Smith, Hannah (nee Johnston, nee Dobie) (1839-1913)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by T.H.B.

The name of Hannah Smith, the wife of Mr. James Smith, is fragrant with many holy memories to all who were privileged to know her, and her passing to the Homeland leaves a vacant place that will never be filled. 

Our beloved sister was born in Maryport in the year 1840, and became associated with our Church when, sixteen years old. At twenty-six years of age she removed to Silloth, and it was at about this time she made a definite choice of Jesus as her Saviour. There being no Primitive Methodist chapel near, she opened her kitchen for the services of our Church, and a strong, robust cause was established. When a chapel was erected our sister was its outstanding character and spirit. 

For the last twenty-seven years she resided in Barrow-in-Furness. It has been a fine privilege to be near to her heart during the last year of her stay with us here. Deeps of tenderness and compassion were hidden there because she lived on the heights with God. It was a gladsome sight to see how her face lit up with a divine halo in the latter days when we went to prayer. God was her Friend; he filled every part of her life. The church where she worshipped had written its name deep on her spirit. 

She had a love of the poor and needy akin to God’s love of them. For these and for the house of God no gift was too great, no offering too precious. But she is gone from us and behind is a fragrance such as flowers leave in a room through which they have passed. Her end was peace indeed. No suffering could ruffle the spiritual calm and serenity within. She was sure of God. In the early hours of June 13th, 1913, she passed into the glory, and she rests in the eternal peace.

Family

Hannah was born in late 1839 at Maryport, Cumberland, to parents George Dobie and Hannah Fisher.

Before her marriage Hannah worked as a domestic servant (1861).

She had a child, Ruth (1861-1863) before her marriage.

She married Robert Johnston (1839-1868) in late 1865 in the Wigton Registration District, Cumberland. Census returns identify one child.

• Mary J (b1866) – a confectioner & baker (1891)

She married James Smith (1833-1916), a baker and confectioner (1901), in late 1875 in the Wigton Registration District, Cumberland. Census returns identify one child.

• Isabella (b1876) – a baker’s shop assistant (1901)

Hannah died on 13 June 1913 at Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/995

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers