Gathercole, James Leverett (1842-1898)

Transcription of Obituary In the Primitive Methodist Magazine by F Richardson

MR. J. L. GATHERCOLE was born at North Pickenham, in the county of Norfolk, on October 31, 1842, and died at Leeds on Tuesday, December 27, 1898. When very young he was converted to God at Ashill, in the Watton Circuit, and at once joined the class of which his father was the leader. At an early age he manifested considerable aptitude for religious work, and was placed upon the local preachers’ plan. In this capacity he rendered valuable service for many years, till failing health necessitated his relinquishing the work he so much loved. Having served his apprenticeship in “his native village, he decided to try his fortune in the Metropolis, and in 1862 removed to London, and united with the Kentish Town Society. He did not long remain in London, and in the following year removed to Brighouse, in Yorkshire. Here he threw himself heartily into the work of the Church, and in the pulpit, open-air work, and young men’s Bible class, was a sincere and earnest servant of Jesus. He became a trustee for the chapel built in 1864, and in later years assisted its funds by generous gifts.

ln 1877 he purchased a business in the city of Leeds, and having married the lady who now mourns his death, united in membership with what was then the Eldon Mission, in Leeds Third Circuit. Here he rendered valuable help as class-leader, and in other forms of Christian service; but by reason of failing health retired from the work of preaching. When the iron church at Eldon was removed to Craven Road, his membership was transferred to Rehoboth. The development of the disease which ultimately resulted in death rendered further active service impossible, and for fifteen years he was a great sufferer, and for two years seldom able to attend the public services. All that medical skill could do to relieve suffering and prolong life was obtained, but for some months past it was evident to friends that he was gradually failing. He bore his affliction with great patience and Christian fortitude, and continued to manifest a deep and practical interest in the work of the Church. For three weeks prior to his decease he was confined to his bedroom, but always maintained a calm peaceful confidence in Christ his Saviour. On the afternoon of Tuesday, December 27, 1898, his sufferings ended, and he entered the “haven of rest” for which he so much longed. His remains were interred in the Woodhouse Cemetery on Friday, December 30, the Revs. F. Richardson and E. Dalton officiating. A humble Christian, a generous supporter of Church work, a devoted husband, he sleeps in Jesus and is blessed.

Family

James was baptised on 27 November 1842 at North Pickenham, Norfolk. His parents were William, an agricultural labourer, and Mary Ann.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

  • 1861 blacksmith
  • 1871 blacksmith
  • 1881 farrier
  • 1891 farrier

James married Emma Plowman (b abt1848) in the spring of 1879 at Leeds, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901/311

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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