Dove, James (1830-1910)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

JAMES DOVE, of the Newport and Cowes Circuit, was one of our Lord’s “background disciples.” Born as far back as 1830, our late brother was deeply attached to our Newport Church. Although not talented, in the popular sense of the word, his quiet consistency was far more eloquent than many a spoken sermon. His place was never vacant, except during the last few months of his life, when extreme weakness rendered his abstention from the House of God a necessity. The preacher would often hear an expression of approval if something were said of a very helpful character; and at such times his face would be a benediction. We never knew what a blessing his presence was, both to preacher and people alike, until his last illness kept him a prisoner at home.

Our late brother was well in the prime of life before he made the final surrender to Jesus Christ. But, as he afterwards confessed, the influence of his godly mother’s prayers was with him in his days of prodigality, and proved a mighty factor in leading him to ultimate decision. Once decided, he never wavered. Some of the finest tributes to his worth came from those outside the church – men with whom he had had commercial dealings.

In failing health for many years, his great wish was to die on the Sabbath day; and this wish was gratified, for on Sunday, August 14th, he passed into the great Beyond, there to live out in fuller expression that fellowship with God begun in this life.

H.J. SADD.

Family and other information

James was born abt 1830 at Carisbrook, Isle of Wight, to parents John and Hannah. John was a cattle dealer and jobber at the butchery.

James was baptised on 8 February 1833 at Newport, Isle of Wight.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

• 1851 butcher’s assistant
• 1861 butcher
• 1871 butcher
• 1881 cattle dealer
• 1891 butcher
• 1901 cattle dealer

James married Ann Ellen Hunt (abt1832-1877) in late 1854 at Newport, Isle of Wight. Census returns identify six children.

• John (1856-1900) – a butcher
• James (abt1859-1943) – a butcher (1910)
• William (1861-1936) – a dairyman (1910)
• Richard (abt1866-1947) – a cattle dealer (1901)
• Harry (1870-1894) – a butcher
• Frederick (1871-1944) – a farm labourer (1911)

James married Fanny Percell (abt 1828-1890) in early 1885 at Newport, Isle of Wight.

James died on 14 August 1910 at Newport, Isle of Wight.

References

Christian Messenger 1911/82

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers