Lewis, Elizabeth (nee Berry) (1835-1913)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by F. Jeffs

The passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis—at the age of seventy-eight years—means a great loss to Runcorn Society. A woman of rare character, sweet and gentle, and yet quietly strong, both adversity and Christian culture secured a development which won her wide respect and influence. A class ticket dated November, 1856, shows she was a member of our church at that time.

Her husband—Mr. James Lewis—died in 1872, leaving her in great sorrow with the care of six children. The years of struggle were bravely and patiently faced, with wisdom and grace, and her steadily held faith and growing beauty of spirit established a character of uncommon excellence. 

The interment at Runcorn Cemetery, July 21st, was conducted by Revs. J. S. White and S. Johnson.

Family

Elizabeth was born abt1835 at Bickerstaffe, Lancashire, to parents Peter, a labourer (1841), and Sarah.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Elizabeth.

• 1851 domestic servant
• 1861 no occupation
• 1871 no occupation
• 1881 housekeeper
• 1891 living on own means
• 1901 no occupation
• 1911 no occupation

She married James Lewis (abt1835-1872), a dock porter (1861) on 22 November 1857 at Frodsham, Cheshire. Census returns identify six children.

• David (1858-1931) – managing director of general household store (1911) (******LINK)
• Sarah (1860-1940) – a dressmaker (1881); married Charles Hesketh, a railway signalman (1911), in 1887
• Samuel Peter (1863-1936) – a news agent (1911)
• Mary Hannah (1865-1872)
• Richard (b1868) – a grocer’s clerk (1891)
• Annie (1871-1948) – married William Horrox, an architect, in 1897

Elizabeth died in July 1913 in the West Derby Registration District, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/833

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers