Johnson, Jane (nee Whitworth) (1842-1907)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by C.H. Lightfoot

Mrs. Henry Johnson, of Ranskill, Retford Circuit, passed away November Sth, 1907, in her sixty-sixth year.

She was born at Saxby, near Barton-on-Humber. Trained in early life to attend the Established Church she went occasionally to the Wesleyan Church, where she gave her heart to God.

About forty years ago she was married to Mr. Henry Johnson and came to reside in Ranskill. She immediately united with our Church, and their home became a preacher’s home whose hospitality is remembered with joy.

Rev James Shaw, who knew Mrs. Johnson intimately for over forty years, states that “she was a real witness to the power of saving grace; meek, gentle, steadfast, a true Christian, a loyal Primitive Methodist, a liberal supporter of the cause of God, and kind and generous to all.”

“One of the most beautiful characters we have ever known,” says her son-in-law, Rev. T. Vaughan.

Our sister was wonderfully free from selfishness. It was a great joy to her to be able to help the needy and comfort the sorrowing. Not often could she be induced to take public work, but when she did, in opening a bazaar or in presiding over a School Teachers’ Conference her quiet words always claimed respectful attention.

She delighted in the services of God’s house. Rev. W. Hayton, her minister twenty years ago, writes: “She was one of God’s jewels. Her joy was in doing the Master’s will and ministering to others.”

Her end was in beautiful correspondence with her career. The Good Shepherd smoothed the passage through the waters for His child, and our dear sister was “for ever with the, Lord.”

The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. W. Robinson, and an impressive memorial service was conducted by the writer in our Ranskill Church on Sunday, November 24th.

Family

Jane was born abt1842 at Saxby, Lincolnshire, to parents Joseph and Ann.

She married Henry Johnson (abt1845-1915), a fork and tool manufacturer,  on 12 October 1869 at All Saints, Saxby. Census returns identify four of five children.

• Elizabeth (b1870) – married Fred Harrison in 1892; married Thomas Vaughan, a PM minister, in 1903
• Annie Whitworth (1871-1925) – married Arthur Marrison, a bricklayer, in 1897
• William Henry (1873-1942) – a cashier, fork and tool manufacturer (1911)
• Frederick Topham (1876-1955) – a commercial traveller (1911)

Jane died on 5 November 1907 at Ramskill, Nottinghamshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/409

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers