Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Levi Ramsden
Mrs. FRANCES RAMSDEN, late wife of Levi Ramsden, Primitive Methodist minister, was born at Mevagissey, Corwall, April 25th, 1804 At an early period of life she was the subject of deep religious impressions, and often wept on account of her sins.
At fifteen years of age, the light of truth shone upon her mind, and she experienced a divine change, through faith in the blood of Christ; and she felt a joy unspeakable and full of glory. She never doubted the reality of her religion to the hour of her death.
Having obtained peace with God, she united in church-fellowship with the Bible Christians, and became a useful, active member of society. She loved the habitation of God’s house, and endeavoured to win souls to Christ. She walked in the fear of the Lord for forty years, and was “a burning and shining light.” Many inquirers have been assisted and encouraged in coming to Christ through her intercessions, and many believers have said, while hearing her humble confessions, earnest petitions, affectionate thanksgivings, and rapturous adorations, at the throne of grace, “It is good to be here.”’
In 1825, she was married to Mr. John Greenway. In 1826, they went to reside at Falmouth, and were the first to invite the Primitive Methodist missionaries to that town in 1827. Their house became the home of the missionaries, and she had the pleasure of seeing many souls converted. But in the midst of youth, prosperity, and usefulness, her husband was taken from her in a few hours by the cholera in 1833. He died happy in the faith,
In July, 1842, we were united in marriage. She was a great help to me on our several stations. She was always ready to engage in every good work; she felt the responsibility of her position, and frequently and earnestly pleaded with God for purity of heart. Her zeal, labours, and constant attendance on the means of grace, with family visiting, secured for her general esteem. She daily retired to her closet to plead with God for me and the salvation of sinners; nor did she plead in vain. While she had health, her delight was to labour in God’s cause, and she was made very useful in many instances in leading sinners to Christ, who are now the crown of her rejoicing.
During the last two years she suffered much severe trial. Her afflictions were heavy, yet her life shed a lustre on Gospel truth, and she often said, “The Lord’s will be done; He is my Sayiour, and He will support me in all my sufferings.”
A few days before her death, she felt certain that her end was near, and spoke to me about her confidence in God. She said, “I have no fear of death, my Saviour. will be with me.” She appeared ready for her change, as her difficulty in breathing increased. She said, “My dear, I shall soon be in heaven. Christ is mine, and I am His. Praise the Lamb!” The last words she was heard to say were, “Christ is precious to my soul.” Smiles frequently passed over her countenance, so bright and clear that all who saw her said, “She is happy, even in the valley of death.”
On the 21st of April, 1859, her happy spirit left the body for an inheritance with the saints above, in the fifty-fifth year of her age.
Family
Frances was born on 25 April 1802 at Mevagissey, Cornwall, to parents Richard and Jane. She was baptised on 16 May 1802 at Mevagissey.
She married John Greenway (d abt1833) on 15 December 1822 at Mevagissey , Cornwall.
She married Levi Ramsden (1809-1887) on 11 July 1842 at St Pancras, London.
Frances died on 21 April 1859 at Frome, Somerset.
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1860/65
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
Note: The Baptism record is in the surname Rolling and she was two years older than stated in the obituary.
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