Spence, Margaret Jane (nee Armstrong) (1859-1915)

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

Tempest Place Church, Seaham Harbour, has suffered loss in the death of Mrs. M. Spence, wife of Joseph Spence, who was for many years choirmaster at the church. 

Mrs. Spence was of a loving and exceedingly kind disposition, endeared to her family, who mourn her loss in great sorrow. Two of the sons have joined the Army. Our sister suffered much, but always bore it with Christian fortitude. A devout Christian, her quiet, unobtrusive life was one of rich influence, her self-sacrifice was of the noblest, and she would place herself at any disadvantage rather than cause offence. At a church bazaar she was always a willing worker, delighting in the afternoon sewing meeting. 

Her death came with startling suddenness on April 6th, at the age of fifty-five. The interment at Seaham Harbour Cemetery was conducted by the minister of the circuit.

Family

Margaret was born in the summer of 1859 at Washington, Co. Durham, to parents Thomas Armstrong and Elizabeth Carter.

She married Joseph Spence (abt1859-1939), a coal miner (1891), in the spring of 1880 in the Easington Registration District, Co. Durham. Census returns identify three children.

• Elizabeth (1880-1944) – married John Thirlbeck Holland, a boiler maker (1901), in 1906
• Robert (1883-1977) – an airway man (under ground) (1911); colliery deputy overman (1939)
• Thomas Armstrong (1886-1967) – a coal miner (1911)

Margaret died on 6 April 1915 at Seaham Harbour, Co. Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1915/663

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers