Clucas, Robert (1827-1908)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by John S. Buckley

Robert Clucas was born at Maroun in the Isle of Man, February 2nd, 1827, and passed to his reward from Lower Foxdale, April 21st, 1908, so that he had reached the ripe age of eighty-one. It was not until after his marriage that he was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. His spiritual renewal brought with it an intellectual quickening, and so made him efficient for the various offices which he was afterwards called upon to fill in the church. First and foremost must be placed that of a local preacher, a position to which he was most devotedly attached and in which he rendered conspicuous and faithful service. Fifty years ago the journeys were long, but to him distance was no object.

He is considered to have been one of the most successful soul winners on the island. He was an evangelist of remarkable ability, and attained considerable popularity, leading many who are now esteemed officials themselves into the fold of Jesus Christ. He was a class leader for many years and out of a rich experience sought to give spiritual culture and guidance to those whom he met week by week.

His home life was beautiful, all a Christian home should be, so that his family are happily following in his steps. His last years have been somewhat lonely, his devoted wife having passed away nine years ago, and his five sons all being in New Zealand, but he bravely held on his way without a murmur.

Friends who saw him marvelled at the grace of God. He conducted family worship every night with the family who lived with him and who ministered to him in these later years. When the end came all who had known him said: “A good man was Robert Clucas.” We laid him to rest in the churchyard of Kirk Maroun amid signs of widespread sympathy. Our hearts go out in tender affection to the sons in that far-away land.

Family

Robert was born on 2 February 1827 at Maroun, Isle of Man, to parents Thomas, a shoemaker, and Margaret.

Census returns identify the following occupations.

  • 1851 shoemaker
  • 1861 labourer & caretaker
  • 1871 lead miner
  • 1881 general labourer
  • 1891 general labourer
  • 1901 living on own means

He married Margaret Lace (1828-1899)  on 25 September 1847 at Maroun, Isle of Man. Census returns identify nine children.

  • Eliza (b1848) – a servant (1971)
  • John (b1850)
  • Robert (b1852)
  • Edward (b1854)
  • Joseph (1861-1954) – died at Canterbury, New Zealand
  • James (b1862)
  • Margaret Jane (1864-1892) – married John Vick, a police constable (1891), in 1884
  • Jeremiah Daniel (1866-1909) – died at Ashburton, South Canterbury, New Zealand
  • Moses Henry (1869-1907) – died at Ashburton, South Canterbury, New Zealand

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/576

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Comments about this page

  • This man is my great great great grandfather and Jeremiah Daniel Clucas was my great great grandfather this is the first photo I’ve ever seen of him and reading this I am proud of the high regard he was held in so thank you for publishing this

    By Mathew Clucas (17/11/2020)

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