Youngson, Alexander (1838-1909)

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by H. Aldridge

Mr. Alexander Youngson, an esteemed member of the Dalling Road Church, Hammersmith, was called to the higher service March 17th, 1909. He was a native of Newcastle-on-Tyne and in his infancy was taken to the Church meeting in Nelson Street. His recollections of early days were peculiarly vivid and interesting. Though he grew to manhood in connection with this Church, he was not converted till death took away from him a little daughter during his residence at Darlington.

In the year 1874 he removed to London, and ultimately “settled down” in Hammersmith, where the last twenty-seven years of his life were spent. At the time of his coming the Society, which was small, met in an unpretentious School Chapel. He joined it and from that time has been actively and prominently identified with it. Regular in his attendance at the public services, a staunch supporter of class and prayer meetings, for many year Chapel Steward and Society Steward  giving liberally of his time, energy and money to the cause he loved so sincerely, he has proved himself to be “a good and faithful servant.” Together with his wife, whose wisdom and affection enriched his life, he found in his Church recreation and social intercourse, the means of usefulness and public service. They believed in the Divine Mission of their Church to perfect their own lives and to save the world.

When growing infirmities compelled him to retire from his official duties, and afterwards confined him to his home his life was sadly impoverished. But in his heart were “the Highways of Zion” and “the Lord’s work” had a foremost place in his thought and prayer. Such indeed was his interest in the Church that the visitation of his minister was purposely curtailed, because his enquiries concerning the activities of the Church and the conversation arising therefrom, caused unnecessary suffering. 

In his seventy-second year after a period of acute pain, he passed away highly respected by all his associates for his manly independence, his sterling Christian character, his long and devoted service to Christ and His Church.

Family

Alexander was born in 1838 at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, to parents Alexander, a warehouseman (1841), and Eleanor. He was baptised on 18 November 1838 at Newcastle upon Tyne.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Alexander.

• 1851 scholar
• 1861 plumber & gas fitter
• 1871 plumber
• 1881 engine fitter
• 1891 insurance agent
• 1901 life insurance agent

He married Lucy Wilkinson (1838-1922)  in late 1865 at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. Census returns identify two children.         

• Hannah Mary (1867-1878)
• Lily Gertrude (1869-1874)

Alexander died on 17 March 1909 at Hammersmith, London.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/653

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers