Barker, John (1857-1910)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

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

Brother John Barker was only 53 years of age, and had always been of a healthy and robust constitution. His death, on November 4th, was the result of a blow, which caused a tumour to form. He was taken to the Durham Hospital, but he was incurable, and returned home. His funeral took place in the Brandon Cemetery, November 8th, and was attended by a large number of friends. Rev. R. Walton, assisted by Mr. W. Ward, officiated. He leaves a widow, four daughters, and three sons.

Our brother was a man of sterling character, and very highly respected. Converted at eighteen years of age, he soon began to prepare for the plan, and for thirty-three years was a local preacher. Several times he conducted evangelistic services for weeks together, and some twenty years ago, at the request of the Spennymoor Circuit, he took ministerial work for six months during the illness of Rev. W. Shipley.

Strong physically, intellectually, morally, he was kind, tender-hearted, and helpful. Nothing pleased him so much as to hear that people were getting converted. He loved to preach, and took a deep interest in the Sabbath School. He was also a class leader and secretary to the trustees. His death is a great loss.

Family

John was born abt1857 at Hetton le Hole, Co. Durham, to parents James, a coal miner, and Sarah Jane.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

1871 coal miner
1881 coal miner
1891 coal miner
1901 life assurance superintendent

He married Mary Fairless (abt1860-1926) in late 1879 in the Easington Registration District, Co. Durham. Census returns identify eight of ten children.

Elizabeth Jane (1881-1934) – married Fred Houchen, a coke drawer (1911), in 1908
Ann Ada (1884-1955) – married Robert Robson, a coal miner, in 1904
Aaron (1886-1958) – a coal miner (1911)
John James (1889-1954) – coal miner (1911)
Thomas (b1890) – coal miner (1911)
Albert (1894-1910)
Hilda (1897-1952) – married Thomas Laight, a colliery timber stacker (1939), in 1921
Edna (1903-1975) – married Joseph William Proud, a colliery overman (1939), in 1923

John died on 4 November 1910 at Brandon, Co. Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/157

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers