Norton, Ann (nee Lardner) (1827-1901)

Transcription of Obituary in the Christian Messenger

MRS. ANN NORTON.- The Witney Circuit has lost a true friend by the death of Mrs. A. Norton, of Chilson – a quiet, unobtrusive worker, whose Christian character was apparent to all who came into contact with her.

She was born at Long Compton (Warwick) in 1828; but spent her early days in Chipping Norton, where her parents were highly-respected members of the Baptist Church. Her father specially interested himself in her spiritual culture, and of him she always spoke with great reverence and love.

In 1876 she became the wife of Mr. Richard Norton, of Chilson, and also a member of the Primitive Methodist Church in the village, and ever took the deepest interest in its welfare and prosperity.

For several years she was unable to get to the chapel, but carried on her work for the Lord by her generous hospitality towards the preachers planned there.

It was a great trial to her not to be able to get to the services, but she bore it cheerfully, and always had a smile and kind word for the brethren, many or whom had long journeys to their appointments.

She never could point to the day upon which she was converted, but the evidence of the Christly spirit was very manifest.

To her husband and the family she was most devoted, and always encouraged him in his work as a Local Preacher, as well as assisted him in his business.

She was exceedingly kind-hearted, and not a beggar was ever turned away without relief of some kind. Her acts of charity were performed on the principle set forth in Scripture, “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”

The ministers on the circuit have felt the value of her life by the uniform kindness shown them on their visits to the place.

On Easter Sunday she was taken with a stroke which affected her speech, from which she partially rallied, and got about again, but could not perform her household duties. In July she was seized with violent internal pains; acute inflammation set in, and after twenty hours of intense suffering she peacefully passed away to the rest in heaven.

The trials of her life were many, but there was no murmuring. Cheerful confidence in God enabled her to bear them bravely.

She was one of those people of whom it seemed no one could say an unkind word, and will be much missed by her sorrowing husband and family. Of her it may well he said, “She hath done what she could,” and has left behind for the comfort of her relatives the testimony of a beautiful life.

Family

Ann was baptised on 1 April 1827 at Long Compton, Warwickshire. Her parents were John, a tailor, and Harriet.

She married Richard Norton (1832-1903), a builder, in late 1876 in the Chipping Norton Registration District. Richard had previously been married to Lucy Jackson, with whom, census returns identify the birth of four children. Following Ann’s death Richard married Emma Woolgrove in early 1903.

Ann died in July 1901 at Chilson, Oxfordshire.

References

Christian Messenger 1902/191

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers