Sherwin, Ann (nee Gregory) (1839-1912)

zoom

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

The Bradwell Circuit has lost a link with the past by the death of Ann Sherwin, of Culver. Born June 12th, 1839, when fifteen years of age she experienced a change of heart which gave her a thirst for knowledge, especially of that kind which would fit her for Christian service.

When only sixteen years of age she was authorised by the Bradwell Circuit Quarterly Meeting to occupy our pulpits, and it was soon evident that God had endowed her with special gifts. By the time she was twenty-one years of age she was in great demand for pulpit service, not only in her native Circuit, but in various parts of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. At the denominational jubilee she was amongst the speakers at the camp meeting. 

Her most strenuous life as a local preacher fell upon a time when long journeys had to be taken on foot, often in dark and stormy weather and she had to return after Sabbath evening services so as to be ready for mill work at six o’clock. Her intellectual faculties were above the average; she possessed a most retentive memory, and was a diligent reader. She had the Connexional spirit, and loved her own Church. Possessing character and gifts for a higher station, she was called to serve God in the humble walk of village life, and to that call she responded during a period of sixty years. 

Her death came with tragic suddenness on June 22nd, 1912, and she was interred by the Vicar in Curbar Churchyard. A beautiful and well-attended valedictory service in our Culver Chapel was held on July 7th, when Rev. J. Hancock, by special request, preached her funeral sermon, the Rev. John T. Goodacre assisting in the service. We shall miss her long and deeply.

Family

Ann was born on 12 June 1839 at Calver, Derbyshire, to parents Thomas Gregory, who worked the land (1861), and Elizabeth Cocker.

Ann worked asa cotton spinner before her marriage (1861).

She married Seth Sherwin (1831-1900), a farmer (1881), in the summer of 1876 at Bradwell PM Chapel, Derbyshire.

Ann died on 22 June 1912 at Calver, Derbyshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/409

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers