Fairhurst, Elizabeth (nee Rimmer) (1856-1915)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.W. Lancaster

A great loss has come to our Church at Crooke and the Wigan Circuit generally, in the sudden death of Elizabeth Fairhurst on October 7th. Our dear sister’s loyalty to Jesus Christ and love for His Church were outstanding features. Her sympathy and self-sacrifice for the good of others were always in evidence. 

Born at Shevington, in the Chorley Circuit, December 5th, 1856, she became a member of our Church as a girl, and for many years rendered splendid service as a missionary collector. In 1879 she was married to Thomas Fairhurst, a household name in this part of Lancashire, and specially distinguished for its loyalty and sturdy service to Primitive Methodism. All the nine children of this marriage are members and devoted workers in our Church at Crooke, John Fairhurst, the eldest son, being circuit steward. 

An impressive funeral service was held in our Crooke Chapel, when addresses were given by Revs. James Wright and J.W. Lancaster. The interment took place at Parbold. A memorial service on October 17th was conducted by Rev. J.W. Lancaster.

“For all Thy saints, who from their labours rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be for ever blest,
Hallelujah! 

Family

Elizabeth was born on 5 December 1856 at Shevington, Lancashire, to parents Joseph Rimmer, a tailor (1871), and Ann Moss

She married Thomas Fairhurst (1859-1922), a coal miner (1891), in the spring of 1879 in the Wigan Registration District, Lancashire. Census returns identify nine children.

• John (1879-1954) – clerk at jam works (1911); company secretary (1921)
• Theresa (1880-1947) – married Thomas Latham Brown, a joiner (1911), in 1904
• Jane Ann (b1882) – saleswoman (1911); married George Adam Garfield Wallace, a master tailor (1921), in 1912
• Sarah (1884-1940) – married William Winnard, a coal miner (1911), in 1907
• Alice (b1886) – married John Phillips, a colliery fireman below ground (1911), in 1910
• Henry (b1887) – joiner (1911)
• Elizabeth (b1894) – married Joseph Winstanley, a coal miner (1921), in 1915
• Mary (b1895) – grocer’s shop assistant (1911)
• Thomas (b abt1899) – scholar (1911)

Elizabeth died on 7 October 1915 at Crooke, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/158

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers