Johnson, Alfred (1844-1918)

Christian Messenger 1911

Transcription of ‘Sketch’ In the Christian Messenger

MR. ALFRED JOHNSON, of the Burslem Circuit, was born in 1844, at Whiston. In his early years he attended the P.M. Sunday School, but having to go to work at seven years of age, he associated with ungodly companions, and before he reached manhood was a confirmed drunkard, gambler and poacher. Coming in 1866 to reside at Pittshill, he was persuaded to go to a week-night service at which the late Rev. W.E. Saunders was preaching. Convicted of sin, before leaving the meeting he realised his sins forgiven. Our brother could neither read nor write, and he immediately set himself the task of learning. Three years after his conviction he became a Local Preacher and Class leader. For nearly 40 years he has been a Sunday school superintendent at Pittshill, Hamil Road and Etruria.

At the last named place he still holds that position, and during this long period has not been late three times. He has had much success as a preacher, being in great demand for “specials.” As a Class leader he has been a distinct success, the meeting never drags when he has charge, but is made one of the brightest and most attractive of services. At 66 years of age, Bro. Johnson continues in “full” work. He is now connected with Etruria, taking up the work there a few years ago, at the request of the Quarterly Meeting. Though the church is a considerable distance from his home, when not out preaching he will be found at his post three times every Sunday. He was Vice-Chairman of the Mow Cop Camp Meeting Committee of the recent Centenary Conference, and rendered devoted service in connection therewith. May he long be spared to continue the work he loves so well.

J. E. WOODFIELD.

Family and other information

Alfred was baptised on 21 April 1844 at Ipstones, Staffordshire. His parents were Joseph and Ellen (Helen). Joseph was an iron miner.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Alfred.

  • 1861 iron miner
  • 1871 coal miner
  • 1881 miner and grocer
  • 1891 sewing machine agent
  • 1901 road foreman
  • 1911 road foreman

Alfred married Hannah Jennings (abt1847-1878) in the spring of 1867 at Wolstanton, Staffordshire. Census returns identify five children.

  • Arthur (b1869) a political agent (1911)
  • Susan (1871-1954) – married Charles Edwin Bloor, a commission agent (1911), in 1894
  • Emma (b1873)
  • Ellen (b abt1875) – a servant (1891)
  • Herbert (b abt1878) – an earthenware traveller (1911)

Alfred married Lydia Elizabeth Mayfield (1855-1896) in early 1880 at Wolstanton, Staffordshire. Census returns identify five children.

  • Hannah (1880-1916) – married John Wootton, a potter’s placer, in 1899
  • Esther Jane (abt1883-1966) – married Edward Farmer, a coal miner, in 1901
  • Victoria (b1886)
  • Mabel Gertrude (1892-1977) – a pottery worker (1911); married Frederick Henshaw in 1917; married Edward Roberts in 1941
  • Alfred Joseph (1894-1918) – a plumber’s apprentice (1911); killed on HMS Glatton in WW1

Alfred married Elizabeth Emma Heapy, nee Ridgway (1853-1916) in the summer of 1901 at Wolstanton, Staffordshire.

Alfred died on 30 October 1918 at Wolstanton, Staffordshire.

References

Christian Messenger 1911/186

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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