Cox, Frederick (1852-1912)

Christian Messenger 1912

Transcription of ‘Sketch’ In the Christian Messenger

THE subject of this sketch is one of the solid supports of Colchester Primitive Methodism. For the last thirteen years, Mr. Cox has steadily and ably pursued his duties as the principal Society steward in Artillery Street Church, a church that has become historic because of its associations with Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s conversion. Mr. Cox has ever stood true to his Methodist principles and has always proved himself to be the minister’s friend.

He was born on October 3rd, 1852, in the neighbouring town of Halstead, and reared in a godly home. From Halstead he removed to Colchester, where he was soundly converted under the ministry of the Rev. Robert Durrant, and from that time forward has walked worthily in the vocation wherein he was called.

In 1872, Mr. Cox married Miss Warner who has proved a true help-meet to him in every way.

By trade a painter, our friend has often given his services gratuitously in connection with the church of his choice. Depression in trade has forced him into other channels, but his readiness to help on the work is still keenly manifested, even in his reduced circumstances.

In September, 1908, Mr. Cox became Society steward at Artillery Street, and has held the office up to the present time, during the ministries of the Revs. W. Moore, R. Holman, C. Higgins and W. H. Lawson, seldom, if ever, being absent from his post, and always carrying out his duties with punctuality and perseverance.

Every means of grace that opportunity affords, our brother attends. His life compels attention, for he seeks to live blameless in the eyes of his Saviour.

W. H. LAWSON.

Family and other information

Frederick’s mother, Elizabeth, was widowed by the time of the 1861 census. She earned a living as a carpet weaver. She  married James Spurgeon, an agricultural labourer, in 1863.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Frederick.

  • 1871 painter and glazier’s apprentice
  • 1881 painter and glazier
  • 1891 boilermaker’s labourer
  • 1901 engineer’s labourer
  • 1911 labourer

His obituary records that he became Society Steward at Artillery Street in 1898, not 1908 as published in the sketch above.

Frederick married Elizabeth Warner (abt1852-1916) in the summer of 1872 at Halstead, Essex. Census returns identify three children.

  • Robert Sidney (abt1873-1932) – an engineer’s stoker (1911)
  • Florence Isabella (1876-1933) – married Christopher Robert Lawrence, a hairdresser in 1898
  • Frederick William (1882-1952) – engineer’s boiler lagger (1901)

Frederick died on 22 January 1912 at Colchester, Essex.

References

Christian Messenger 1912/31

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/578

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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