Hughes, Benjamin (1822-1898)

Transcription of Obituary In the Primitive Methodist Magazine by A.T.

The Pye Green Society, in the Stafford Circuit, Tunstall District, has lost one of its oldest members and officials in the death of the late Benjamin Hughes. He was born in March, 1822, at The Higgin, near Llanvair, Waterdine, in the south of Shropshire. We do not know the circumstances connected with his conversion, but he has been heard to say when telling his experience, that he got converted when at his work down in the pit, all alone with his God. At this time he was living inside the borders of the old Darlaston Circuit when there was a little society which met in a cottage at March-End, near Willenhall.

He at once made known what God had done for his soul, and joined this little: society in the year 1858, the Rev. G. Hall being then the minister of the Circuit. Some twenty-seven years before his death he removed to Pye Green. When this place was missioned by the Stafford Circuit, and a society was formed, he became one of its members, and remained a loyal, liberal supporter of its interests up to the time of his death. When a chapel was built in 1877 he became a trustee, and for some years was treasurer of the trust.

Although the Pye Green Society has passed through a number of trying periods, Brother Hughes remained true to its interests, and for many years was the class-leader. He never thought any labour or sacrifice too great, and when he knew his end was approaching, he manifested a solicitude for the future welfare of the Church to which he had been attached for so many years.

His last illness was somewhat long and painful. To those who had known him for so many years as a man of strong constitution and powerful physique, it was painful to see him gradually wasting into feebleness until it became an effort for him to speak; yet in his weakness he leaned on the strength of his Saviour. He manifested a calm trust and patience that forbade all doubts or fears. He said to one of his sons: “I am passing through deep waters, my lad, but there is nothing to fear,” and on April 6, 1898, he passed without a murmur quietly away to the land “where the surges cease to roll.” His remains were interred in the churchyard at Hednesford, by the circuit minister.

Although by his departure the Connexion has lost one of its most devoted, loyal, and liberal supporters, yet he has left behind him children, all of whom are members of our Connexion, with one exception, and he belongs to the Wesleyan Church. Thus, instead of the fathers, shall be the children.

We know that the God of all consolation sustained and comforted the widow and children, and they look forward to the time when as a family they will meet again to part no more.

A memorial service was conducted in the Pye Green Chapel by Mr. J. Ward, who had known the deceased for many years.

Family

Benjamin’s parents were Richard and Sarah. Richard worked the land.

Census return identify the following occupations for Benjamin.

• 1851 stone miner
• 1861 stone miner
• 1871 coal miner
• 1881 coal miner
• 1891 coal miner

He married Elizabeth Francis (abt1828-1901) on 13 October 1850 at St Giles, Willenhall, Staffordshire. Census returns identify six children.

• Benjamin (abt1851-1936) -an iron stone miner (1881)
• Mary Elizabeth (1853-1914) – married Alfred James Giles, a sweet and tobacco dealer (1911),in 1878.
• Richard (1856-1911) – a painter and plumber (1911)
• John (b abt1860)
• Caleb (1865-1932) – a railway shipment foreman (1901)
• Drusilla Ann (abt1871-1902) – married Alfred Thomas Parrish in 1892

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901/312

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers