Aspin, Thomas (1855-1908)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by John Phillipson

It is with deep regret we record the death of Mr. Thomas Aspin, of Crawshawbooth, in the Helmshore Circuit, which occurred on October 6th, 1908.

He has been practically identified with our cause at Crawshawbooth all his life. He was taught in the Sunday School and led while young to the services of our church. He was a loyal member of our church, a trustee who laid one of the foundation stones when a new school was built; for a time a teacher in the Sunday School, and a singer in the choir. Though of a retiring disposition, not counting himself a leader in the church, he was a faithful follower. He was a thoughtful, intelligent Christian who read his Bible, and who found much comfort in its promises during a painful affliction. He clung with all his heart and mind to the essential verities of religion. He was a generous supporter of all the interests of our church.

The last service he attended was on July 19th, 1908, a united camp meeting consisting of Haslingden, Helmshore, and Bacup Circuits. He greatly enjoyed the services. A day or two after he was taken ill, and the doctor pronounced his a hopeless case. All was done for him possible—a doctor from Manchester (a specialist); the loving ministry of his wife, and the prayers and sympathy of our church, were all with him. These expressions of concern for him in his affliction were his solace and comfort.

Although subject to great pain and knowing that his life could only last a few weeks at most, he nevertheless manifested great Christian patience and fortitude; indeed it was said of him by a friend, that like the Master “he was made perfect by suffering.” Full of the light of a great hope his spirit passed to where “hope is lost in the full fruition.”

Reference was made by the writer to some of the qualities of his Christian life on October 11th, in our church at Crawshawbooth, to a large and sympathetic congregation. Our prayer is that his sorrowing widow may be comforted by the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Farewell to failure on the field—forever —
Farewell; few are the sheaves we bring, or none;
Yet will the Master’s welcome wait endeavour,
Now day is done,

Farewell, O earth, thy bleak grey sky of sorrow;
For once the homestead of our faith is won,
Thy cloud shall cast no shadow o’er to-morrow,
Thy day is done.”

Family

Thomas was born in late 1855 at Crawshawbooth, Lancashire, to parents James, a calico printer, and Sarah.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.

• 1861 scholar
• 1871 labourer
• 1881 calico printer
• 1891 calico printer
• 1901 calico machine printer

He married Mary Mackenzie Louisa Moss (abt1853-1935) on 15 June 1878 at St Mary & All Saints, Goodshaw, Lancashire.

Thomas died on 6 October 1908 at Crawshawbooth.

Mary married James Riley in early 1922.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/989

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers