Shucksmith, Thomas (1828-1909)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.W.W.

MR. THOMAS SHUCKSMITH of Barnsley, fell asleep in Jesus on May 2nd, 1909, at the ripe age of eighty-one. Converted at Scotter in early manhood, he joined the Primitives over fifty years ago and was a recognised, local preacher over forty years.

During the Crimean War he enlisted on the battleship, “Hastings,” saw several engagements, and was once under fire for twelve hours when the ship was on the rocks. He took part in the capture of Sebastapol and served in the trenches there.

For some forty-four years he was a member at Westgate, Barnsley First. An old-fashioned Primitive, he loved his church, enjoyed its fellowships and camp-meetings and its evangelistic fervour. His preaching and prayers were full of nautical phrases. Within a few months of the end he lost his sight, but was very patient during his affliction, and greatly enjoyed the visits and prayers of his brethren. To him Christ was precious.

A funeral service was conducted by Rev. J.W. Waddell, assisted by several local preachers. He also conducted a memorial service in Westgate Chapel, making fitting reference to the life and service of this good, earnest, heroic man, who will not soon be forgotten. “Let me live the life of the righteous and let my last end be like his.”

Family

Thomas was born abt1828 at Ingham, Lincolnshire, to parents Joseph, who worked the land, and Sarah. He was baptised on 6 April 1828 at Spridlington, Lincolnshire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.

• 1841 no occupation
• 1851 farm labourer
• 1861 agricultural labourer
• 1871 carter and PM local preacher
• 1881 farm labourer
• 1901 retired drayman

A short obituary in the Sheffield Daily Telegraph (6 May 1909) records that Thomas joined the Royal Marines at the age of 23 and saw service on the following vessels; Merlin, Hastings and Dee. he received a wound on the latter vessel which put an end to his military career.

He married Jane Cordock (1831-1863) on 6 June 1853 at St Marylebone, Westminster, London. Census returns identify two children.

• William Cordock (1856-1921) – a grocer (1871); a clothier’s traveller (1891); a credit draper (1901)
• Charles Henry (1861-1861) 

He married Mary Jane Waller, nee Pollard (1838-1913)  on 23 September 1866 at St Mary, Barnsley, Yorkshire.                        

• Herbert (1867-1952) – a fruiterer and grocer (1911)
• Charles Henry (1871-1932) – a coke drawer (1911)
• Sarah Jane (1873-1944) – a linen weaver (1911); married William Graham in 1913
• Martha (1875-1924) – married William Joseph Platts, a cool miner, in 1895

Mary had a daughter, Isabella (b abt1864) from a previous relationship.

Thomas died on 2 May 1909 at Barnsley, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/830

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers