Knowlson, Hannah (nee Palliser) (1846-1910)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.C. Livesey

Hannah Knowlson, the beloved wife of Rev. Mark Knowlson, has been called home to the rest which remains for the people of God. The daughter of the late Mr. William Palliser, of Sutton-on-Forest, near York, she was born January 3rd, 1846. At a very early age she was convinced of her duty to render active service for Christ and His Church, and evinced deep and growing interest in the Sunday School, and in Missionary affairs especially, becoming one of the most persistent and successful Missionary collectors.

In June, 1880, she was married to the Rev. Mark Knowlson, and at once became as the right hand in every department of her husband’s aggressive ministry and service for the Church. She made her power and zealous influence widely felt wherever she lived, and inspired many by her own diligence and joyously glad energy, to give whole- hearted support, and consecrated toil for the welfare of Zion. Her husband’s schemes for the erection of new chapel property, and the reduction of debts, owed their remarkable success, and were very largely due to her counsel and labours, and also to the assiduity and enthusiastic co-operation of their daughter (the wife of the Rev. C.R. Dalton, of Goole) both taking an active part in the organisation and carrying out of his plans by means of bazaars, concerts, social gatherings, and varied other special efforts. Everywhere she won for herself the unstinted approval of the churches, and the esteem of officials and members.

For thirty years of married companionship, her home life was one of peace, harmony, affection, and devoted co-operation with her loved ones. Her activities were not confined to her own Church, but included many more undenominational and philanthropic enterprises and institutions. She was President of the Band of Hope at the time of her death, and the British Women’s Temperance Society found in her a loyal, warm-hearted advocate and supporter. In Church work she was recognised as a most efficient and capable Class leader and Sunday School teacher, and our various Connexional projects received her continued and vigorous help.

On February 1st, Feb 1910, though far from well, she entertained the Rev. George E. Butt as Missionary deputation; but on the 3rd the doctor had to be called in, and though he did not consider her case as a serious one, on Saturday, February 5th, she was called to higher service. She had no preparations to make; she had lived in constant readiness and watchfulness, and when her Lord and Master called she was found ready.

She was interred in York Cemetery on Wednesday, February 9th. A funeral service was held in the Hinckley Church, conducted by the Rev. F.W. Beal, of Nuneaton, who also gave a suitable address, and all the Free Church Ministers of the town were present and took some part in the service. At York, the service was conducted by the Rev. G. Baldwin, of Selby, assisted by the Rev. E.W. Challenger, of York Second Circuit.