Robson, Joseph Thomas (1852-1915)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by G.W.K.

After a long and painful illness Mr. Joseph T. Robson went to “the other side” on March 12th, 1915, the Jarrow-on-Tyne Church thereby losing a useful and good man.

In his eighteenth year his life was consecrated to God, and for forty-five years he served the Church with acceptance and ability as class leader, Sunday school teacher, trustee and local preacher in the Chester-le-Street, Thornley, Sunderland, Newcastle, South Shields, and Jarrow-on-Tyne Circuits.

A lover of books, and a keen sermon maker, at open-air services he was in his element. At one of these gatherings an Anglican clergyman was present and, convinced there was the making of a great preacher in him, offered to bear all expenses of a college training. Mr. Robson courteously declined the generous offer, but was ever grateful for it. He loved life and enjoyed it, but when the summons came he was ready.

Family

Joseph was born in late 1852 at Waldridge, Chester le Street, Co. Durham, to parents James Robson, a coal miner (1861), and Elizabeth Watson. He was baptised on 3 November 1852 at Felton, Co. Durham.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Joseph.

1861 coal miner
1871 coal miner
1891 coal miner
1901 coal miner deputy overman
1911 coal miner stoneman

He married Isabella Elwen (b1857) in the summer of 1878 in the Chester le Street Registration District, Co. Durham. They had one child who died in infancy.

Joseph died on 12 March 1915 at Jarrow, Co. Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1915/664

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers