper of the Hare and Hounds in Stone Cross Lane, Lowton.

[2] Mary Weedall (nee Brotherton) was b. 1795 in Wigan, Lancashire, England

[3] In 1850s was recorded as the Chief Engineer at the Atlas Works of Sharp, Stewart and Co in Manchester, England.

[4] Lucy became a nurse. Lucy and Richard had one son, James who became the business manager of the Theatre Royal Leigh when Jonathan was Lessee and Manager.

[5] Joseph Taylor was a Master Clogger.

Family of Jonathan Dewhurst and his three wives [1]

[1] There is no known record of any children born to Margaret Mary Taylor. While three children were born to Jonathan and Elizabeth Ingram, all three died in infancy. All children listed in this chart are the progeny of Jonathan Dewhurst and Frances Clara (Fanny) Rivers.

[2] Frances Clara (Fanny) Rivers was b. 16 May 1859 to Henry Rivers and Frances (Fanny) Rose Morelli. Both parents were actors and Fanny Morelli came from a theatrical background. Fanny had been on the stage from an early age and was a very accomplished actress. Fanny died 26 April 1912.

[3] Eva Ballard was an actress. Harold Brotherton Dewhurst and Eva Ballard had one son, Harold Jonathan born 23 December 1911and who died 29 November 1945. For photographs and to learn about the career of Harold Brotherton Dewhurst, click on his name above.

[4] One child, Paul was b. to William Henry Bostock Dewhurst and Beatrice Maud Woods, (an actress) in 1914. He died in 1937 fighting in the Spanish Civil War. For photographs and to learn about the career of William Henry Bostock Dewhurst, click on his name above.

[5] Known to most as "Jonty," his wife Vera Grafton (McNeil) was an actress and came from a theatrical background. They had one son, Ronald. For photographs and to learn about the career of Percy Jonathan Dewhurst, click on his name above.

[6] Daisy was a child actress, but did not follow this career as an adult. With John Tipping, Daisy had one daughter, Daisy Frances, was born in 1916. For photographs and to learn about the career of Daisy Adelaide Dewhurst, click on her name above.