Children of Henry and Hannah Richardson

A. RICHARDSON avails himself of this opportunity of informing his friends and the public, with thanks for past favors, that he intends carrying on the IRON TRADE, as heretofore, at Stockton upon Tees, and at his warehouses in Darlington and Stokesley, where the orders he may be favoured with will be duly attended to.                           (One concern.)

Stockton, Sept. 28, 1818.

NOTICE TO DEBTORS AND CREDITORS.

WHEREAS AARON RICHARDSON, of Stockton, in the county of Durham, merchant, hath duly conveyed and assigned all his real and personal estates to trustees, for the equal benefit of his creditors. Notice is hereby given, that the trust deeds are left at the office of Messrs Clarke and Grey, of Stockton, for the perusal and signatures of such of the creditors as shall elect to accept the provision thereby made for their debts, which election must be signified in writing within six months from this day.

All persons indebted to the said Aaron Richardson are requested forthwith to pay the amount of their respective debts to Mr Robert Lamb, of Stockton, who is duly authorised by the trustees to receive the same.

Stockton, April 7, 1819.

Aaron Richardson of Stockton aged 43 years. See the answers to the Retreat Qu_^^eries—A Widower had a constitutional predisposition to insanity – ^{& was of a choleric temperament} was frequently intoxicated & pride which he was never able to satisfy these [illegible word] as causes of his disorder which has been of several years continuance with intervals of [sentence ends here].

Left the house apparently well

November 26, aged 80 years, Mrs Isabel Casson, a minister in the Scoiety of Friends, and widow of the late Mr Henry Casson, of this town. Her remains were interred on Thursday, the 3rd inst., in the Friends' New Burial Ground (which is a distinct section of the Hull General Cemetery), in the presence of a very numerous concourse of people. Brief addresses at the grave-side were delivered by two ministers of the society from a distance, viz. Mr Pumphrey, of Ackworth School, and Mr Robert Jowett, of Leeds.

ISABEL CASSON,                         80           26  11 mo.  1857

Hull.  A Minister.  Widow of Henry Casson.

In attempting to preserve a brief memorial of the life of one, who may be emphatically designated as a "Mother in Israel," it is simply intended to magnify the grace of God, by which she was what she was, rather than to extol the instrument made use of, for the Lord's work and service. Isabel Casson was the daughter of Henry and Hannah Richardson, and was born at Whitby, in Yorkshire, the 4th of 3rd month, 1777. In early life, her health being delicate, and her disposition peculiarly timid, she was an object of tender solicitude to her pious and affectionate mother, whose watchful care for the spiritual welfare of her children was often feelingly adverted to by them in after life: her practice of assembling them together occasionally, for a short time of religious retirement at the close of the day, had an influence for good on their young minds never wholly lost, and to the subject of this little sketch especially, these opportunities seem to have been fraught with instruction and blessing, the fruits of which were early manifested.

Her beloved mother was removed from her family be death, when I.C. was in the 14th year of her age—a loss keenly felt by one so dependent on maternal love and tenderness; but her gracious Heavenly Father was drawing her to himself, and giving her to feel that he alone could supply her every need, as she placed her sole dependence on him, and would lead her safely and gently along in the appointed path of duty, although her lot might seem to be a solitary one. In allusion to these early visitations she frequently remarked, "When I was young, I did not like trouble, and wished things would always go smoothly, but this was not the way for me; while others were pursuing their own pleasure and gratification, in those things in which I found not peace, I have had to sit alone; but, what seasons of enjoyment were often granted me! in reading my Bible, and the experience of our early Friends, when I could speak to none of the state of my mind." About this time she paid a visit to an uncle and aunt, whose large Christian experience and consistent walk, proved very strengthening to the religious growth of their young relative, and she returned home evincing by her conduct, that she was in truth one of those who "ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, 'Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.'"

In the year 1800, I.C. left the parental roof to reside with a relative at York, where she remained many years, and was favoured to share the society and friendship of some highly-gifted and honoured instruments in the Lord's work; among these, the name of Henry Tuke may be especially mentioned, who was truly a father in Christ to the young disciple. She first spoke as a minister in 1810, and two years subsequently was recorded as such by York Monthly Meeting. Soon afterwards I.C. became a member of Hull Monthly Meeting, and in 1824 she was married to our late friend Henry Casson. This union proved to be of short duration, her husband being removed by death in about two years after their marriage. Mercifully sustained under this close bereavement, she continued diligent in the exercise of her spiritual gifts, ever anxious to be found faithfully occupying with the talents committed to her.

She was, from conviction, strongly attached to the religious Socity of Friends, and anxious to promote its prosperity; but her love flowed to all, of whatever name, "who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." Possessing in no ordinary degree that charity which "hopeth all things, believerth all things, and thinketh no evil," she rejoiced to recognise that which was good in any, earnestly endeavouring to cherish its growth, and to enlist it on behalf of those principles, she, herself, so fervently loved. In the social circle, she was a bright example of the Christian character, loving and confiding, ever desirous to improve the occasion to all around.

Isabel Casson's first considerable engagement in the ministry, was, as the companion of a friend, in a visit to the families of York Monthly Meeting. She also, at various times, travelled extensively through most parts of Great Britain; paid a general visit to friends in Ireland; and in 1843, left her native land in company with two other ministers on like service, to pay a religious visit to Friends in some parts of North America. A severe attack of illness coming on a few months previously to embarking, the effects of which she retained to the close of life in a trying affection of the head, proved a deep exercise of her faith and trust, yet, these never failed—notwithstanding the infirmities of the body, the nervous timidity which from childhood she had suffered from, and the close trial to her loving heart of the separation from her family and friends; her daily walk seemed to realize the Apostle's declaration, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Her feelings are portrayed in a few lines written on the day on which the vessel sailed, which bore her and her companions to a distant land. "The parting hour came, and we were all strengthened, with a subdued feeling, to resign each other. When we had lost sight of our loved ones, we retired to our little room, sorrow filled our hears, because we felt that tender ties were strong, and the parting poignant." The following day she writes, "My heart feels a covering of thankfulness for unmerited mercies—not a desire to be elsewhere." Soon after entering on this labour in her Divine Master's cause, she again expresses her sense of His sustaining power. "My thoughts dwell on those left behind, whilst I shrink from calculating the length of outward distance which separates us; yet, my mind bends under a quiet submission to what I never doubt is the will of my Heavenly Father; notwithstanding my sense of unworthiness, when strength comes in the needful time, I can ascribe it with heartfelt praise to Him, to whom all praise is due." The service of I.C. in America was chiefly within the compass of the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and New England, end extended over a period of nearly two years. There was abundant testimony of these Gospel labours having been to the satisfaction and edification of Friends. One, who knew her intimately, writes, "How sweetly is her memory embalmed in many of our hearts as a "Mother in Israel," fitted by the gentleness, the tenderness, the purity of her spirit, and by the largeness of her religious experience, to comfort the afflicted, counsel the waving, support and steady the feeble-minded, and nurse the lambs of the fold. Sweet to us, is the recollection of the intercourse we enjoyed with her when in this land, and while a sojourner under our roof: the precious savour of her Christian spirit and godly example will long remain. She rests in Jesus, and our duty is to bow in reverent submission to the will of God, who has gathered her to his saints."

Our dear friend had very humble views of herself, and her services in the Church, ascribing all the glory to her Lord and Master. On one occasion she writes, "I returned my certificate under a sense of unworthiness, and of having done only what appeared to be my duty. I am sensible of being an unprofitable servant." Simple faith and humble trust were marked features in her character.

At a rather late period of life, I.C. performed a visit to the families of Friends throughout York Quarterly Meeting. She also united, with lively interest, in a general visit paid by a committee of that Quarterly Meeting, to its members, in 1854. Circumstances of deep affliction, accompanied with pecuniary loss, were permitted to try the last days of this aged disciple; yet, in this season of close trial, she could adopt the language—"Goodness and mercy have followed me all my life long;" the waves and billows were not suffered to overwhelm, but proved that her "feet were set upon a rock;" her faith and confidence remained unshaken, and notwithstanding her failing health and rapidly increasing infirmities, she believed the time was come to offer, in Gospel love, a visit which had long dwelt on her mind, to some Quarterly Meetings in the South and West of England, in the spring of 1857.

She was favoured to accomplish this "evening sacrifice," and could say when about completing it, "Poor and needy as I feel, in every place, help has been mercifully afforded for the service required." The last meeting attended during this visit was at Exeter, on the 14th of 5th month, and one of peculiar solemnity.

Although symptoms of serious indisposition occurred the previous night, I.C. was not discouraged from proceeding to London on the 16th, purposing to attend the approaching Yearly Meeting, on her way home. The following morning she had a seizure of a paralytic character, from which she never entirely recovered. She was, however, so far restored as to be able to reach home, and, in the course of a few weeks, to return the Minute granted by the Monthly Meeting for this service, which she did with her wonted simplicity and humility, desiring to commemorate the help of her Divine Master to perform all that seemed required of her. Soon after this, a similar attack so much enfeebled the bodily and mental powers of the faithful labourer in the vineyard of her Lord, that she was obliged to relinquish the privilege of assembling with her friends for public worship. Those who know how highly she valued it, can estimate how great to her was the privation, although, she had often performed this duty under much bodily infirmity. The "constraining love of Christ" to work while it was day, seemed to overcome all disposition to self indulgence. It may indeed be truly said that, when not prominently engaged in the work of her Lord, her long life was very much devoted to the service of others, rather than to herself.

During the remaining months of her life, her suffering was often extreme, from neuralgic pain in the chest, but no murmur is remembered ever to have escaped her lips; she said, "I have prayed for patience, an I trust that my Heavenly Father will grant it to the end." The Holy Scriptures had always been precious to her, but now they were perused or listened to many times in the day, and some favourite hymns were frequently referred to as sources of consolation, in seasons of weakness and depression; especially the one on Silent Worship, by J.J. Gurney, some lines of which the failing memory still retained, being so much in unison with her own feelings and sentiments. She would repeat with animation the following:—

"A Minister of wondrous skill,

   True graces to impart;

He teaches all the Father's will,

   And preaches to the heart."

Again,—

"And ah! how precious is His love,

   In tenderest touches given."

Almost before the hymn could be concluded the words were anticipated,—

"And Heaven was filled with praise."

Addison's hymn—"How are thy servants blest, O Lord"—and one sent to her while engaged on religious service in America, by her beloved friend, Elizabeth Dudley, were read, or some parts recited, with peculiar interest. The latter "came to me," she remarked, "As a word of comfort, when I was feeling cast down and discouraged." The first stanza is,—

"Comfort take, though child of Sorrow,

   All is ordered well for thee;

Look not to the anxious morrow,

   'As they day thy strength shall be.'"

At one time, on its being remarked how sweet must be the prospect of rest after so much suffering—rest with Jesus—"I feel it a solemn thing to die," was the reply. The love of God in Christ Jesus, was a theme she loved to dwell upon. "The precious gift of His dear Son." On referring to her hope of salvation, on another occasion, she said, "It will be all f mercy," "Christ is all." Shortly before her close, on the medical attendant proposing some change of medicine, she observed that "it was of no use, she was going home;" and the day previous to her death she enquired "if he thought she would go home to-morrow." On his remarking, "I think you will go home soon," a sweet smile overspread her countenance. On the night of the 25th of 11th month she appeared to suffer much from pain and restlessness; the 23rd Psalm was read to her. The following day, though tried with restlessness, most precious was the calm and peace which seemed to surround the dying bed. She recognised and was much comforted by the presence of a beloved and long-known friend, with whom she had sat side by side many years. On taking leave of her the latter remarked, "Thou wilt soon be where 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, what God hath prepared for them that love Him.'" Very shortly was this precious truth realized, we reverently believe, in the experience of this faithful servant.

FUNERAL OF A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.—Yesterday afternoon, the funeral of Miss Mary Richardson, of Dockwray Square, North Shields, took place in the Friends' Burial ground in the Preston New Cemetery. There was a large attendance of Friends, of whose society the deceased was a respected member. Deceased had reached the advanced age of 90 years. She was the last member of a once well-known old Quaker family, the Richardsons, of the Low Lights, North Shields, and a family remarkable for their benevolence and kindness of disposition.