Loveday, Robert (1848-1912)

zoom

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

The tragic death of Mr. Robert Loveday on the 26th of August last was a serious loss to our Church at Hoyland. At work in the colliery, he was caught by a rapidly, moving belt. He never regained consciousness, and after lingering a few days passed beyond the shadows to God. 

Brother Loveday came of a good Primitive Methodist stock. His forbears opened their house for the services of our Church in Norfolk. His parents removed to Hoyland when Robert was seven years old, and had to do with the early struggles of the cause there. Converted when quite a youth, when he died our brother was the senior member of the Society. One of the first scholars in the Sunday School, he became a teacher, a position he held to the close of his life. This was his vocation. 

His life was exemplary; his religion covered the whole of it. He loved the class meeting. He was of a kindly nature and loved to do good without parade. One of his sons is in our ministry. The fact of their father’s piety is a source of comfort to the family. 

The funeral service on August 29th was conducted by Revs. J. Keightley and P.W.B. Oliver.

Family

Robert was born 1848 at Hainford, Norfolk, to parents Henry Loveday, a labourer (1861), and Sarah Holmes. He was baptised on 21 May 1848.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Robert.

• 1861 labourer
• 1871 boiler maker
• 1881 boiler maker
• 1891 boiler maker
• 1901 boiler maker
• 1911 boiler riveter

He married Emma Fryer (1846-1936) on 10 January 1872 at Hoyland, Yorkshire. Census returns identify seven children.

• Catherine (1873-1930) – married Stephen Townsend, a coal miner (1911), in 1896
• George (1876-1943) – iron founder (1901)
• Henry (b1878) – an apprentice boiler maker (1891)
• William (1880-1966) – a grocer (1907)
• Joseph Fryer (1882-1977) – a PM minister (******LINK)
• Charles Holmes (1884-1935) – a boilersmith (1911)
• Frank (1887-1966) – joiner at colliery (1911)

Robert died on 26 August 1912 at Hoyland, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/244

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers