Blackburn, Michael (1839-1911)

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

Michael Blackburn was born at New Durham, and after a pilgrimage of seventy-two years died at Gilesgate Moor, on February 12th, 1911. He rendered our Church good and enthusiastic service as a local preacher in the Houghton-le-Spring, Spennymoor, Gateshead, and Durham Circuits. He was mighty in the Scriptures, reading the Bible so diligently and earnestly that his sermons and prayers touched all who heard. He often went such journeys that on arriving home, he had just to change his “parson” for his “pit” clothes. He won many to Christ. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. H. Fletcher, and the memorial service on March 26th by Rev. J. W. Clifford, M.A.

Family

Michael was born abt1839 at New Durham, Co. Durham, to parents Michael Blackburn, a deputy overman (1851), and Hannah Henderson.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Michael.

• 1851 coal pusher
• 1861 coal miner
• 1871 coal miner
• 1881 coal miner
• 1891 deputy overman
• 1901 deputy overman

He married Jane Ann Wardle (1835-1865) in early 1860 in the Easington Registration District, Co. Durham. Census returns identify one child.

• Elizabeth (1863-1919) – married Thomas Wade, an estate woodsman (1911), in 1883

He married Elizabeth Lawton, nee Oliver (abt1831-1900) on 30 July 1866 at Houghton le Spring, Co. Durham. Census returns identify two children.

• Sarah (1867-1938) – married John Vasey, an engine fitter (1901), in 1899
• Hannah (1867-1882)

Michael died on 12 February 1911 at Gilesgate Moor, Co. Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/161