Clayton, Benjamin (1825-1899)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

MR. B. CLAYTON.— Benjamin Clayton was born at Ashton-under-Lyne, in Stalybridge Circuit, December 8th, 1825, and at the same place peacefully passed away to his heavenly rest, March 20th, 1899, in his 74th year.

In his early years many were the privations he had to pass through; and his education was entirely neglected. But while our people yet worshipped in a room in Fleet-street, he was providentially led to attend their Sunday evening services; and, after a time, during some Revival meetings he yielded himself to Christ, became an heir of salvation, joined the Society and received his first class-ticket, with his name written thereon by Rev. W. Inman. Our chapel was built in 1845, but has since been enlarged and beautified; and our now departed brother was the first to hire a sitting therein; and his marriage in 1848 was the first that was solemnised there, when he was united to Miss Jane Kelsall, who was also a member of the Society. The union proved in every way a most happy one, and now, shortly after celebrating their golden wedding, the sacred tie of earth has been broken; and Sister Clayton lives to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate husband, and their family the loss of a tender and saintly father.

Our brother became an earnest, devoted, faithful, and useful worker in the Church. As a Sunday School teacher he was beloved by his scholars; he held the office of superintendent for 43 years, and had the warmest affection and highest respect of his fellow-workers. For 46 years he was a class leader, seeking by all means to stimulate his members and to build them up in their most holy faith. He became a local preacher in 1854, sustaining that position for forty-five years, in which capacity, if he were not a son of, thunder, he was most truly a son of consolation, and his labours were made a blessing to many.

His affliction was protracted, and at times distressful; but his spirit of resignation and of trustfulness was beautiful. Visited by his minister, his old scholars, and numerous friends, he much enjoyed their wards of sympathy and their prayers, and it was to them all an inspiration to witness in him the beauties, comforts, and triumphs of redeeming, saving, purifying grace. And while we have had a great loss he has gained the prize, and heaven has won an immortal gem for the crown of Him who sitteth upon the throne.

W.S. HOWLETT

Family and other information

Benjamin was baptised on 17 April 1825 at St. Michael, Ashton under Lyne. His parents were Thomas and Hannah.

Benjamin worked in the cotton mill at Ashton under Lyne..

He married Jenny Kelsall (1827-1902) on 31 March 1851 at the PM Chapel, Ashton-under-lyne, Lancashire. Census returns identify four children.

  • Herbert (abt1852-1915) – a cotton spinner
  • Thomas (abt1854-1906) – a labourer in iron foundry (1881)
  • Daniel (b1856)
  • Sarah Ellen (b1865) – married Joseph Hadfield, a cotton spinner, in 1900

References

Christian Messenger 1900/30

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: Various records give the following spellings for Jenny; Jinney (marriage record), Ginney (1901 census)

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