Seller, Johnson (1846-1911)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W.A.H.

In the midst of a vigorous manhood Johnson Seller, of Hull, was called to rest on Tuesday, January 24th, 1911. Born at Langtoft, Duffield Circuit, November 1st, 1846, he was converted in early manhood, and for fifty years gave himself unstintedly to Christian work. His was an ardent, generous nature. Rest in idle inactivity he could not; saved himself, he felt he must save others.

The little chapel was three miles away from his home and work, but at seven o’clock on Sunday morning he was there. Johnson Seller’s prayer was in itself a means of grace. He was early called to the plan as a Local preacher, but he never felt the pulpit to be his place, and on his removal to Hull found spheres of labour far more congenial to him. He was a born “shepherd of the flock,” an ideal Class Leader, and a fine, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent.

His first associations in Hull were with Thornton Street Chapel, and subsequently with Jubilee, where for 35 years he did faithful and persistent service. No day was too long for him in the service of the Church. What Sundays his were: Morning School and afternoon Class. The preacher never knew his seat to be vacant morning or evening, or his voice to be silent. Evening found him in the open air for mission work in street or terrace, and when the evening prayer meeting came Mr. Seller was there with earnest importunate pleading for others. His was a fine life; diligent in his business, but fervent in spirit he joyfully served the Lord.

After forty years in strenuous business he retired, and after thirteen months of restful service God called him home. He was exceptionally blessed in his home life. His influence made the home sweet.

Family

Johnson was born on 1 November 1846 at Langtoft, Yorkshire, to parents John Seller, a railway labourer (1851) and Jane Moor. he was baptised on 15 November 1846 at Langtoft with Cotton, Yorkshire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Johnson.

1861 plough boy
1871 general carrier
1881 fully owner (car man)
1891 general carrier
1901 carrier

He married Sarah Ann Nurse (abt1849-1879) on 23 September 1871 at Eastrington, Yorkshire. Census returns identify one child.

Edith (1872-1951) – an elementary school teacher (1901)

He married Sarah Carnley (1852-1943) in late 1880 at Hull, Yorkshire. Census returns identify six children.

John Alfred (abt1882-1964) – a grocer’s warehouseman (1911)
Annie Elizabeth (1882-1953)
Henry Johnson (1884-1964) – solicitor’s clerk (1911)
Herbert Ewart (1886-1969) – a grocer’s traveller (1911)
Mabel Rachel (1888-1968) – a dressmaker (1911); married Henry Tiplady Garniss, a clerk (1911), in 1911
Dorothy Lucy (1893-1978) – a milliner’s shop assistant (1911); married George Herbert Mason Robinson, a grocer’s assistant (1911), in 1915; married Charles Murray Douthwaite, a certified accountant and transport consultant (1939), in 1920

Johnson died on 24 January 1911 at Hull, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/331

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers