Lindon, James (1837-1912)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by B. Fell

Mr. James Lindon, of St. Helens, passed away May 2nd, 1912. Born in St. Helens, May 22nd, 1837, he was sent to our first Sunday School on the day it was opened, nearly seventy years ago. Converted at the age of nineteen, he became an earnest and active worker in Church and Sunday School, and soon had a place on the local preachers’ plan. He was an enthusiast in all temperance reform.

Upon his marriage, in 1861, he removed to Widnes, where he and his young wife introduced Primitive Methodism. A cottage was secured, and services commenced, also a Sunday School. After four years he returned to St. Helens, where, with the exception of a few years at Prescot, he has lived since.

He was a good man and greatly respected; known for his conscientious and faithful discharge of duty. He served as chapel steward, member of District Committee, delegate to District Meeting and Conference. By the Free Church Council he was held in honour and esteem. A memorial service was conducted by the writer in the Westfield Street Church on Sunday, May 5th.

Family

James was born on 22 May 1837 at St. Helens, Lancashire, to parents Henry Lindon, a boot and shoe maker (1851), and Margaret Sherratt.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

1851 apprentice to boot and shoe making
1861 unable to read occupation
1871 newsagent
1881 commission agent and Methodist preacher
1891 book and music seller
1901 doctor’s collector
1911 agent for singer sewing machines

He married Margaret Wilson (1836-1912) in early 1861 at St. Helens, Lancashire. Census returns identify five of ten children.

Elizabeth Ann (1862-1935) – a sewing machinist (1881); married Thomas Anders, an assistant superintendent assurance society (1901), in 1888
Margaret Jane (1864-1936) – a housemaid (1891); married George Arthur Cox, a tinsmith (1911), in 1888
Robert Wilson (1866-1928) – private in infantry (1901); labourer in cable company (1911)
Ada Burnett Roe (1870-1872)
Walter (1873-1941) – general labourer at wire factory (1901); a furniture store’s collector (1939)

James died on 2 May 1912 at St. Helens, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/663

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers