Drayton, John (1837-1911)

Transcription of obituary In the Christian Messenger

A LOCAL preacher of the good old type, which has been the strength and stay of our village societies, has passed away in the death of Mr. J. Drayton, of Flixboro’, in the Scunthorpe Circuit.

His life was spent in North Lincolnshire, and he possessed the sturdy Methodism, the love of religious liberty and simple piety characteristic of that part. Of Primitive Methodist ancestry, he entered the Master’s service early in life and began to preach while a young man in farm service. He was a man of grave deportment, sensitive and sympathetic nature, and uncommon sagacity. He had the preacher’s temperament and occupied the pulpit with distinct success. With great acceptance he also, for many years, filled the offices of Class leader and Sunday school superintendent. Although in early life a farm labourer, he became a tenant farmer, gradually increasing his holding, and a few years ago retired from business. At the beginning of harvest he would gather his labourers together for prayer and seek the blessing of God upon the work.

Men of such strong religious character are precious and their places are difficult to supply. Brother Drayton’s departure will leave a vacancy in our little society which will long be felt. He passed away in his seventy-fifth year, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and our deepest sympathy is with the widow and family.

J. BURKITT.

Family and other information

John was born in 1837 at Ashby, nr Scunthorpe, to parents Edward and Ann. Edward worked the land. John was baptised on 30 May 1937 at Bottesford, Lincolnshire.

John married Elizabeth Coupland (abt1838-1863) on 14 May 1861 at Kirton-in-Lindsay, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify one child.

  • Charles (b abt1862)

John married Mary A Parkinson (1829-1875) in the summer of 1866 in the Glanford Brigg Registration District, Lincolnshire.

John married Mary Harpham, nee Hawley (abt1836-1912) in early 1876 in the Gainsborough Registration District. Census returns identify two children.

  • Arthur John Cabourn (b1878) – a farmer (1911); emigrated to Canada in 1923
  • Mary Elizabeth (1880-1933) – married Frank Fletcher, a general labourer, in 1910

John died on 24 July 1911 at Flixborough, Lincolnshire.

References

Christian Messenger 1912/135

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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