Jackson, Mary (nee Hall) (1824-1899)

Transcription of Obituary In the Primitive Methodist Magazine

The Society at Tebay, in the Brough Circuit, have lost in the death of Mrs. Jackson, relict of the late Mr. Geo. Jackson, not only one of the oldest members, but one who for over fifty years devoted her whole life to the service of the Church she so much loved, and the spiritual well-being of the village and neighbourhood.

She was born at Milburn, one of the fell-side villages so famous in Cumberland for their sturdy Nonconformist principles, and being the daughter of God-fearing Wesleyan parents, she was early taught to love Jesus, and in her teens gave herself fully and consciously to Christ. When fourteen years of age she lost her mother, and had to take the responsibility of management until her next sister was old enough, and then she went to a situation, ultimately becoming housekeeper to Mr. Jackson in 1848, and in 1851 they married, a union that proved helpful to both. Then children were given them; one God took early, another, Stewardson, worthily fills the place of the father and mother in the hospitality of “Minister’s Home,” and in general Church work at Tebay; the other son is an adherent of our Church at Carlisle. Mrs. Jackson’s religion was of the quiet, constant, and practical kind; or as a grandson, Brother Bayliffe, aptly expresses it in a letter sent to the family, it was summed up in the word, “Others.” She lived only, cared only, for others; both in her home relationships, in her intimacy with her neighbours, and in her Church work there was displayed that unselfish spirit that always preferred others to herself. At the time of her coming to Tebay, our cause was very small, and friends few, but she and her good husband did yeoman service. When the first chapel was erected they gave free board and lodging to the pioneers who built it, and for many years Mrs. Jackson, without fee or reward, except that which comes from above, kept the chapel clean, and acted as keeper, and when the present fine chapel was built, heartily assisted in every possible manner. For all the time she resided at Tebay, over fifty years, her home was the home of both travelling and local preachers; and many to-day are glad that they knew Mrs. Jackson, whose happy face and unostentatious kindness made for them a real home when after their Father’s business. Her religion was real. She believed God and it was accounted to her for righteousness, and she was happy in Jesus. Her life was a level life, always the same, and her oft-repeated testimony in the class meeting was that her evidence was clear and her home in heaven certain. During the last few years of her life her health was not robust, and for some few months before she fell asleep it was evident that God was calling her, and at last, on January 29, 1899, the messenger came, and her expectations were realised in the reunion of heaven, and in seeing Jesus. Her end was peace, and when asked just before, what she felt, she feebly but firmly said:—
“It is Jesus the First and the Last,
His Spirit shall guide me safe through;
I’ll praise Him for all that is past,
And I’ll trust Him for all that’s to come.”
And so she did and so she does.

She was safely laid to rest in Tebay Churchyard on February 2, as she said, to be as near as she could to the chapel she loved so much. Many friends, and a large concourse of neighbours, mourned together the death of a good woman. On March 5, Brother Robert Walton, of Carlisle, at the request of the society and friends, improved her death to a large congregation, all of whom felt it good to be there. Many letters of sympathy were received from ministers and others, all testifying to the good work of grace that had been wrought in Sister Jackson’s life.

Family

Mary was baptised on 28 May 1824 at Milburn, Westmorland. Her parents were William and Nanny.

She married George Jackson (abt 1807-1879), a farmer, on 20 September 1851 at Orton, Westmorland. Census returns identify two children.

  • Stewardson (abt1853-1942) – a farmer
  • William (b abt1859) – a shop-keeper

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901/468

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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