IN LOVING MEMORY OF

JOSEPH EDMONDSON

OF GOADSBARROW FARM, ROOSE BECK

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JULY 22ND 1906

AGED 86 YEARS

“SORROW VANQUISHED, LABOUR ENDED,

JORDAN PASSED”

ALSO OF ANN HIS WIFE

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JULY 9TH 1931

AGED 105 YEARS

Died at 105

MRS. EDMONDSON’S PEACEFUL END

PASSED ON IN HER SLEEP

THE GRAND OLD LADY OF FURNESS

There will be widespread regret at the news of the death of Mrs. Edmondson, of The Moorings, Roosebeck, the grand old lady of Furness, which occurred on Thursday night week (sic) shortly after nine o’clock.

               Mrs. Edmondson, who celebrated her 105th birthday on June 28th, had a remarkable long and singularly happy life, especially in her later years, when she was almost revered by her relatives and a wide circle of friends. She was the widow of the late Mr. Joseph Edmondson, and is survived by two sons and two daughters.

               She passed away in the most peaceful way one could imagine. She had a visitor during the evening with whom she conversed in a particularly lively and animated fashion, and later dropped off to sleep. In less than a quarter of an hour she had passed away. Her doctor had declared that there was absolutely no physical defect in her despite her wonderful age, and that the end would come just as it did. She fell into a deep sleep.

               Mrs. Edmondson was known wide and far and was the possessor of many congratulatory messages, including some from the King. She had lived at Goadsbarrow for more than 70 years. Born at Stank, she was able to recall the days when Barrow was a mere fishing village, and she witnessed the first train coming into Barrow.

               She lost her husband, who was born at Gleaston, 26 (sic) years ago.

               “Hard work and plenty of it” was Mrs. Edmondson’s recipe for her longevity. She had an excellent memory, and even in her later years her faculties were practically unimpaired.

               On her last birthday her health seemed to have shown an improvement, but the celebrations on that occasion were marred by the death a day or two earlier of one of her daughters, Miss Elizabeth Edmondson, but a sympathetic family, however, did not disturb the old lady with the news that a daughter to whom she was so devotedly attached had died.

               On the occasion of her 100th birthday, which was marked by the receipt of a congratulatory message from the King and Queen, Mrs. Edmondson went for her first ride in a motor-car. She was driven along the Coast-road by her son, accompanied by her daughter, her grand-daughter, and great grand-daughter, and on returning home remarked how thoroughly she had enjoyed the outing.

A LARGE GATHERING OF MOURNERS

The funeral took place on Monday at Dendron, there being a large attendance of relatives and friends. The first part of the service was held at “The Moorings”, Roosebeck, the Rev. Walter Steels in place of the Rev. Seth Swithenbank, of Keswick, for years a very close friend of the deceased lady, who was prevented from attending owing to the Wesleyan Conference at Birmingham. It is singular that Mrs. Edmondson was buried on the first day of this year’s conference, whilst her husband’s funeral took place on the last day of the conference 25 years ago. On arrival of the cortege at Dendron, a service was held in the church, at which the Vicar, Rev. J. W. Gillbanks, and the Rev. W. Steels took part. Two of the deceased’s favourite hymns were sung. “Rock of ages cleft for me” and Art thou weary, art thou languid,” the church being filled to the utmost capacity. At the graveside the Rev. J. W. Gillbanks officiated.

               Among the general mourners was Mrs. Pickthall, who claims to be Mrs. Edmondson’s first maid 70 years ago.

               The chief mourners were:- Coun. T. Edmondson and Miss Edmondson, son and daughter; Mrs. Capt. Watkinson, daughter; Mr. and Mrs J. Edmondson, son and daughter-in-law; Mrs. G. Edmondson, daughter-in-law; Miss. E. A. Edmondson, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Watkinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. D. Edmondson, Mrs. T. W. Dickson, Messrs. Stanley and Maurice Edmondson, and Mr. A. Whalley, grandchildren; Mr. and Mrs. Satterthwaite (Kirkby), Mrs. Williamson (Barrow), Mrs. M. Edmondson (Barrow), Mrs. G. Atkinson (Barrow) … (plus 14 others).

               Among the general mourners were Mrs. Walker (Millom), Mrs. Douglas (Broughton), Mr. R. Crossfield J.P. and Miss Crossfield (Ulverston), Mr. R. S. Crossfield (Arnside), …. (plus 70+ others).

               There were numerous floral tributes, notably amongst which was one from the Stank residents, where the deceased lady was born 105 years ago.

“This Memorable Occasion”

ROYAL MESSAGE TO BARROW CENTENARIAN

MRS. ANNE EDMONDSON

The people of Barrow and district will join with the King and Queen in extending congratulations to Mrs. Anne Edmondson, of Goadsbarrow Farm, upon the attainment of her 100th birthday last Monday.

               When one of our reporters called at the Farm in the morning the old lady had just come downstairs and seated herself in her comfortable armchair. She had not time to go through the numerous letters and telegrams of congratulations. Amongst them was a Royal message from Buckingham Place, dated 26th June1926, which our reporter had the privilege of reading to her. It had already been opened by a member of the family and ran as follows:-

“Dear Madam

It has been brought to the notice of the King and Queen that on June 28th you will celebrate your 100th birthday, and I am desired to convey to you Their Majesties’ sincere congratulations and best wishes on this memorable occasion.

               The King and Queen trust that you are in good health, and that the remainder of your days may be peaceful and happy.

                              Yours very truly

                                             CLIVE WIGRAM”

“Very nice, very nice indeed,” was the grateful comment of Mrs. Edmondson on hearing the message read. She also received a thoughtful and kindly message from the ex-Bishop of Barrow, now Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand, and about 50 others, including those from India, South Africa, and other parts of the world. The Bishop of Barrow (the Rev. H. S. Pelham) was an early caller to convey his congratulations.

               Mrs. Edmondson looked well and happy. She celebrated her centenary quietly at home amongst her own relatives. Of a family of 11 children, five sons and six daughters – three sons and three daughters are living, while Mrs. Edmondson has seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. There are thus four generations in the family. Mrs. Edmondson’s husband, who was born at Gleaston, died 26 years ago, at the age of 86 years.

               Mrs. Edmondson first saw the light of day on 28th June, 1826, and she attributes her longevity to “hard work and plenty of it.” She has lived on the farm where she now dwells for 65 years. This is a very old building erected in 1663, but an addition was built in 1733. It is delightfully situated a very short distance from the sea front, surrounded by beautiful shrubs and flowers, while everything within is “wondrous, neat and clean.” (This is a quote from a popular poem Little Jim (The Collier's Dying Child) by Edward Farmer (1809-1876) - RMW).

               The old lady can recall when Barrow was a mere fishing village. In company with her late husband she witnessed the first train come in to Barrow. She has travelled in trains herself, but never in a motor-car. “Not yet,“ she said hopefully, in answer to a question. When asked if she could still read and sew she replied: “Well, I do a bit.”

               Mrs. Edmondson is no lover of publicity, but she is a charming old lady, whom it was a real pleasure to meet and greet on this eventful anniversary.

               Mrs. Edmondson had her first ride in a motor-car on Tuesday. She was driven by her son along the new Coast Road, and was also accompanied by her daughter, her grand-son and her great grand-daughter. The old lady thoroughly enjoyed the run, and on getting back home remarked she could have done with more.

THE MAYOR’S LETTER OF HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS

The Mayor (Ald. Ellison, J.P.), has sent the following letter to Mrs. Edmondson, who was 100 on Monday:-

Dear Mrs. Edmondson, - I have noted with very great interest and pleasure that you have now attained your hundredth birthday, and desire to offer you most hearty congratulations, not only on behalf of the Mayoress and myself, but also on behalf of your near neighbours, the inhabitants of Barrow-in-Furness. I hope that you may continue to enjoy the measure of health and happiness which is yours today. I have happy recollections of enjoying your hospitality in the days of my childhood and early youth. Yours, most sincerely, (signed) C. G. B. Ellison.

               Congratulations were also sent from the Rev. S. Swithenbank, of Whitehaven, chairman of the district representing the Wesleyan Church; also all the circuit ministers, and the Rev. J. J. Smith, of Filey, Yorkshire, an old friend of the family.