Kean, Frederick (1849-1916)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by R.W. Ferguson

Frederick Kean, who was translated March 9th, 1916, was born at Middleton, and for nearly forty-two years served efficiently in almost every capacity in our Lymm and Altrincham Circuit.

He was a man taught by God’s Spirit; never obtruding his religion other than by living it daily. He was without any veneer; gaunt and strong, yet wonderfully gentle and kind in disposition. He commanded the respect and confidence of all classes of people by his sturdy common sense, his  geniality and whole-heartedness, and by his freedom from all cant and affectation. He combined a keen business intelligence with unflagging enthusiasm; rarely was he mistaken in judgment. 

The heart of no disciple of the Master ever beat with more genuine, sympathetic and utterly unselfish loyalty than did the great, generous, loving heart of our translated friend. He hated evil as thoroughly as he loved goodness. His elevated character was a witness to the truth.

Family

Frederick was born abt1849 at Middleton, Lancashire, to parents Joseph, a weaver (1871), and Elizabeth.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Frederick.

• 1871 finisher
• 1881 insurance agent
• 1891 insurance agent
• 1901 insurance agent
• 1911 insurance agent

He married Sarah Fanny Robins (1846-1921) in the summer of 1878 in the Altrincham Registration District, Cheshire. Census returns identify five children.

• Elizabeth Ann (1879-1944) – married Albert Edward Johns, a hairdresser (1911), in 1907
• Joseph Henry (1881-1959) – insurance agent (1911)
• Alice Amelia (1885-1928) – blind from birth
• Ruth Miriam (1887-1959) – elementary school teacher (1911)
• Frederick William (1891-1916) – insurance clerk (1911); died in WW1

Frederick died on 9 March 1916 at Hale, Cheshire

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/564

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers