Laycock, Nancy (nee Hoyle) (1832-1906)

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

Our Rehoboth Church, Bradford, has lost one of its most useful members in the death of Mrs. Laycock. When unable latterly through weakness to attend the services she sat by the window to see the worshippers on their way to the sanctuary. Deeply interested in the material welfare of the church she was most anxious for the conversion of souls and the spiritual fruitfulness of Sunday School and Church. 

Her maiden name was Nancy Hoyle. Born about 1832, at Cowling, she was early converted and was a member of the United Methodist Free Church, till the Primitive Methodist Chapel was opened, when she and her husband, Henry Laycock, became members of the new cause. Every alternate Sunday and Wednesday for twenty years their home was the home of the preacher. Twenty-six years ago they came to live at Bradford and joined Woodlands Street Church. Nine years later they removed to West Bowling. 

Left a widow in 1892, Mrs. Laycock bravely bore her loss. She had a seizure November 17th, and remained unconscious till her death, November 22nd, 1906. Just before her departure her face was wonderfully illumined, as if the glories of the Eternal Home had come into view. Five sons and two daughters mourn their loss, but rejoice in her gain of the bliss everlasting. 

Her class leader writes, “Her kindly and sympathetic disposition endeared her to all she came in contact with. She was ever ready to help those in less favoured circumstances. At the services the sparkle of her eyes, and the brightness of her face showed how eagerly she drank at the well of devotion, especially when old and favourite hymns were sung.” 

A large number of relatives and friends followed her remains to their last resting place. A Memorial Service was conducted by the Rev. J.C. Livesey, who had known her and the family for several years The text was 2 Corinthians v. 1, and the service was a most impressive one.

Family

Nancy was born in 1832 at Cowling, nr Skipton, Yorkshire, to parents Richard, a hand loom weaver (1851), and Sarah.

She worked as a hand loom weaver before her marriage.

Nancy married Henry Laycock (1830-1892), a shoemaker, in the spring of 1856 in the Skipton Registration District, Yorkshire. Census returns identify seven children.

  • Sarah Ann (abt1858-1929) – a cotton weaver (18881); a confectioner (1911)
  • Mary (1861-1931) – a cotton weaver (1881); married James Hardaker, a worsted coating overlooker (1891),  in 1885
  • Smith (abt1863-1927) – a worsted warp twister (1901)
  • Albert (1865-1936) – a weaving manager (1911)
  • Ishmael (1868-1947) – a cotton mill worker (1911); a confectioner (1939)
  • Wilson (1871-1936) – a prudential agent (1911)
  • Greenwood (1877-1934) – a cotton ware twister (1901)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1907/578

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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