Jackson, Joseph (1839-1922)

Christian Messenger 1908

Transcription of ‘Sketch’ in the Christian Messenger

As one enters Talke Chapel, the first thing to arrest attention is a marble tablet: “Sacred to the memory of Richard Jackson, for over forty years a consistent member and earnest worker.” This devoted man lost his life many years ago in a colliery explosion. He has left behind memories of a beautiful life. Of this worthy man, Mr. Joseph Jackson is the worthy son, inheriting all his father’s high and noble qualities. He has a deep spiritual nature. The record of his life is without stain. He is widely esteemed and trusted. His own people love him. His church is in the centre of his heart. It is the ruling affection, the dominating thought. Religion is not a department of his life – it is his all.

Born in 1839, under the shadow of Mow Cop, he soon came into contact with the passionate evangelism of early Primitive Methodism. The lovefeast in which he was converted was marked by tremendous excitement. Strong men were convulsed with sobs, and long estranged brothers clasped each other.

He has lived the whole of his life at Talke. The record of his church work is splendid: Sunday school teacher fifty-three years; class leader thirty-eight years; society steward thirty-two years; junior Circuit steward twenty-nine years. In the twenty-fifth year of this latter office, he received a beautifully framed address from the Quarterly Meeting.

In his office of society steward he finds a very fitting sphere. He is kind and genial. He regards every preacher he meets in the vestry as a warm personal friend, and welcomes him accordingly. While interested in his own village church he has the Connexional spirit and outlook.

He has stood by his church in dark times.

J.B.B.

Family and other information

Joseph was born in 1839 at Talke, Staffordshire, to parents Richard and Ann. Richard was a coal miner. Joseph was baptised on 10 February 1839 at St James, Audley, Staffordshire.

Census returns provide the following information about Joseph’s working life.

  • 1851 apprentice shoemaker
  • 1861 shoemaker
  • 1871 boot and shoe maker
  • 1881 boot and shoe maker
  • 1891 boot maker and postmaster
  • 1901 shoemaker and postmaster

Joseph married Martha Alcock (abt1840-1867) on 21 September 1859 at St James, Audley, Staffordshire. Census returns identify three children.

  • Edward (1860-1861)
  • Emma Jane (b abt1862)
  • Thomas Alcock (b1864) – a railway porter (1881)

Joseph married Mary Higgins (1841-1901) in late 1870 in the Newcastle under Lyme Registration District. Census returns identify six children.

  • Ann (abt1873-1894)
  • Joseph Richard (1874-1954) – manager of iron and steel works  (1911)
  • Mary Elizabeth (b1875) – married Frank Brough, a commission agent (1911), in 1893
  • William Ewart (b abt1878) – a house painter (1911)
  • Albert John (1880-1882)
  • James Henry (b1881) – an engineer (1922)

Joseph died on 1 November 1922 at Talke, Staffordshire.

References

Christian Messenger 1908/262

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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