Eley, Ann (nee Jones) (1849-1912)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912

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

Mrs. Eley was born in 1849 at Filkens, in Oxfordshire. In her earliest days she was attracted to the Primitive Methodists and their services. On December 21st, 1871, Mr. R. Eley and she were married. They were both converted after a religious service in their own home. Mrs. Eley welcomed into her home ministers and lay preachers. Although she had seven children and the income only thirteen shillings per week, she was always ready to give liberally to the work of the church and assist her needy neighbours.

Removing in 1897 to Tooting, they joined our people. In service, sacrifice and life she was an ideal Christian lady. In her home fellowship, prayer and class meetings were frequently held.

In December, 1911, she was taken ill and gradually became worse. During her illness her thoughts were frequently with the Lord’s people. She died on Thursday, May 2nd, 1912. Her closing hours were peaceful, quiet and triumphant. A memorial service was conducted by the writer.

Family

Ann was born in 1849 at Filkins, Oxfordshire, to parents Alfred, a carpenter, and Fanny.

Before her marriage (1871), Ann worked as a general servant at Park Farm, Lambourn, Berkshire, where Robert Eley was a farm servant.

Ann had one child before her marriage.

William (1869-1921) – living with grandmother, Fanny, in 1871; a postman (1901)

She married Robert Eley (1851-1926), a farm bailiff (1881), on 21 December 1872 at Filkins, Oxfordshire. Census returns identify six children.

Caroline (1873-1953) – married Alexander Thomas Budden, a plumber (1911), in 1901
Robert (1875-1960) – a dairyman’s assistant (1901); emigrated to Canada in 1910
Ruth (1877-1963) – a domestic cook (1901); married Albert Alfred Willmott, a paperhanger & decorator (1911), in 1901
John (1880-1966) – emigrated to Canada in 1911
Fanny (1882-1966) – married Frederick Charles Oakes, a florist’s jobbing gardener (1911), in 1906

Benjamin Thomas (1885-1940) – inspector, L.P.T.B. tramway (1939)

Ann died on 2 May 1912 at Tooting, Surrey.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/830

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: Online records give the date of marriage as 21 December 1872, not 1871 as stated in the obituary.