Wheildon, Alfred (1829-1907)
Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W. Robson
Alfred Wheildon, of the Cheadle Circuit, was born April 4th, 1829, and born again in 1849. Very soon he was called to preach and to lead the class at Foxt, where he then resided. On removing to Ashbourne he offered to recommence the Sunday School; his example stimulated others and a splendid harvest has been reaped at that place. His intense spirituality was evidenced by his devotion to the Class Meeting and by his preaching, which was often accompanied with great power and fruitful in conversions. He was fond of special services and Camp Meetings.
A strong Temperance man, industrious, and living an active, simple life he was deservedly popular. Twice he served as delegate to District Meeting and once to Conference. About two years ago his wife was called to the higher service and he never rallied from the shock of her death, and his health gradually failed. He longed to be able to reach Mow Cop Camp Meeting and to preach in every place in the circuit once more before he died, but he was twice smitten down with paralysis and on July 8th, 1907, passed away.
The funeral service, on July 11th, was conducted by the circuit minister in the little chapel at Blakele Lane and Mr. S. Mottram spoke in glowing terms of the worth of his departed friend. Bro. T. Chadwick led in prayer and then the long procession drove to Kingsley Churchyard, where the circuit minister conducted the burial service.
There is a deep sense of loss throughout the circuit which he has so long and so faithfully served; but we joy to know that he is gone to his well earned rest as well as to the greater work for which he has been preparing.
Family
Alfred was born on 4 April 1829 at Foxt, Ipstones, Staffordshire, to parents John, a sawyer (1851), and Hannah. He was baptised on 21 June 1829 at Ipstones, Staffordshire.
Census returns identify the following occupations for Alfred.
- 1851 sawyer
- 1861 wheelwright
- 1871 wheelwright & farmer of 31 acres
- 1881 farmer of 107 acres
- 1891 farmer & farm bailiff
- 1901 farmer
He married Ann Mear (1837-1905) on 14 October 1858 at St Giles, Cheadle, Staffordshire. Census returns identify five children.
- Anne (Annie) (b1859)
- Edmund (1861-1938) – a rate collector (1911)
- Emily (1864-1912) – married Bennett Fallows, a farmer, in 1888
- Mary Elizabeth (1868-1902) – married Joseph Bullock, a farmer, in 1898
- Alice Gertrude (1883-1958) – married John Henry Ridge, a railway guard (1911), in 1907
Alfred died on 8 July 1907 at Consall, Staffordshire..
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/411
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
Note: Most records spell the surname Whieldon,
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