Kirk, John Wilson (1846-1912)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W.J.M.

Kiveton Park Circuit has lost a highly-respected steward by the passing, on February 15th, 1912, of Bro. John Wilson Kirk. Born at Bottesford, Leicestershire, in 1846, he spent the first part of his working life in farm service at Retford.

Removing to Kiveton Park forty-two years ago, he was one of the founders of our Church there, being a trustee from its beginning and a Sunday School teacher for over forty years. For many years a class leader, during the last twelve years he held the office of Circuit steward. His constancy, devotion, and loyalty were unfailing. Though living a mile and a half distant from the church, Bro. Kirk was in his place three times on the Sabbath.

He was interred in Todwick Churchyard by Rev. W. J. Musson, who also conducted an impressive memorial service on Feb. 25th.

Family

John was born in 1846 at Bottesford, Leicestershire, to parents John Kirk, a common labourer (1851), and Mary Wilson.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

1861 agricultural servant
1871 collier
1881 coal miner
1891 coal miner
1901 farmer
1911 coal miner hewer

He married Mary Elizabeth Lee (1850-1909) on 2 October 1871 at Doncaster, Yorkshire. Census returns and birth records identify eleven children.

Jane Wilson (1872-1927) – married George Chambers Hapworth, a market gardener (1911), in 1904
John Henry (1874-1905) – coal miner hewer
Ada (b1876) – married Joseph James Thompson, a general labourer (1911), in 1907
Clara (b1877) – married Lewis Bottomley in 1901
William (b1880) – miner, hewer; emigrated to Canada in 1913
Alice (b1881)
Rose (1883-1967) – married William Dickson Franklin, a blacksmith, in 1905
Emily (b1885) – a domestic cook (1911)
Mary (1887-1889)
Elizabeth (1889-1963) – a school teacher (1911); married Harry Penrose, manager of gent’s outfitter (1939), in 1920
Annie (b1891) – a domestic servant (1911)

John died on 15 February 1912 at Kiveton Park, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/745

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers