Knox, Esther, (nee Ritson) (1843-1909)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

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

In the passing away of Esther Knox, our Platt Bridge Society in the Leigh Circuit has lost one of its most devoted members. Born February 5th, 1843, at Fawdon, Northumberland, she when sixteen, surrendered her life to Christ. For fifty years, during an unbroken and active association with Primitive Methodism, the altar fires were never permitted to burn low, and the end found her full of tranquil confidence and triumphant faith. “Going to be with Jesus” was her whispered farewell. 

Her life was crowded with unostentatious service and crowned with the laurels of love’s finest graces. Many women excel in public by virtue of special gifts, but she was a queen in her own circle, through the strength of her character and the wealth, tenderness, and unselfishness of her ministry. Her home was worthy of her profession. Her marriage to Henry Knox was a union of hearts and of religious interests. His devotion to our Church has been unstinted, and in every good work she was a most unselfish and loyal partner, and though during recent years her activities were curtailed through physical incapacity, yet her loyalty, devotion, and generosity were beyond question.

She was interred in Hindley Cemetery by the Rev. J.H. Cretney. 

Family

Esther was born on 5 February 1843 at Fawdon, Northumberland, to parents John, a coal miner, and Esther.

She married Henry Knox (b1847), a coal miner, in early 1880 in the Chester le Street Registration District, Co. Durham. Census returns identify an adopted daughter, Elizabeth Bell (b abt1885).

Esther died in late 1909 at Platt Bridge, nr Wigan, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/239

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers