Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by T.B.L.
Edward Cripps, who departed this life after some years of feeble health March 25th, 1907, was born at Chipping Norton in December, 1834. Left motherless at the age of ten years he was fortunate in his father, who was a devout Wesleyan local preacher.
The family removed to Witney, thence to Banbury. The only school he knew was the Sunday School. Early he learned his father’s trade of handloom weaving at which he worked until seven years ago.
When a young man he removed to Dewsbury. Neglected in his own church he joined the Primitive Methodists and has been more than a credit to his church through a long life. Returning to Banbury he became a local preacher and tramped long journeys doing excellent service.
Forty years ago he removed to Leeds and joined the Quarry Hill Society where he worshipped and served until the erection of the church in Harehills Avenue four years ago.
For over thirty-three years he worked for one master, bringing up his family on slender means. Often has he given his last coin to a collection or as his class money. A local preacher for forty-three years, a class leader, and trustee; three times delegate to District Meeting and once to Conference, his greatest honours were yet in the esteem and affection of his fellow-members.
Six of his children survive him and are all connected with the church for which he laboured so long. This he was justly proud of and could desire no greater reward in this life. Genuinely respected by a wide circle of acquaintances and greatly honoured in his church, he has entered the eternal home, leaving a name that for many years will be “as ointment poured forth.”
Family
Edwin, not Edward, was baptised on 7 Jun 1835 at St Mary, Witney, Oxfordshire. His parents were Joseph, a labourer (1841), and Elizabeth.
Census returns and marriage record identify the following occupations for Edward.
- 1851 weaver
- 1856 mop maker
- 1861 worsted weaver
- 1871 girth weaver
- 1881 girth weaver (sadler)
- 1891 girth weaver
- 1901 retired horse girth weaver
He married Sarah Ball (1834-1895) on 23 March 1856 at St Peter, Birstall, Yorkshire. Census returns identify eight children.
- Ann Elizabeth (b abt1857) – a tailoress (1871); married George Gibson, a provision merchant, in 1880
- Joseph (1859-1948) – a boot and shoe dealer (1901); died in Queensland, Australia
- Louisa (1861-1952) – married James Vincent, a plumber & glazier (1911), in 1883
- Ellen (1865-1884) – a tailoress (1881)
- Edwin (1868-1952) – a grocer & general dealer (1911)
- Charles William (1870-1871)
- William (b1873) – a wicker & bamboo furniture manufacturer (1911)
- Arthur (1875-1951) – a grocer’s assistant (1901); a grocery branch manager (1939)
Edwin died on 25 March 1907 at Leeds, Yorkshire.
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/75
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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