Allen, Edwin (1841-1909)

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Thos. Lagar

With profound regret we announce the death, at sixty-seven years of age, of Brother E. Allen, the oldest worker in connection with our church at Chapelfield. Practically the whole of his life was spent in this neighbourhood, so that he was well known and equally honoured and respected for his sterling qualities. Connected with our church for forty years his great desire was to see it prosper, and no sacrifice of time, ability, or substance, was too great for his devotion. He took part in carrying through the scheme for the erection of the present chapel, and himself raised £100. His mind and thoughts were ever with his church and school. The great words of Isaiah were rarely absent from his mind and heart, “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.” He was much loved in the school where he had been for many years superintendent and the teacher of the male adult class.

For more than thirty-five years he was a local preacher, and in this office took infinite pains to prepare his message. A man of generous and wide sympathy, he was always tender and thoughtful of the poor. Brightness and cheerfulness characterised his religion. Not only his own church and circuit shared his interest, but his large hearted sympathy extended to all the sister churches.

In all social questions be took a keen interest; was a staunch advocate of total abtinence, a non-smoker, a vigorous Sabbatarian, a strong Free Churchman, a most devoted and loyal Primitive Methodist. After a very brief illness, on January 9th, 1909, he ascended to the higher life.

On Thursday, January 12th, the body was carried to the Church, where an appropriate service was conducted by Rev. A.J. Smith (Rev. T. Lagar being absent through illness.) Several of his co-workers took part in the service, and representatives from the churches and the Rechabite Society were present. The remains were laid in the Swedenborgian burial ground. On Sunday, January 24th, a memorial service was conducted by Messrs. Hargreaves and Ellis, two of his oldest friends.

Family

Edwin was born in 1841 at Whitefield, Lancashire, to parents John, a hand weaver (1851) and Abigail. He was baptised on 5 September 1841 at All Saints, Stand, Radcliffe, Lancashire.

Edwin worked as shoemaker throughout his working life.

He married Leah Howarth (abt1840-1916) on 5 March 1870 at Waterloo Wesleyan Chapel, Liverpool, Lancashire. Census returns identify two children.

• Ada (1871-1872)
• John Edwin (abt1877-1928) – a confectioner (1891); secretary of a clothing club (1911)

Edwin died on 12 January 1909 at Chapelfield, nr Radcliffe, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/496

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers