Jesson, Henry (1831-1910)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

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

We have laid to rest the mortal remains of Bro. Henry Jesson, who was called home, February 11th, at the ripe age of eighty years, leaving a magnificent record of Christian piety and devotion. In 1854 he came to reside in Motherwell and speedily obtained a position of considerable responsibility at the Old Malleable Ironworks and served with great faithfulness the Glasgow Steel and Iron Co. until the works were closed, when his many years of service were suitably honoured.

Shortly after his arrival in Motherwell he was converted and at once became identified with the Church and Sunday School. He very soon assumed the responsibilities of office. He held the Treasurership of the Sunday School for 33 years, was Society Steward 16 years, and Circuit Steward 17 years. Up to the time of his retirement from official position, necessitated through failing health, his devotion to duty and faithful fulfilment of all the obligations laid upon him endeared him to all.

He was a man of wise judgment and large sympathies. He lived in and for his Church. His faith was simple and his love ardent. He could pray, and never failed to sustain the prayer meetings of the Church. He never neglected the means of grace when strength permitted him, and his confidence in God never wavered. His hope grew brighter and brighter. And when the weariness and weakness of age were upon him he just waited on in faith and hope. His Master’s will was his one consolation. He lay patiently waiting the call. And at length He came!

The Church owes much to the piety and influence of Henry Jesson. He was a friend and counsellor to many. And he has given to the Church children as devoted as he, who bear worthily and honourably the traditions of the house.

Family

Henry was born abt1831 at West Bromwich, Staffordshire, to parents Thomas Jesson, an iron caster, and Phoebe Horton. He was baptised on 13 March 1831 at All Saints, West Bromwich.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Henry.

1851 puddler at iron works
1861 iron puddler
1871 forge manager, iron works
1881 forge manager “iron”
1891 forge manager
1901 iron works forge manager

He married Phoebe Broadstock (1830-1907) in the spring of 1854 in the West Bromwich Registration District, Staffordshire. Census returns identify six children.

Thomas (1855-1936) – a butcher (1891)
Sarah (b1859) – married William Horton, a clerk in ironworks (1881)
Emma (b1861)
John (1864-1935) – an assistant school teacher (1891); a commercial clerk (1901); a writer (1911)
Phoebe (b1866)
Ann (b1870)- married William Craigen, a steel works sheet shearer (1901)

Henry died on 11 February 1910 at Motherwell, Lanarkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/493

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers