Johnson, Robert (1836-1909)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

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

Robert Johnson passed to eternal rest and reward on December 28th, 1909, at the ripe age of 72 years. He was born at North Shields. When six years of age he lost his father, and at seven years joined the mercantile marine service and spent 18 years at sea.

When he returned home he became associated with Primitive Methodism, through the influence of his good mother, who was a regular attender at the Saville Street Church, North Shields. He was also greatly helped by Rev. John Hallam. After his conversion he enthusiastically espoused the cause of Temperance.

At North Shields he was united in wedlock to Miss Archbold, whose family to this day is held in high esteem on the North Sunderland Circuit. Coming to reside at Tyne Dock, he joined the Lord Nelson Street Church at Tyne Dock, and has been a most loyal and devoted member. He was keenly interested in the work of the Sunday School, and though deprived of the privileges of education in his early days he persevered in diligent private study, and acquired an excellent knowledge of the Bible and its truths.

A quiet worker in the church and of an unassuming disposition, he was thoroughly Primitive Methodistic, and could be fervent in the Prayer Meetings. He revelled in holy delight at the Camp Meetings and Sunday School Anniversaries. He had a deep love for all that pertained to the Connexion and delighted to read the Connexional news and literature. His family, of whom the widow, three sons and three daughters survive, will have tender and cherished memories.

The interment took place at the Harton Cemetery, South Shields, Sunday, January 2nd, 1910, and was conducted by the Rev. F. Hobson in the presence of a large body of sympathetic and sorrowing friends.

Family

Robert was born on 22 April 1836 at North Shields, Northumberland, to parents Robert Johnson and Mary Wheldon. he was baptised on 5 May 1836 at North shields.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Robert.

• 1881 coal trimmer
• 1891 sea coal trimmer
• 1901 coal trimmer

He married Alice Archbold (1849-1913) in early 1874 in the Alnwick Registration District, Northumberland. Census returns identify eight children.

• Elizabeth Mary (1874-1965) – apprentice dressmaker (1891); married Ralph Young in 1909
• Jane Archbold (1876-1917) – married John Johnson, a railway porter (1911), in 1902  
• Rachel Archbold (1878-1953) – married Thomas Colling Redfern, a stationary engiineman (1911), in 1901  
• Alice (1880-1892) 
• Joseph (1882-1969) – a timber checker (1911)
• Robert (1890-1891)
• Charles Hugh Archbold (1893-1966) – a time and wages clerk (1911)
• Hugh A  (1895-1975) – a shop boy (1911); a general labourer (1939)

Robert died on 28 December 1909 at South Shields, Co. Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/736

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers