Rawling, Jane Ann (nee Lightfoot) (1837-1911)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by T.J.W.

Mrs. Jane Ann Rawling, of Houghton-le-Spring Society, in the Houghton-le-Spring Circuit, was born at Alston, July 1st, 1837, and was the second daughter of the late Rev. John Lightfoot, Primitive Methodist minister. Mrs. Rawling became a member of the Primitive Methodist Church at an early age, and kept up an unbroken connection therewith until the day of her death, July 18th, 1911.

For many years she was a most active and devoted Sunday School teacher, and was much beloved by her scholars. She married on April 2nd, 1871, from which time her house was an open one for the preacher, whether a minister or layman. Amongst the ministers who shared their hospitality might be mentioned Danzy Sheen, Theophilus Parr, James Dawson and George T. Tetley. After some fifteen years of married life she suffered bereavement in the death of her dear husband, which blow she bore with remarkable fortitude.

In disposition Mrs. Rawlings was generous, sympathetic and genial, and hence had many friends. For a number of years she was practically an invalid, but never repined, and bore up bravely when the burden pressed heavily. The end came suddenly but peacefully. Her interment took place at Houghton-le-Spring Cemetery July 21st, amid every token of respect. She leaves a family, to whom her memory cannot fail to be an inspiration towards an honourable, consistent and useful life.

Family

Jane was born on 1 July 1837 at Alston, Cumberland, to parents John Lightfoot, a PM minister, and Martha Burnup.

Before her marriage Jane worked as a milliner (1871).

She married William Rawling (1838-1888), a boot and shoe maker, on 2 April 1872 at Houghton le Spring, Co. Durham. Census returns identify three of four children.