Walton, Harrison (1851-1894)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference by W.

HARRISON WALTON, the son of Thomas and Jane Walton, was born at Prize, Westgate station in 1851. Very early in life religious impressions were made upon his mind in the Primitive Methodist school, but not until he was in his twentieth year did he realise a distinct change of heart. This took place in a revival conducted by the late R. Wheatley, of Blyth. He had few opportunities for the culture of his mind, being sent to work at an early age. After giving himself to God he determined on mental growth. There was an exceptionally fine library connected with the Sunday School of which he became a teacher, and the best books were eagerly perused by him with great advantage. 

Three years after his conversion he was recommended for the plan, and became a uselocal preacher. He received considerable aid from the following ministers—Revs. W. Bowe, H. Yooll (late), and J.Snaith. It was during the ministry of Mr. Snaith that he was recommended as a suitable candidate for the ministry. He passed the required examination and entered the Institute at Sunderland in July, 1879. He travelled in the following stations-Alysham, Briston, Lowestoft, Walton, Wakefield, Chester, and Dent, with the blessing of God and some measure of success. 

In the last named station he struggled bravely with an affliction which at a later date proved fatal. During his two years in this circuit he was obliged to take rest, hoping by such to recover and return in full vigour to the work he so much loved. The Conference of 1893 granted him temporary relief for one year, and put him down for Docking, where he only remained a short time, it being against rather than for his health. He was next sent to Glastonbury. After being there a few weeks he wrote saying he thought it was just the place for him, and with a little care ere long he would be fully himself again; but on January 9th he was taken suddenly worse, and the next day passed peacefully away. 

The interment took place in Glastonbury on January 16th. He was in his 43rd year, and the fourteenth year of his ministry. His affliction was prolonged and painful, but borne in a Christian spirit. A few hours before death he said, ‘I think the end is drawing near.’ He was not afraid of it, but confident that his blessed Saviour was all-sufficient in an hour like that! The only thing that gave him any anxiety was the fact of leaving his wife and five dear little children. He was a man of grip, a great reader, and keen debater. On completing his probation he married Miss Taylor, of Sunderland; but after a brief union he was called upon to give her up. After the lapse of a few years he was united to the lady who now deeply mourns his loss.

Family

Harrison was born in 1851 at Stanhope, Co. Durham, to parents Thomas Walton, an ironstone miner (1861), and Jane Emerson.

Before entering the ministry Harrison was a driver of horses (1871).

He married Ann Isabella Taylor (1858- 1885) in the summer of 1883 in the Houghton le Spring Registration District, Co. Durham. Census returns identify two children.

• William Gladstone  (1884-1934) – a horseman on a farm (1901)        
• Thomas Taylor (1885-1951) – a commercial traveller (1911)

He married Charlotte Clarke (1865-1933) in early 1887 at Wakefield, Yorkshire. Census returns identify three children.

• Lottie (1888-1895)              
• Harrison Edward (1890-1905)         
• Edith Jane (1892-1915)

Harrison died on 11 January 1894 at Glastonbury, Somerset.

Circuits

• Sunderland
• 1879 Aylsham
• 1881 Briston
• 1882 Lowestoft
• 1883 Watton
• 1886 Wakefield
• 1888 Chester II
• 1891 Dent
• 1893 Docking

References

PM Minutes 1894/25

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers