Jackson, John (1853-1906)

Transcription of Obituary in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by B. Fell

Mr. John Jackson has filled a unique place for many years in our Marshside Church, Southport. From boyhood in the choir, and for several years choirmaster; for over thirty years a teacher and rarely absent from his post morning or afternoon, with a phenomenal knowledge of Scripture which he read much every day as one who sought light and feasted upon the Word; a class leader for twenty-eight years – he was in every sense a leader in Church life. In official meetings he took an intelligent part, and by prayer and testimony helped to sustain the prayer and Band meetings. His own church was all the world to him, and though he could appreciate a good sermon he never sought pasture outside; his fine, strong, beautiful character was a capital argument against wandering. His giving did not depend upon impulse, but principle: he sacredly set apart “the Lord’s portion” and knew the joy of giving. For a considerable period while the chapel was building he gave all he earned after providing food for his family. Much of the charm of his life and work was due to his distinct and original personality.

He was a good man; not without fault, and not pleasing everyone, but in the Church, the home, and the firm by which he was employed he was known for his uprightness and integrity. For some months he suffered greatly from heart affection to which he succumbed September 21st, 1906, in the fifty-fourth year of his age. As he lived, so he died, witnessing to God’s power to sustain and save to the uttermost. He leaves a widow and children to mourn his loss. A large number of friends from far and near gathered to his funeral, in which Revs. F. Smith, J. Whittle, E. Mather and the writer took part,

“Jesus, Thou Prince of Life,
Thy chosen cannot die;
Like Thee they conquer in the strife,
To reign with Thee on high.”

Family

John was born in 1853 at Marshside, Southport, Lancashire, to parents Bethuel  and Mary.

John worked as a house painter.

He married Isabella Wright (1854-1887) in the summer of 1876 in the Ormskirk Registration District, Lancashire. Census returns identify three children.

  • Martha Ellen (b1878)
  • Hannah (1881-1899)
  • Bethuel (b1884) – a house painter; emigrated to Canada in 1911

John married Betty Halsall, nee Wignall (abt1866-1957) in late 1890 in the Ormskirk Registration District, Lancashire. Census returns identify four children.

  • William (b abt1893) – a market gardener (1911)
  • Harry (b1895) – a market gardener
  • Mary (abt1899-1974) – married John Cropper in 1926
  • John (b abt1902) – a market gardner

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1907/574

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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