Blackburn, Robinson (1834-1915)

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

By the death of Mr. R. Blackburn the Weston Hills Church has lost its oldest member, and the Spalding Circuit its oldest local preacher. Converted in 1855, he remained a loyal member of our Church until his death. As a local preacher for fifty-five years, and class leader for nearly fifty years, he rendered most faithful service, never missing his appointments.

The Weston Hills chapel was built in 1854, and Mr. Blackburn was deeply interested in its erection, and the freeing of it from debt. He carted all the stone gratis. For eighty years he lived in the village, and was much respected. He loved Primitive Methodism, and was absolutely devoted to Jesus Christ.

He died on December 6th, 1915, and was laid to rest in Weston Churchyard. A memorial service on December 8th was conducted by Rev. J. Graham.

Family

Robinson was born in 1834 at Sutton St. James, Lincolnshire, to parents William Blackburn and Susanna Andrew. He was baptised on 19 October 1834 at Sutton St James.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Robinson.

1851 agricultural labourer
1861 farmer of 6 acres
1871 farmer of 6 acres
1881 farmer of 8 acres
1891 farmer
1901 farmer
1911 farmer

He married Victoria Elizabeth Jackson (1837-1926) on 5 November 1867 at Clee Old, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify seven children.

William Thomas (1868-1936) – engine driver at confectionary works (1901)
Lizzy Ann (1869-1949) – assisting on farm (1911)
Rebecca Jane (1872-1955) – a domestic servant (1891); married William Benjamin Turner, a poor law carpenter instructor (1911), in 1897
Rose Ann (1873-1953) – married James Charles Bowler, a chauffeur (1911), in 1908
John Robert (1874-1934) – labourer (agricultural) (1911)
George Henry (1877-1974) – farmer’s son working on farm (1911); dairy farmer (1921)
Edwin Jackson (1882-1963) – a locomotive fireman (1911); loco engine driver (1921)

Robinson died on 6 December 1915 at Weston Hills, Lincolnshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/248

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers