William Broughton was born in Darwen in 1880 and was the son of Robert Broughton (1856) and Susannah. In 1881 and 1891 he was living at 23 Frances Street in Over Darwen, Lancashire and, in 1891, was working as a cotton weaver. In 1901 he was living at 32 Powell Street in Darwen and working as a railway goods carter.

Sources
• 1. 1881 Census. 23 Frances St, Over Darwen. William Broughton. Son. Age 1. Born Over Darwen. • 2. 1891 Census. 23 Frances St, Over Darwen. William Broughton. Son. Age 11. Cotton Weaver. Born Over Darwen. • 3. 1901 Census. 32 Powell St, Darwen. William Broughton. Son. Age 22. Carter (Railway Goods). Born Darwen.