Moss, James (1832-1908)

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.A. Wales

James Moss was born at Digmoor in the year 1832. He received his first conviction of sin under a sermon preached by the Rev. Ambrose Hickland. He decided for Christ at the age of thirty, and became an earnest and devoted Christian. He was a liberal supporter of the cause and was foremost in every good work. He was a Class Leader and School Superintendent at Digmoor for twenty-nine years. He was much respected and his removal is a great loss to the Society. He met with an accident a few months ago, which resulted in death. He suffered a great deal at times, but his faith in Christ was unshaken. 

He passed peacefully away on Friday, October 9th, to join the great company before the Throne. His funeral took place on Tuesday, October 13th. A service was conducted in the Digmoor Chapel, by the Rev. J.A. Wales (Circuit Minister) a large number of friends from different parts of the Circuit being present. Prayer was offered by Mr. R. Grayson and a short address was given by Mr. J. Tranter, an old friend of the late Mr. Moss. Suitable hymns were sung, and the Dead March was played by Miss Watkinson. The remains were interred in the Upholland Churchyard, the Rev. J.A. Wales officiating at the grave. “He now rests from his labours and his works follow him.”

Family

James was born in 1832 at Digmoor, nr Upholland, Lancashire, to parents Henry, a weaver (1832), and Jane. He was baptised on 23 September 1832 at St Thomas the Martyr, Upholland.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

• 1851 coal miner
• 1861 coal miner
• 1871 coal miner
• 1891 grocer
• 1901 retired grocer

He married Alice Ashurst (b1836) on 20 June 1853 at Wigan, Lancashire. Census returns identify seven children.

• Henry (b1855) – a coal miner (1871); emigrated to USA circa 1880
• Mary Jane (1859-1917) – married William Rigby, a miner, in 1880; emigrated to USA in 1880
• Thomas (b1861) – mine operator (1900); emigrated to USA in 1880
• James (b1864) – a mine operator (1900); emigrated to USA in 1881
• Elizabeth (b abt1866) – not found after 1891
• William (b abt1872) – not found after 1871
• Charles (b1876) – – a carter (1891); emigrated to USA in 1894

James died on 9 October 1908 at Digmoor, nr Skelmersdale, Lancashire. 

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/76

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers