Calladine, John (1835-1914)

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

The Alfreton Circuit in general, and the Nottingham Road Church in particular, have lost one of its outstanding figures by the death of Mr. John Calladine. A man revered fur his piety and trusted for his absolute integrity, who, after a long and painful illness, passed from us on January 12th, 1914, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. He was a local preacher for nearly sixty years. The first steward of the Alfreton Circuit, which office he held for many years, he often represented his circuit in District Meetings, and once was delegate to Conference. 

A man of faith and prayer, no wonder that he was an exceptionally successful class leader. The extension of Primitive Methodism was with him an absorbing passion. He kept open house for its preachers, in whose society he rejoiced. Indeed Sarah Kirkland, the first female preacher of our Connexion, who is said to have first introduced our Church to Derby, died in their home, after  conducting special services at Alfreton. 

He delighted to recall memories of other days, and we have heard him relate how one of the past presidents of the Connexion, for whom he had unbounded admiration, walked from Stonebroom every evening to Mr. Shaw’s night school in Alfreton to improve his education when a local preacher. The local history of our Church for the past fifty years would not be complete without copious  references to the work and influence of our departed brother. He lived for Primitive Methodism, reading deeply into her literature, and trying to keep alive the zeal of its founders. 

We trust that his devout and devoted widow, who is far advanced in life, may enjoy much of the Master’s presence.

Family

John was born abt1835 at Crich, Derbyshire, to parents William Calladine, a coal miner (1851), and Mary Hill.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

• 1851 coal miner
• 1861 coal miner
• 1871 commission agent
• 1881 grocer & superintendent of insurance agents
• 1891 district superintendent of agents
• 1901 life assurance superintendent
• 1911 old age pensioner – retired superintendent assurance company

He married Eliza Slater (1833-1914) in the summer of 1860 at Birchwood Chapel, Alfreton, Derbyshire. 

John died on 12 January 1914 at Alfreton, Derbyshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914/580

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers