William Atherton

William Atherton (31 May 1742 – 30 June 1803), was a merchant and wealthy landowner from Lancashire, England, who operated and co-owned sugar plantations in the former Colony of Jamaica. He was a slave owner, as well as an importer of slaves from Africa. Early life Atherton was born in Preston, Lancashire, the fourth son of William and Lucy Atherton. He was the son of a successful and wealthy silk mercer. His father was a Preston Alderman, and was elected Mayor of Preston in 1732 and 1738. Prescot history refers to his father having been born in 1715. His father, according to the Walker Art Gallery, lived between 1703 and 1745. Atherton travelled to Jamaica as a merchant and went on to act as the overseer of a sugar plantation. Members of his family had been involved in the Atlantic slave trade since at least 1737, and were known as Liverpool privateers. His grandfather was John Atherton, a draper. A relative, William Atherton was the rector of St Nicholas Church, Liverpool; known as the Old Church of St Nicks, from 1688 to 1699. Walton Hall was part of this parish and the home of his slave trading guardian-uncle, John Atherton. Another ancestor, Richard Atherton, was the first modern Mayor of Liverpool, who in turn descended from the Athertons of Atherton Hall, Leigh.