Esther Ann Rhodes, 1879

A small commemoration card for Esther Ann Rhodes, who died just two days old on Friday 17th January, 1879. She was born in Hainworth to father Isaac Rhodes and mother Isabella Rhodes (nee Towers). Esther Ann was interred at St John’s Church in Ingrow the following day.

The card carried a short poem: “This lovely bud, so young and fair, Called hence by early doom, Just came to show how sweet a flower, In paradise would bloom.”

The vicar in charge at St. John’s at the time was the Reverend Henry Weldy Marychurch, who was vicar from 1874 to 1882.

Esther had a twin sister, Susannah, who went on to marry William Henry Scattergood in 1905. They had two sons – Frank and Henry. Henry had two daughters – Coral and Jean.

The card was part of a collection brought along by Jean Battye (nee Scattergood) to a History Open Day held at St John’s Church on 3rd November 2019. The portrait of Rev. Marychurch and the photograph of the church are from the church’s archive.

The church of St. John’s is celebrating its 180th anniversary this year, with special services and a open-afternoon on 12th March 2023. Come along and discover more tales in connection with the church.

Author: Admin Tim

Tim is a committee member of the Keighley and District Local History Society, with responsibilities for archiving the physical and digital collections, and managing some of the social media channels. He moved to Keighley about 15 years ago and joined the Society to learn more about the area.

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