Ridge, Eliza (nee Wells) (1832-1908)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908

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

Mrs. Eliza Ridge was born on October 6th, 1832, and entered into “the rest that remaineth” on May 22nd, 1908. Her association with Quarry Hill Chapel, Leeds, dated from girlhood when she accompanied her mother, and subsequently became a Sunday School teacher, and member of the choir. She joined the society when sixteen years of age during the ministry of the late Rev. Jeremiah Dodsworth, Senior, and at the time of her death was the oldest member of the church. In 1852 she became the wife of the late Mr. Joseph Ridge, with whom she actively engaged in the work of the church.

Mrs. Ridge thoroughly enjoyed the class meeting, and in her younger days was most regular in her attendance. Possessing a clear, firm, musical voice, she delighted in the singing at the services in God’s House.

During her long illness she often sang at home, sometimes commencing the day with the Doxology, and then proceeding with “Praise ye the Lord.” Her Bible, Hymnal and “Sankey” were her constant companions.

Our sister was of a retiring disposition, but a devout Christian, a loyal supporter of the cause of Christ, and believed in doing good “just now.”

During the last part of her life our sister was constantly ailing. At times her sufferings were intense, but she often said, “He will not put upon me more than I am able to bear.” Affectionately she was cared for by her only surviving daughter until she passed to be “with Christ.”

Her mortal remains were interred at Burmantofts Cemetery, Leeds, on May 26th, amid every token of esteem, the Revs. F.E. Thistlethwaite and W. M. Kelley taking part in the service. On Whit Sunday morning the Rev. F.E. Thistlethwaite made fitting reference to the deceased in Quarry Hill Chapel and the organist played “The Dead March.” Letters of sympathy sent to the family contain the following testimonies, “I shall always think of her as the best friend I had in trouble.”

“She has given me many words of good advice.” “Have had the honour to call her friend.” Letters from past ministers include the Revs. J. Spensley and H. Worth.  

Family

Eliza was born on 6 October 1832 at Leeds, Yorkshire, to parents John, a shoemaker (1841), and Ann. She was baptised on 29 October 1832 at Leeds. She married Joseph Ridge (1831-1874), a cordwainer, in early 1853 at Leeds, Yorkshire. Census returns identify four children.

• Alfred (1853-1914) – a school inspector (1901)
• Fanny (1857-1892) – married William Charles Cockram, a school teacher, in 1881
• Sarah Eliza (abt1861-1936) – a schoolmistress and music teacher
• Joseph (1866-1882) – an unemployed shop boy (1881)

Eliza died on 22 May 1908 at Leeds, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/659

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers