Cunningham, John (1837-1904)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1905

Transcription of Obituary in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Enoch Shepherd

Manchester Tenth Circuit has suffered at great loss by the death of Mr. John Cunningham, which took place on August 7th, 1904, in his sixth-seventh year.

Mr. Cunningham was a true child of Primitive Methodism. His father and mother were highly respected and devoted members of the Saul Street Society, Preston. Thither he was taken when a child. While still a youth he was induced to consecrate his life to Jesus Christ and His Church. Having a good voice and being extremely fond of singing, he was asked to join the choir at Saul Street. To the last the memory of those early years spent, in the choir were precious to him.

For forty-seven years he was a local preacher. The journeys were long and lonely in the Preston Circuit, but he could always be relied upon to take his appointments. He was especially fond of open-air mission work. Camp-meeting days were anticipated by him with great pleasure. He threw himself into the work with much fervour. In the love feast and prayer meeting he found his crowning joy. As a class leader he greatly excelled. He was never a “half-timer.” In this he was well trained. When a boy at home he went with five other members of the family two miles to Sunday school, and he had to be there at nine o‘clock. Then home to dinner, and back to school for two o’clock; home to tea, and back for service at six o’clock: thus walking Sunday by Sunday twelve miles – and this was done winter and summer.

The exigencies of his occupation led to his removal from several places, but wherever he went he was loyal to his own Church. He was proud of her history, devoted to her interest, and found his chief joy in her service. Citizenship to him was a sacred trust. Like the ancient prophets of Israel, he was an ardent politician. For some time he was a member of Eccles Town Council.

He took a general interest in Christian work. He was a good organiser. His enthusiasm for work could not be quenched. Blessed with a healthy and strong constitution, he scarcely knew what sickness was until some fifteen months before his death. But during these months he suffered greatly. Yet during this time he undertook to assist in working the Barton Mission, and week days and Sundays he was found doing his best right till the last.

A few days before his death he was greatly blessed. He clasped his hands, and gave glory to God for His mercy, grace, and full salvation. He said, “All is well, I am quite ready. There is no fear. The Lord is with me.” Thus in the clear light, with the peace of God in his mind, and the joy of the Lord in his heart, our brother passed to be with Christ for ever.

Family

John was born in 1837 at Preston, Lancashire, to parents Edward, a bread baker, and Isabella.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.

1861 power loom cotton weaver
1871 tape sizer & Methodist local preacher
1881 insurance agent
1891 assurance superintendent
1901 insurance agent

John married Elizabeth Cross (1836-1900) in the summer of 1859 at Preston, Lancashire. Census returns identify eight children.

Mary Ann (1860-1930) – married Thomas Preston Lord, a shipping merchant (1911), in 1883
John Edward (b1862) – an insurance collector (1881)
Isabella (1868-1950) – a domestic servant (1891); married Joseph Ward, a cabinet maker, in 1892
Edith Annie (1870-1889)
Millie (abt1873-1954) – a draper’s assistant (1891); married Henry Entwisle, a civil engineer, in 1898
Ada May (1878-1966) – married Ernest Sharples, a clerk (1911), in 1904
Beatrice (1880-1887)
Thomas (b1881) – a furnace stoker (1911)

John died at 16 Bolton Road, Pendleton, Salford.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1905/578

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers