Nicholson, Isaac (1839-1914) & Hannah (nee Routledge) (1835-1914)

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

The passing away of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Nicholson has made a distinct gap in the Haltwhistle Circuit. The loss of two such saintly souls is sincerely mourned. They had both passed the allotted span of human life, but they were interested to the last in everything concerning the welfare of Zion. Mrs. Nicholson answered the “call” on October 7th, 1914, in her seventy-ninth year, and her beloved partner followed nine weeks later, December 10th. Both were interred in the beautiful Greenhead Cemetery, after appropriate obsequies in our own church. A large following on each occasion testified to the affection they had won.

Brother Nicholson loved singing; but withal he delighted in prayer more. For many years a leader, he led his class to the heights. He was often called to pray with the sick and dying. Men believed in him. For long years, as a miner, he was a “burning and shining light.” As a trustee, leader, and superintendent of the Sunday school he was faithful in the discharge of his duties. Nearly fifty years a member, he gave over thirty to official life.

In 1859 he signed the temperance pledge, and he loved the band of hope. What our people owe to him cannot be tabulated. He assisted in building the first chapel at Greenhead, and was even more assiduous in the erection of the second in 1886. The new Sunday school in 1900 had all the energy he could command. By his prayers, his generous gifts, and abundant labours, he did much to create and consolidate our cause, and he will be gratefully remembered by many who have benefited by his life and work.

In all his sacrifices he was whole-heartedly supported by his wife, and together they made a, pair, the like of which is too rarely seen. Quiet, unobtrusive, retiring and shy, like most dales-people, yet beautiful in honesty and principle, they lived their lives and won a place in the affections of many.

Family

Isaac was born abt1839 at Renwick, Cumberland, to parents Thomas, a pitman (1841), and Isabella. He was baptised on 20 June 1839 at Renwick.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Isaac.

1861 coal miner
1871 coal miner
1881 miner (coal)
1891 coal miner
1901 coal miner
1911 coal miner retired

He married Mary Robson (1837-1871) in the spring of 1859 at Brampton, Cumberland. Census returns identify four children.

Rachel (1860-1862)
Isaac (1862-1942) – a coal miner (1891)
Hannah Isabella (1867-1958) – married William Anson, a stationary engine fireman (1911), in 1892
Thomas (b1869) – a coal miner (1891)

He married Hannah Routledge in the spring of 1873 in the Haltwhistle Registration District, Northumberland. , to parents William and Sibyl. Census returns identify one of three children.