Morley, John Herbert (1840-1904)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

JOHN MORLEY, of Alton, Ramsor Circuit, exchanged mortality for life on Thursday morning, March 10th, 1904. For almost thirty-eight years he was connected with our church, and for many years society steward and school treasurer at Alton. He was a man of unblemished character, faithful in the discharge of his duties, honest in his business transactions, and regular in his attendance at the means of grace.

The Rev. W.H. Mason writes as follows:- “I was closely acquainted with our departed brother for the period of five years, during which time I laboured in Ramsor Circuit. Being his near neighbour, and having dealings with him in business as well as in church work, I had ample opportunity of observing his way of life, and of estimating his character. He was “diligent in business, fervent in spirit serving the Lord.” Alton Society had no member more persevering or more faithful than he.”

The Rev. B. Arnfield speaks of the friendship and co-operation of John Morley in the following language:- “ As a man, as a  Christian, and as an official, he won my profound respect and admiration. I always found him true as steel, and open as the daylight. By his death the Church has lost a loyal, useful servant, and the ministry a true friend.”

The last days of Brother Morley were embittered by severe and protracted affliction, which confined him to his house, but he ever manifested a spirit of resignation to the Divine will. The end came somewhat suddenly, but he was ready for the change like a shock of corn ready for the heavenly garner. The funeral service was conducted by the Circuit minister, both in the chapel and at the graveside, in the presence of a large concourse of people of all classes and shades of belief, who came to pay the last tribute of respect to departed worth, and to honour the memory of a good man.

The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. A. Stabler on Sunday evening, March 24th, 1904.

A. STABLER.

Family and other information

John was born abt 1840 at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire. His father was Henry Morley.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

• 1861 farm servant
• 1871 labourer and 1 acre of land
• 1881 agricultural labourer
• 1891 waggoner and farmer
• 1901 carter and coal dealer

John married Ann Harrison (abt1835-1884) on 9 September 1862 at St Bartholomew, Blore Ray, Staffordshire. Census returns identify six children.

• Harriet (b1864)
• Alice (b1866)
• Mary (b1868)
• Thomas Edward (abt1871-1920) – a labourer in copper works (1911)
• Emma (b abt1877) – a dressmaker; married John Holmes, a tinner in copper works (1911), in 1894
• Annie (b abt1884) – a cotton winder (1911)

John married Sarah Ann Lowndes (abt1852-1913) on 13 December 1885 at St Peter, Ellastone, Staffordshire.

References

Christian Messenger 1905/31

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers