Burton, Hannah (nee Hardy) (abt1838-1905)

zoom

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1906

Transcription of Obituary in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by E. Quine

Our society at Cressbrook, in the Bradwell circuit, has sustained a great loss by the death of Mrs. Hannah Burton.

Mrs. Burton was a native of Winster, where she was a scholar in our Sunday School. When sixteen years old she gave her heart to the Lord, whom she has so long and faithfully served. She became a member, and has maintained that honourable connection for fifty-one years.

At the age of twenty-two she was married to Mr. John Burton, society steward of our church there. Removing shortly afterwards to Litton, they opened their house for preaching services, and also started a Sunday School. Eight years later they took up their residence at Cressbrook, where they repeated their pioneering experience, and their home has ever since served as our chapel and Sunday School.

Their devotion to their Lord and loyalty to our cause is strikingly shown in the arrangements made for worship in their house. One-half is converted into one long room, which is entirely set apart for our use. A miniature pulpit, a harmonium, and seats give it quite a chapel-like appearance. In that room a congregation of fifty, and a Sunday School of about fifty, meet Sabbath by Sabbath.

Our sister was a true mother in Israel. She was always ready to help in cases of sickness and distress, and unwearying in any work for the cause she held so dear. Her home, wherever she lived, was always open for the preachers of the Word.

The last few weeks of her life were darkened as the world counts darkness. Her beloved partner was injured in the eye while at his work, and had to go to a hospital at Manchester, while she lay suffering at home. She had, however, the joy of seeing him return partially recovered, and her last days were her best. Just before her death she exclaimed, “There is my crown, and it is a bright one.” She died September 12th, and was buried at Winster. Besides her sorrowing husband, she leaves five sons, two of whom are local preachers with us, and four daughters. Her record as a saintly mother stands in the fact that all her children are members of her beloved church.

Family

Hannah was born abt 1838 at Winster to parents Michael, a lead miner, and Elizabeth. She was baptised on 28 January 1838 at Winster, Derbyshire.

She married John Burton (abt1835-1912), a lead miner, on 8 November 1859 at Winster. Census returns identify nine children.

• George (b1860) – a locomotive engine driver (1911)
• William (1862-1917) – a basalt quarry foreman (1911)
• Emma (abt1865-1935) – married William Thomas Swarbrick, a lime works manager (1911), in 1888
• Frank (b1867) – a foreman at lime works (1911)
• Sarah Elizabeth (1870-1951) – married Richard Henry Lomas, a yarn tester (1911), in 1896
• John (b1872) – an engine driver at cotton mill (1911)
• Lydia Ann (1874-1959) – married Thomas William Lomas, a railway engine stoker (1911), in 1903
• Michael (1876-1961) – a stationary engine driver (1911)
• Blanche (b1879) – a cotton reeler (1911)

Hannah died on 12 September 1905.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine1906/829

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers