Yeomans, Robert Habberley (1852-1913)

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

Brother Robert Habberley Yeomans was born at Wytheford, Salop, on July 6th, 1853. His mother was for several years society steward at Shawbury Heath on the Hadnall station, and the boy’s earliest associations were with God’s house and people. Hence he grew up to be a sober and well-conducted young man. It was not for several years, however, that he gave his life to Christ.

He began to preach in 1880, and for upwards of thirty years was a useful and acceptable local preacher in the pulpits of the Hadnall and adjacent circuits. Mr. Yeomans was studious and thoughtful, and some of his sermons will long be remembered. No one was more respected than he, and had he wished he might frequently have represented his circuit in District gatherings.

A good singer, he for several years conducted the singing at Shawbury Heath. At Westcott, to which place he afterwards removed, he was class leader and Sunday School superintendent, though his chief delight was in preaching. Brother Yeomans was greatly attached to his own Church, a regular reader of its literature and supporter of its missionary work, but he was large-hearted enough to appreciate the labours of other Christian communities.

About twelve months ago his health began to fail, and he was forced to relinquish his duties. On Sunday, February 2nd, God called him. A large concourse followed his remains to the grave at Myddle on February 5th, and on Sunday, February 23rd, Mr. James Edge preached a funeral sermon to a large and sympathetic congregation. We pray that God may sustiain the sorrowing widow.

Family

Robert was born on 6 July 1853 at Wytheford, Shropshire, to parents William Yeomans, a labourer, and Emma Habberley. He was baptised on 31 July 1853 at Shawbury, Shropshire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Robert.