Chambers, John (1850-1915)

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

Mr. J. Chambers was born at Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on February 10th, 1850. Some years of his life were spent at Darnall, Sheffield, where he was married in 1870. His residence at Hoyland extended over twenty-six years. As a young man he came to Jesus and found in Him the Saviour he needed. His fellow workmen made him their leader. For years he was a strenuous temperance reformer. Our brother was the head of a strong Bible class, and an intelligent and acceptable local preacher. Two years ago he was splendidly elected to the Barnsley Board of Guardians, and used all his power to improve the condition of the less fortunate.

His tragically sudden removal, on March 4th, 1915, created consternation over a wide area. His funeral and the memorial service, conducted by Rev. J. Keightley, were attended by great companies. His family are sustained by the sympathy and prayers of many friends.

Family

John was born on 10 February 1850 at Ilkeston, Derbyshire, to parents Thomas Mordecai Sherwin Chambers, a coal miner (1851), and Charlotte Smith. He was baptised on 2 November 1850 at St Mary, Ilkeston.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

1861 ironstone miner
1871 coal miner
1881 coal miner & general dealer
1891 coal miner
1901 coal miner – hewer below ground
1911 coal miner

He married Paulina Green (1849-1911) on 27 November 1870 at Sheffield Cathedral, Yorkshire. Census returns identify ten children.

John Thomas (1871-1940) – a coal miner (1911)
Joseph William (1873-1928) – a coal miner (1901); emigrated to Canada
Annie Eliza (1875-1941) – married Albert Edward Penty, a coal miner, in 1899
Beatrice Ellen (1877-1946) – married Benjamin Townsend, a coal miner, in 1898
Charles Henry (1878-1953) – a coal miner (1911)
Paulina Maud (1881-1947) – married Frederick Smith Hague in 1904; 1911 widowed dressmaker; married Joseph Laycock, a steelworks labourer (1921), in 1916
Ada Annie (b1884)
George Arthur (1887-1954) – a coal miner (1911)
Albert Edward (1888-1918) – a coalminer (1911); died in WW1
Mary Ethel (1892-1969) – married William Lodge, a coal miner (1921), in 1916

John died on 4 March 1915 at Hoyland, Yorkshire. He was working at the face at Wharncliffe Silkstone Colliery Co Ltd when there was fall which carried out timber and buried him.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1915/831

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers