Ancestor Conversion Stories: John Albiston

John Albiston was born 3 June, 1782 in Congleton, Cheshire, England. I found no record of when he joined the church, but his wife was baptized on 15 August 1840 and I assume he joined at about that time. In 1841 he became the second person in England to be ordained a Patriarch. He died in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Lancaster, England in 1849.

Here is a photo from a record about his ordination as a Patriarch:

The following is taken from a tribute or obituary that was written by his son John and sent to church headquarters to notify them of the passing of the patriarch:

Death of the Patriarch John Albiston.

Ridge Hill Lane, Stayley Bridge, June 4th, 1849

Dear President, We are sorry to inform you that our dearly beloved and very much respected father and patriarch, John Albiston, died of a fourth stroke of the palsy on the 2nd instant. His death is deeply lamented; yea, we feel to mourn the loss of so meek, so lowly, so gentle, and affectionate a father. But we sorrow not as those without hope, for we know that his death was the death of the righteous, and we hope that when we have to put off mortality (or be changed) our last end may be like unto his, and that we may all meet him in the eternal mansions of our God, there to enjoy his valuable company in a world without end. Amen.

The last few years of his life has been one scene of poverty and of crosses, and trials of an afflicting nature, which he has borne with the greatest patience and resignation. He has often said in our public meetings that his trials were hard to bear, but that his religion afforded him great consolation, and that he was willing to suffer all things that he might be called to endure, because he know that he was a member of the true church of God. He would often say, I am a living witness for God, and I consider myself highly honoured, because I know his truth and his power. The sick are healed, and his power is in this church, and my soul delights in it. Brethren and sisters, be loving and obedient; strive which can love the Saviour best; show by your every day walk that you are his people; serve the Lord a day at once, and if possible serve him every day better, &c., and the Lord will bless you.

Since he was taken with the last stroke (before his fatal one) he has not been enabled to walk, only by getting hold of the mantel-piece, and holding to the furniture; but under these circumstances he was always cheerful, and the Saints were always blessed with his company whenever they went to see him, and many were healed by his administration even while he was sick. He often joined in singing beyond his strength, and at his request he was frequently conducted to the meeting room, sometimes by two of the brethren, sometimes by one; his arms over their shoulders, walking through the streets with trembling limbs and palsied steps; and being in this manner conducted to his seat, he would sit there and join with all his heart in the worship of God, until liberty was given to the Saints to tell their experience one to another. He would then lay hold of the railing at the front of the stand, and, raising himself on his feet, bear a faithful testimony, telling the Saints that he had no doubt but that he should join in the grand assembly of the angelic hosts in their songs of praise to God. He would then exhort them in the language of John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, and say "little children love another," and then leave his blessing with them. On the Sunday but one before his death he called his sons together and gave them his blessing. On the Sabbath day previous to his death he was conducted to the room, and he bore a faithful testimony, and left his blessing with all the Saints.

Thus has one of the honourable of the earth finished his course. He has kept (unreadable torn page). His deeds and words of counsel will live long in the hearts of thousands. His death is precious and his memory is blessed.

Signed, on behalf of the Ashton branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

John Albiston

Thomas J. Schofield,

John Lee

John Albiston was decently interred, June 5th, in the New Church-yard, Ashton-under-Lyne, followed by a large number of relations and Saints from the branches of Dukinfield, Newton, Mottram, and Ashton.