Gibson, James (1842-1912)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by John Hall

The Crowle Circuit has lost a highly valued and greatly beloved official worker in the person of the late Mr. James Gibson. As a young man he came under the influence of our Church and was converted. He joined the Church, was put on the plan, and for over forty-four years fulfilled the duties of that office. As a preacher he carefully attended to his appointments, and was always regarded as one of the ablest preachers in the Circuit, frequently seeing conversions at his services. If not appointed elsewhere he was a regular hearer at the Sunday and week-night preaching service, and a most careful and helpful class leader. Over twenty-three years he was treasurer of the trust and circuit steward for twenty -two years.

Many times he was delegate to District Meeting, once being elected vice-chairman of the Synod. Several times he was delegate to Conference. He was a member of Crowle School Board for eighteen years, and for many years of the Urban District Council, and twice he was chairman of that body.

In 1911, owing to ill-health, he declined to offer himself for reelection. Up to his death he was a member of the Thorne Board of Guardians and a manager of the Crowle Anglican Day Schools.

In February, 1912, he and Mrs. Gibsop celebrated their golden wedding, when he was presented with an illuminated address by the Crowle Church and Circuit. Heart failure set in, and he passed away in June in the seventy-third year of his age. He leaves a widow and three sons and three daughters to mourn his loss. As a man who ungrudgingly gave his best and very able services to a village circuit, his influence can never be reckoned in this world.

Family

James was born in the spring of 1842 at Crowle, Lincolnshire, to parents John Gibson, a labourer (1851), and Hannah Schofield. he was baptised on 29 May 1842 at Crowle.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

1861 flax dealer
1871 engine driver
1881 trashing engine driver
1891 farmer
1911 farmer

He married Mary Drury (1843-1931) on 13 February 1862 at Althorpe, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify nine of ten children.

Hannah (1862-1943) – married Arthur Proctor, a farmer (1901), in 1881
Charles (1863-1931) – a portable engine driver (1901)
John (b1867) – a peat labourer (1901); assistant overseer (1911)
Mary (1870-1947) – married Enos Kelsey Pidd, a farmer (1911), in 1893
James (1872-1927) – a farmer
Joseph (1874-1881)
Gertrude Annie (1876-1909) – married Frederick William Barrett, a farm labourer (1901), in 1900
Florence (1878-1961) – married Sayles Isle, a farmer (1911), in 1905
Ralph (b1880) – working on farm (1911)

James died on 1 July 1912 at Crowle, Lincolnshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/575

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers