Lovatt, Delilah (nee Wilkes) (1842-1901)

Transcription of Obituary in the Christian Messenger

The Higherland Society, Newcastle-under-Lyme Circuit, has suffered a great loss in the decease of Mrs. T. Lovatt, the beloved wife of their highly respected Circuit Steward.

In early life Mrs. Lovatt attended the Wesleyan Chapel, and was a most willing worker. She was married to the one that now mourns his loss in the year 1863, and has proved a most faithful partner, ever taking the deepest interest in every work her husband undertook, both in temporal and spiritual things.

She was a most devoted mother, ever showing a deep interest in the pursuits of her children, and rendering them her wise and loving counsel.

Rev. G. Jones, a former minister of the circuit, in a letter to the family refers to her “as one always thoughtful to those about her, and as possessing rare womanly virtues. In her own home, and in her ministry to her own family, she found scope for the exercise of her gifts, and her family will ever reverence her memory.” Rev. J.L. Harvey writes: “She was ever a good and faithful partner and mother, and her loss is irreparable.” The Rev. J. Maland, who is a native of Newcastle, and our late sister’s son-in-law; and the Rev. T.R. Maland, also speak in the highest terms of her consistent and genuine life. Her quiet but Christ-like ministry to the poor and needy will long be remembered.

As a member of the church she was most devoted and loyal, and most liberally helped the funds.

She truly loved the services of the sanctuary, and as a hearer was an inspiration to the preacher.

The last public service she attended was on the occasion of the visit of the Rev. J. Flanagan to the Higherland. That was a high day to her, and she received a wonderful blessing, which resulted in her resolve to surrender the future of her days more fully to God’s service: little did we think they would be so few. ‘

Her last illness was very brief, but as the end approached our sister had no fear, but spoke with remarkable composure of her departure, giving instructions to the members of the family, and assuring them she was safe. On the morning of May 7th, 1901, without a struggle she fell asleep in Jesus.

Our prayer is that husband and children may follow her in the footsteps of Jesus, and at last be reunited in our Father’s Home, where sorrow and death are no more.

J. ASTON

Family

Delilah was born in 1842 at Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, to parents Thomas, a joiner, and Elizabeth. She was baptised on 8 October 1843 at Newcastle under Lyme.

Delilah married Thomas Lovatt (1838-1915) on 3 April 1863 at St Giles Church, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. Census returns identify seven children.

  • William (b abt1866) – an earthenware manufacturer (1915)
  • Sarah (abt 1868-1929) -married Thomas Richard Maland, a PM Minister, later becoming a draper
  • Elizabeth (1870-1963) – married Arthur Samuel Maland, a dealer tailor and draper
  • John (b1872) – a butcher’s apprentice (1891)
  • Delilah (abt1875-1964) – married Alfred Cromwell Harvey, a grocer and provision merchant
  • Arthur (b1879) – a board schoolteacher (1901)
  • Alice Maud (b1884)

References

Christian Messenger 1902/159

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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