Driver, John (1846-1915)

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

John Driver, of Silsden, began life as clog-iron maker at eight years of age. He never attended an elementary school, but in spite of this he was clerk to the Silsden School Board for fifteen years. In 1893 he was appointed clerk to the Silsden Local Board. He was put on the plan and became a most ardent temperance worker, gaining a wide experience in this work throughout this district. The many demands made upon him in the temperance work prevented him from being closely associated with local church life, but for thirty years he was a most acceptable local preacher and did much good work. 

Though he had been in declining health for some time past we did not think his end was so near, but on April 19th, 1915, he passed to the homeland and was interred at Silsden Cemetery. Rev. W. Dickinson officiated, and the Councillors and representatives from other public bodies and temperance societies attended to pay their tribute of respect to our worthy brother.

Family

John was born on 3 September 1846 at Silsden, Yorkshire, to parents Thomas Driver, a nail maker (1851), and Jane Gill. He was baptised on 17 January 1847 at St James, Silsden.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

• 1861 nail maker
• 1871 railway porter
• 1881 nail maker
• 1891 clerk to school board
• 1901 clerk to urban council
• 1911 clerk to urban district council

He married Elizabeth Mitchell (1844-1911) in the summer of 1870 in the Skipton Registration District, Yorkshire. Census returns identify one child.

• Harry Mitchell (1871-1950) – a sanitary inspector (1911)

John died on 19 April 1915 at Silsden, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1915/827

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers