Riddiough, Annie (nee Cooper)

1865-1904

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1905

Transcription of Obituary in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by R.H.M.F.

Annie Riddiough, whose maiden name was Cooper, was born at Guiseley, Yorks, on March 18th, 1865. The surroundings of her early life were humble, her parents belonging to the labouring class. Very early in life the family removed to Horsforth, and as a girl our sister attended the Baptist Chapel and Sunday School, and there received much spiritual good.

In early young-womanhood she came to Manningham and became a member of our Church. Her life was ever exemplary and a constant testimony to the reality of her faith. She served the Church as Sunday School Teacher, Catechumen Class Leader, Member of the Choir and in many other ways. While she did not testify largely by word she rejoiced exceedingly in the public testimony of others.

On December 25th, 1890, she was married to one of our local preachers, who with his two children now mourns her loss. Her married life was very happy and her Joy In her home and her loved ones was intense. One who marked her later years said of her, “She lived for her home, her family and her church.” She was honoured by all who knew her for her kindliness and cheerfulness. Her love for God’s house and its services was united to a deep regard and reverence for God’s servants. She found great pleasure in ministering to them in her home, and had great joy in all their success.

Foreign Missions had a warm place in her heart and her interest in them was deep and constant. She had always a great love for brightness and light, for fresh air and the open country, yet the hours of sorrow and pain found her cheerful, brave and triumphant. The secret is found in her words of advice to her boy in the last hours of her life, “Be a good boy and love Jesus every day and then you will never be weary.”

In the closing days of October she caught a severe cold and on November 9th pneumonia brought to a close a life most precious and dear to all her loved ones. The last days were days of wonderful triumph and rejoicing. Suffering, and sorrow for the parting were evident, but so most markedly was the sustaining Hope. She constantly spoke of her love for her Saviour. “My Jesus,” “My Saviour,” she often quite rapturously called Him.

It was most helpful to be with her and to hear her testimony. Then came the day of her burial. Bright, clear and sunny though in November. Fit emblem of what religion can do for darkest days. A short service was held in our Manningham Chapel, conducted by Revs. R.H. McFarlane and F. Pickering.  Rev. Prof. A. Duff, D.D., of United College, also attended and offered prayer. At Horsforth Cemetery, where she was laid to rest “ln sure and certain hope,” Revs. R.H. McFarlane and F. Pickering again officiated. Her passing away made a deep impression, and many have been the testimonies to her worth received by her sorrowing husband and children. Among them are the following:-

Rev. R.W.B. Whiteway:
“How kind and good she always seemed to be! Ever ready to help in any good work for God and the Church.”

Rev. W.T. Hosier:
“She lives with God and lives too on earth in many hearts and lives made better by her presence.”

Rev. T. Woodall:
“A very bright light from the circle of our friendship is gone.”

Rev. E. Warburton, New Zealand:
“A devoted wife and mother has been taken from you. We also have lost a friend than whom a better could not be.”

One who knew her for long years writes:
“Much that I am to-day do I owe to her. As a girl I looked up to her with love and something of reverence.”

Family

Before her marriage Annie worked as a general domestic servant.

She married John Thomas Riddiough (abt 1863-1927) who was a commercial clerk (1881) and later a cashier (1901). Census returns identify two children.

  • Sidney (1891-1959) – a physician (1927)
  • Annie (b abt1894)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine1905/991

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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