Lindley, Joshua (1820-1909)

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

“I am now going whence I shall not return. Follow your Father.’’ With these last words scarcely uttered Mr. Joshua Lindley closed his earthly pilgrimage, on November 20th, 1909, which had been prolonged to nearly 90 years. Born on the 3rd of November, 1820, at Millshaw Hall, in what is now the Scholes Circuit, his earliest recollections were of the Primitive Methodist missionaries holding services in his father’s house; also of a weekly class meeting being held there in which both his father and grandfather were members. 

The Gatehead Chapel was erected in 1837, and towards its cost he gave all the money he then possessed, and the whole of his life was closely associated with it. He kept the faith to the end, without wavering, always placing first things first. He was an active Class leader for over 50 years, greatly interested in evangelistic work. Few men had a deeper insight into spiritual things, for he understood them experimentally. He had passed from death unto life by the power of the Holy Ghost and never doubted the reality of the change.

He brought up a family of to children in the fear of the Lord, and they have all followed his example.

Living away among the hills, he saw little of Connexional Courts; but on several occasions attended the District Synod as delegate, and for many years acted as Circuit Steward.

For nearly forty years he was an honoured member of the Local Board and of the Parish Council.

He was interred at Gatehead, November 24th, in the same grave as his beloved partner, who passed away 27 years before. They are now re-united where earth’s shadows fall not. He had a long day, and used it well. He now rests from his labours—his works follow him. 

Family

Joshua was born on 3 November 1820 at Millshaw Hall, Fulstone, Yorkshire, to parents John Lindley, a farmer, and Mary Exley.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Joshua.

• 1851 farmer of 10 acres & besom maker
• 1861 besom maker & farmer of 10 acres
• 1871 farmer of 15 acres
• 1881 farmer of 35 acres
• 1891 farmer
• 1901 farmer

He married Henrietta Hirst (1821-1882) on 7 November 1842 at All Hallows, Kirkburton, Yorkshire. Census returns identify ten children.

• George (1844-1908) – a lumber & painter
• Mary Ann (abt1845-1890) – married William George England, a farmer, in 1866
• John (1846-1859)
• Caroline (1849-1920) – married Henry Noble, a joiner, in 1867
• Hannah (1851-1903) – a servant (1891)
• Annice (1852-1907) – a dressmaker (1881); married George Haw, a cashier (1891), in 1883
• Annie (b1854) – a dressmaker (1881)
• Joshua (1857-1950) – a PM minister
• Jim (b1858)
• Ellen (1860-1939) – a servant (1891); married John Thomas Rowley, a farmer, in 1891

Joshua died on 20 November 1909 at Huddersfield, Yorkshire. His normal residence at the time of death was in Newton Heath, Manchester according to his probate record.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/744

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers