John was born around 1894 in Keckwick and was the fourth of five children to Alfred and Eliza Ann Broome. Alfred had been born in Preston on the Hill and had been a farmer at White House Farm since at least 1881. Alfred was a widower when he married Eliza Ann Wallworth in June 1886 in St. Paul’s church, Southport.
John’s step-brother, William, was born around 1878 in Patricroft near Manchester and John’s sisters Annie, Josephine Wallworth and Emily were born at White House Farm around 1888,1890 and 1892. Another sister, Elizabeth had been born in 1896 in Manchester whilst the family were still living at Keckwick.
In 1901 the family were living and working at Windmill Farm. Also living at the farm were two domestic servants and five Irish farm hands. By 1911, John was also working on the farm for his father along with William. His sister, Josephine, was now a teacher of music.
By February 1915 John had enlisted with the Cheshire Yeomanry. On the 12th February 1916 his sister, Josephine married Charles T. Garner. On Wednesday the 28th August 1917 Private J. Broome from the South Lancashire Regiment (17767) was mentioned in the London Gazette as being awarded the Military Medal for “gallantry and distinguished service“. By 1918 John was still away from home on active service, and was also awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
By the spring of 1920, John had returned to Windmill Farm and early in 1921, John’s father died but A. Broome and Sons continued to run Windmill Farm until at least 1939. On the 25th July 1923 when John was 29, he married Phyllis Mary Britland in St. Paul’s church, Helsby and they went on to have two daughters, Sybil Mary and Joyce Phyllis.
On the 30th December 1926 his sister, Emily, now aged 35, married Herbert P Sutherland, a cashier from Newcastle upon Tyne. The ceremony took place in Preston on the Hill.
Whilst living at Aston Heath Farm, Aston, John died on the 6th January 1962 aged 68 years.
05/07/2015
