Ramsden, Eleanor (nee Williams) (1819-1871)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J Causer

ELEANOR, the beloved wife of the Rev. L. RAMSDEN, died at Monmouth, August 17th, 1871, in the fifty-second year of her age. She was born at Trevadda, November 13th, 1819. Her parents were respectable farmers. From childhood she was the subject of serious impressions, and until she was twenty-one years of age, regularly attended the established Church, when, under the ministry of the Rev. J. Herbert, she became very deeply concerned about the salvation of her soul. About this time two of her sisters were converted in a revival, promoted by the zealous labours of the Primitive Methodist ministers. Our departed friend was greatly affected at witnessing their rejoicing and Christian deportment. She began to accompany them to the cottage, where their soul-stirring meetings were being held, and at a watch-night service, under the powerful preaching of the Rev. T. Hobson, then the superintendent of this circuit, she more deeply felt the necessity of a spiritual change; and on the 3rd of January, 1841, early in the morning, in her bedroom, while crying mightily to God, she was enabled to believe with all her heart, and obtained the blessing of justification and the inward witness of the Spirit with her spirit, and could sing—

“My God is reconciled
His pardoning voice I hear,
He owns me for his child,
I can no longer fear;
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And Father, Abba Father, cry!”

This blessed confidence she held fast, until her holy, happy spirit was released from earth by death. Without delay she became a member of the Primitive Methodist Society: the step caused her some opposition and annoyance, but she never wavered or regretted having taken it. Being now filled with love to Christ, and zealous to glorify him, and possessing more than ordinary abilities for usefulness, she soon began to take a very active part in the meetings for prayer and Christian fellowship. At the June Quarter day, 1841, her name was put on the plan as a prayer leader, and diligently and successfully she laboured for God, until her last long and painful affliction.

January 3rd, 1860, she was united in marriage to him who now deeply feels his loss. Shortly after their marriage Mr. Ramsden’s health failed, and he was compelled to seek for superannuation. This was a great trial to both. In 1863 they came to reside at Monmouth, and as far as health and strength permitted, engaged in every effort put forth for the prosperity of the various societies. When the new chapel was erected in the town they liberally contributed to the building fund. Thirty years and seven months she was a truly consistent member and efficient local preacher. Many will be the crown of her rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. 

As a wife she was faithful above many in the discharge of domestic duties. As a preacher, Sabbath school teacher, and visitor of the sick, she was punctual and indefatigable. She was liberal in her support of the ministry, Sabbath schools, chapel funds, and the missionary enterprise. She was kind to the poor, they ever found her to be a wise counsellor and helper in time of need. She was not a narrow minded bigot; hence her joy when the works of God prospered in any section of his church. She was regular in her attendance at all religious services, both on the Sabbath and week evening, neither the heat of summer, or the wet and cold of winter, would keep her from the means of grace.

She lived in the Spirit and walked in the Spirit, and had no idea of dying the death, without living the life of the righteous. The writer of this brief biography was often refreshed in spirit while visiting her in her affliction. On one of those visits she appeared to be greatly depressed, and in prayer special request was made that the Lord would manifest his presence, and remove from her mind any doubt relative to her spiritual welfare, when she manifested some fear that the idea was entertained that her faith had failed, and at the close of the prayer said with great earnestness, “I have not lost my confidence in God; he will never leave me nor forsake me.” During her affliction, she often said, “Christ is precious to me.” Her last words were, “There is perfect rest in heaven.”

“Asleep in Jesus; blessed sleep
From which none ever wake to weep,
A calm and undisturbed repose,
Unbroken by the least of woes.”

The church has lost an almost blameless member, the world a burning and shining light, but heaven has gained accession to its blissful ranks.

Family

Eleanor was born on 13 November 1819 at Trevadda, Monmouthshire, to parents James, a farmer, and Eliza. She was baptised on 31 December 1819 at Cwmyoy, Monmouthshire.

She married Levi Ramsden (1809-1887) on 3 June 1860 in the Monmouth Registration District, Monmouthshire.

Eleanor died on 17 August 1871 at Monmouth, Monmouthshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1872/685

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers