Parr, James (1839-1911)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by B.F.

The village church at Billinge and the St. Helens Circuit have suffered a very real loss in the death of Mr. James Parr. No one could doubt James Parr’s goodness. His shrewd common sense, high conception of duty, and practical application of the “golden rule” made him an arbitrator in many a dispute. He was loved and trusted above many.

Spiritually minded from his youth up, he was a teacher in the Church Sunday School at the time of his marriage, in 1862, after which, with his wife, he attended our Billinge Chapel and soon afterwards gave himself to God and became a member. As Teacher or Superintendent he served the School thirty-five years, and as Class Leader seventeen years. He was singularly modest and retiring, but faithful to his witness of faith in Christ. He never neglected the house of God when strength permitted, and it was pathetic to see him, when becoming feeble, sighing and longing for the sanctuary.

Born at Billinge in Oct., 1839, he died in the house next to that in which he was born, Sept. 9th, 1911.

Family

James was born in October 1839 at Billinge, Lancashire, to parents Hugh Parr, a coal miner, and Ellen Naylor. he was baptised on 23 November 1839 at Billinge.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

1851 miner’s labourer
1861 coal miner
1871 coal miner
1881 coal miner
1891 coal miner
1901 coal miner
1911 no occupation

He married Susannah Anderton (1842-1906) on 7 September 1862 at St Aidan, Billinge, Lancashire. 1862. Census returns identify seven of twelve children.

Mary Ann (1863-1931) – married Edwin Bellis, a glass worker, on 25 December 1886
James (1865-1932) – a coal miner (1901)
Elizabeth (1869-1951) – married Seth Martlew, a coal miner, on 5 April 1890
Caroline (1871- – married John Lowe, a coal miner, on 29 August 1891
Hugh (1873-1956) – a colliery fireman (1911)
Wilhelmina (1875-1894) – married James Birchall, a coal miner, on 11 April 1891
John Samuel (1876-1953) – a coal miner (1911)

James died on 9 September 1911 at Billinge, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/499

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers