Dewhurst, Richard (1846-1910)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by John E. Leuty

There passed from our midst, on October 13th, 1910, one of the most faithful and loyal members at Hoole, Preston 1st Circuit. Born at Carleton in the Fylde district, April 27th, 1846, he was in his 64th year. Prior to his removal to Hoole he resided at Clifton, and attached himself to our cause at Freckleton, Preston 3rd circuit. Here he became a Class Leader and Trustee. When he removed to Hoole the friends presented him with a Bible and letters of appreciation. At Hoole he was elected President of the C.E. Society, Sunday School Superintendent, and Trustee.

Our Brother also took an active interest in matters beyond the Church, was appointed on the Board of Management of the Walmer Bridge Co-operative Society, and for years was a valued member of the Parish Council.

In disposition he was retiring, yet his strength of character won confidence and respect. In Church affairs he was a tower of strength. Unwearying in toil, he had run himself down, and a short sharp illness—pneumonia—took him to his Eternal Rest. But acute as was his pain he triumphed in Christ. The writer has seldom seen a more glorious end, and visitation was an inspiration and delight.

The interment took place in the Primitive Methodist Burial Ground at Hoole, where some of his fellow workers lie, and attended by a large number of followers. On Sunday, November 13th, a memorial service was conducted in our Hoole Church by Mr. R.. Rawstone, of Southport.

Family

Richard was born on 27 April 1846 at Carleton, Lancashire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Richard.

1851 scholar – living with grandparents Richard and Mary Webster
1861 ploughman
1881 gardener
1891 gardener
1901 farmer

He married Elizabeth Evans (abt1845-1925) in late 1871 in the Wrexham Registration District, Denbighshire. Census returns identify five children.

John (b1872) – a gardener (1911)
Sarah Ann (1874-1954) – married Richard Howard in 1901
Thomas Robert (1875-1965) – farmer’s son working on farm (1911); a cattle rearing farmer (1939)
William (1877-1932) – a farm labourer (1911)
Margaret Alice (1882-1906) – married Eli Howard in 1904

Richard died on 13 October 1910 at Hoole, , nr. Preston, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/239

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers