Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by N.J. Devenport
SARAH, the beloved wife of the Rev. G. PEAKE, was born in July, 1832. She was the youngest daughter of Mr. James Edwards, of Prees, who was a useful local preacher in the Prees Green circuit for nearly fifty years. He and his wife were brought to God under the ministry of the first Primitive Methodist missionaries who laboured in that part of Shropshire. He opened his house for preaching and other religious services, and also entertained the preachers. A society being formed, he was appointed leader, which office he retained and faithfully discharged until removed from earth to heaven. His consistent Christian life won for him the respect and esteem of all who knew him; and Archdeacon Allen preached a sermon in the parish church on the occasion o his death, which was afterwards printed and circulated through the parish.
Sarah, being thus, blessed with the example and prayers of pious parents, and the means of grace in her home, was, with several others of the family, early brought to a saving know-ledge of the truth, and walked in the love and fear of the Lord. She became united in marriage to Thomas Davies, a local preacher. In a few years after marriage she was called to experience sad bereavements. Her youngest child died, and shortly afterwards her affectionate husband passed away in the full assurance of hope, leaving her with one son.
She was married to the Rev. George Peake thirty-two years ago, and through all that period she steadfastly maintained a Christian character. In personal and family afflictions and bereavements she held on her way. She ever rejoiced in the salvation of souls. Leading the penitent sinner to Christ was to her a sacred and pleasing duty. The services of the sanctuary were her delight. She loved the communion of saints, and though diffident and timid in public exercises she felt it her duty to witness for Jesus. Of late years she has manifested a deeper interest than formerly in spiritual things, finding great pleasure in reading the Holy Scriptures and other good books, especially such as teach and enforce purity of heart and holiness of life, thus creating a desire to realise Christian perfection. She greatly enjoyed conversation on this subject, but would often say she feared to profess too much.
About twelve months ago, while much afflicted, the tempter came, and tried to take advantage of her bodily weakness, by suggesting that the blood of Jesus Christ does not cleanse from all sin, but she promptly and emphatically replied, “It does cleanse. It does cleanse from all sin.” Thus she overcame by faith, and was filled with joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.
Her last illness was exceedingly painful and protracted. For ten months, or more, she was fully aware that it would bring her down to death, but she was also well assured that it would open up to her immortality and eternal bliss. For some time previous to her decease she was not able to attend the public means of grace. This she felt to be a great loss. The loss, however, was partly made up by the singing (as long as she could bear it) of her grandchildren and others, who sang to her such hymns as,—‘Jesu, lover of my soul ;’ ‘ Rock of ages, cleft for me;’ ‘My God, my Father, while I stray ;’ ‘Jesus, my Lord, to Thee I cry.’
As the end drew near she became weak in body and mind, but in times of consciousness she would fervently pray —‘My dear Lord, help me.’
When her power of utterance had well-nigh failed, and strength was almost gone, she said to her husband, ‘I shall not be long,’ and with sweet resignation added, ‘God’s will be done.’ Later on she was heard to say, very faintly, ‘Hide me, O—,’ and then her words became inaudible. She was evidently trying to repeat an appropriate verse of a hymn she greatly loved,
‘Hide me, O my Saviour, hide.’
Thus she fell asleep in Jesus, on December 19th, 1887, leaving her: husband, her family, and the church to mourn the loss of a true and loving wife, an anxious and solicitous mother, and a consistent member. She was an example of uprightness, industry, chaste conversation, and attention to the services of the sanctuary, and a willing supporter of the cause of Christ.
‘The memory of the just is blessed.’
Family
Sarah was born in July 1832 at Prees, Shropshire, to parents James, a shoemaker, and Sarah. She was baptised on 29 July 1832 at Prees.
She married Thomas Davies in late 1851 in the Wem Registration District, Shropshire. I have not been able to identify her children of this marriage.
She married George Peake in early 1856 in the Market Drayton Registration District. Census returns identify six children.
- Sarah Jane (1856-1921) – married Henry Jones, an iron turner at railway works (1891),
- Annetta Davis (1858- Foleshill, Warwicks
- Jabal Henry (1860-1885) – a carpenter (1881)
- Eva May (1863-1935) – a pupil teacher (1881); married John Watts, a PM minister, in 1885
- Emily Mary (1864-1871)
- Ernest George (1868-1871)
Sarah died on 19 December 1887 at Crewe, Cheshire.
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1890/116
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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