Cotton, Frederick (Fred) (1873-1916)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by F.T. Smith

After a long illness borne with heroic patience, Fred Cotton, of Tharewood, Stanton, passed into the Homeland on Jan. 18th. The funeral on January 21st was conducted by Revs. F.T. Smith and S.E. Williamson. A memorial service was held on the 30th, when Rev. F. T. Smith gave a summary of our brother’s life and ministry, noting that he was not only converted, but became a pattern of consecrated service; that he became a fully accredited local preacher in constant demand over a wide district; that he was a member of the Ashbourne Board of Guardians and the Mayfield Rural Council. Widely esteemed and beloved, Fred Cotton leaves a gap that cannot be filled.

Family

Fred was born in the spring of 1873 at Caldon, Staffordshire, to parents John Cotton, a farmer of 206 acres (1881), and Emma Phillips.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Fred.

1891 no occupation – on farm with parents
1901 farmer
1911 farmer

He married Annie Elizabeth Plant (abt1874-1954) in 1896 at St James & St Bartholomew, Waterfall, Staffordshire. Census returns identify three children.