Scarth, John (1842-1912)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

Our Society at Castleton, in the Whitby Circuit, has sustained a heavy loss by the passing of John Scarth on November 7th, 1912. Born at Castleton seventy years ago, the whole of his life has been spent in the Whitby Circuit. His fidelity and manly worth were apparent to all who knew him. When our Chapel at Castleton was built above fifty years ago, he assisted to remove the stones, and since that time he has shown the keenest interest in the welfare of the Church.

For many years he laboured in the Sunday School, and at the time of his death held the offices of Sunday School treasurer, society steward, trustee for two chapels (Castleton and Danby End), and member of the Circuit Sunday School Committee.

He was most diligent in attendance at the means of grace, and always had a kindly sympathy for the “man in the pulpit.” He was a man of few words but broad sympathies, quiet and unassuming, a true friend, possessed of sound judgment, a sincere disciple of Jesus Christ. As husband and father he excelled, and rejoiced that several of his children worship in the Church of their father, one of his daughters (Sister Kate) being an earnest and devoted sister of the people on the Chester First Circuit.

His death was caused by an accident, and just as day was breaking on Thursday, November 7th, he passed to be for ever with the Lord. His remains were laid to rest on November 11th, the funeral service being conducted by Revs. J. Toyn and D. Kerr (Congregationalist), both of whom paid eloquent tributes to the Christian character and worth of Mr. Scarth. We bid our friend “good night” until the day dawn and the shadows flee away.

Family

John was born in 1842 at Castleton, Yorkshire, to parents Ralph Scarth, a tailor (1851), and Elizabeth Winspeare. He was baptised on 17 April 1842 at Danby, Yorkshire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

1861 tailor
1871 tailor
1881 tailor & outfitter
1891 tailor & draper
1901 merchant tailor
1911 tailor (maker)

He married Anna Winspear (abt1836-1870) on 15 March 1860 at Danby, Yorkshire. Census returns identify three children.

Elizabeth Mary (1863-1890) – a domestic servant (1881)
Jane Ann (1864-1896) – married Thomas White, a painter (1891), in 1884
Sebra (1867-1894) – married Alfred Audas, an iron ship plater (1891), in 1888

He married Jane Wake (abt1835-1876) on 8 October1870 at Danby in Cleveland, Yorkshire. Census returns identify two children.

John George Ralph (1871-1958) – a grocer (1911)
Mary Jane (1873-1959) – married William Robert Fishpool, a bricklayer (1911), in 1896

He married Mary Jane Dale (1852-1920) on 21 November 1876 at Danby, Yorkshire. Census returns identify five children.

Lucy Emma (1877-1965) – married James Atkinson Fishpool, a bricklayer (1911), in 1901
William (1879-1943) – a railway clerk (1901); a station master (1921)
Joanna (1881-1964) – married Henry John Quick, a terra cotte model maker (1911) and later a farmer (1921), in 1903
Laura Harriet (1884-1966) – married John Scrafton Bradley, a miner, in 1911
Kate (1886-1953) – sister of the people (1911); deaconess (incapacitated) (1939)

John died on 7 November 1912 at Danby, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/412

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers