Lea, John (1822-1903)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1904

Transcription of Obituary in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W.L.

The subject of this memoir was for sixty years a most loyal and consistent Christian, and a devoted Primitive Methodist. He was born in 1822, at the Hough, Cheshire, and by marriage related to the Bournes of Bemersley. When young his father removed to the Lodge Farm, Hatherton. The family up to this time worshipped at the Established Church. Mr. Lea, when he was about twenty years of age, received his first class ticket on joining the Hatherton Primitive Methodist Society in the Crewe Circuit. For several years he was an active worker in this society with Mr. T. Austin, who is still in full work as an old veteran.

Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Lea went to reside in another locality, and joined the Shavington Society. After thirteen years’ service here he removed to Bunbury and joined Spurstow Society in the Nantwich and Burland Circuit. Six years later he removed to a larger farm in another locality and joined Knolton Society, then in the Oswestry Circuit. A few years later he removed to Lyneal in the Wem Circuit, here he remained for fifteen years, then went to Frankton in the Owestry Circuit. Four years later he settled down in Ellesmere, to enjoy, only only a short time, his well-merited rest and retirement.

During all these years in connection with these various societies he had always been much respected for his quiet consistent life. For many years he was a much beloved class leader. To the writer, several persons, on learning of his death, responded, “that thirty to forty years ago they were in his class and that a better man than John Lea they had never known.” Many of the old ministers were known to Mr. and Mrs. Lea, and their home was always open to them, and their visits and company were much enjoyed.

At a memorial service in Ellesmere Chapel a large congregation assembled, when Mr. Ellis, of Wrexham, who was the preacher gave his testimony to the memory of the departed as follows:- “The church in Heaven is richer through the removal by death of our revered and much beloved Bro. John Lea. We are here to-day to testify to his high Christian character and moral worth – here to render to his memory our tribute of respect.”

We could say, without hesitation, that here was a blameless character – an Israelite in whom there was no guile – one who dared to be what he seemed to be, and seemed to be what he was, an upright man, one that feared God and eschewed evil.

The fruits of love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, abounded in his life. It was rich in Christian graces. Our brother was an epistle of Christ read and known of all men, a man noted for his piety, a spiritually-minded man. He was no critic, could always appreciate anything which told of God’s love and pardoning grace. He was a man of one book, the Bible; faith and prayer were to him as his vital breath – his native air. He was a man of fervent praise, the embodiment of happiness, one who could never understand a man having just enough religion to make him miserable. Our brother walked with God from his youth – in open communion as a Primitive Methodist. God took him home on Sunday, March 15th, 1903. He was found ready, like a parcel tied up, labelled, waiting for the carrier to call and take him to his destination. His presence at service was always an inspiration; we miss his hearty and devout “Amen,” but be yet speaks to us. One who once lived with him said, “If I had lived much longer with this man I should have become a Christian in spite of myself,” – such was his influence – a saviour of life unto life. His life was an eloquent monument brimful of faith and good works.

Family

John was baptised on 7 July 1822 at Wybunbury, Cheshire. His parents were William, a farmer, and Sarah.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

• 1851 living on farm with parents
• 1861 farmer of 21 acres
• 1871 farmer of 83 acres with 1 labourer
• 1881 farmer of 200 acres
• 1901 retired farmer

John married Jane Potts (1829-1918) on 7 March 1854 at Wybunbury, Cheshire. Census returns identify eight children.

• Sarah Jane (1854-1929) – married Edward lea, a farmer, in 1880
• Samuel (b1856) – a farmer
• William (1856-1932) – an auctioneer, furniture dealer & leather seller (1911)
• Elizabeth (b1858)
• John (1858-1922) – a farmer
• Joseph (1862-1918) – a farmer
• Thomas (1867-1950) – a dairy farmer (1911)
• Mary Ellen (1869-1922) – married George Turner, a farmer, in 1893

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1904/492

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers