Jonah Peaceful. 1845-1908.

[cj1992]

Jonah Peaceful

I’ve been told that this is a photograph of Jonah Peaceful, born 1845 (Registered in Lilleshall, Shropshire), died  11 May 1908 (Registered Newport, Shropshire).

Census records show him as a Coal Miner.

To me this doesn’t seem to ring true. This doesn’t look like the photograph of a coal miner. And I can’t understand why it was taken in Reading. Not only from a geographical point of view but looking at the pedigree of the photographic studio I’m sure their services didn’t come cheap.

As far as dates are concerned I don’t know when this photographic studio was in operation. It may be that this contradicts information I’ve been given.

Has anybody got any thoughts on this?

Many thanks.

CJ.

[mazi]

My first thought on looking at the photo was that this man was a preacher.

Jonah the coal blaster had a wife Salome, and children with biblical names, a coal miner could also be a part time preacher.


Mike

[mazi]

Interestingly, jabez peaceful,  born Shropshire 1844,  possibly a relative, is in Berkshire in 1891, described as county town missionary.

Mike

[cj1992]

Thanks Mazi.

Jonah's wife was Salome Howells.

He had a brother Jabez, born 1843 (it may have been 1844) registered in Donnington, Shropshire and he died in 1904 (registered in Wokingham, Berkshire - which might fit in with your information). I don't have any information about Jabez so your description of "county town missionary" is new to me.

By all accounts they were a very religious family but I just can't see a miner in that photograph. I thinks it's the beard that's throwing me. I agree that it does make you think of a preacher but I can't imagine that at the coal face.  I'm beginning to wonder if it's a photograph of Jabez and not Jonah.

Regards

CJ

[cj1992]

I've been trying to locate Jabez on the 1881 Census but I can't find anywhere on FindMyPast.

[cj1992]

My hunch that this is a photo of Jabez is getting stronger.

A Jabez Peaceful married Sarah Ann Strong in the Newport, Shropshire district in 1870. On the 1871 Census they appear in Widnes, Lancashire and his occupation is shown as Scripture Reader.

On the 1891 Census they are in Berkshire and he is shown as "Missionary County Town".

Can anyone confirm that the Jabez Peaceful who married Sarah Strong in 1870 is the brother of Jonah Peaceful? His father was James Peaceful and his mother was Ann Hodson (although his father had a second marriage in 1858, to Mary Rigby).

Many thanks.

CJ

[mazi]

The 1861 census on Familysearch has James and Mary in lilleshall with

Jonah son
Jabar. Son
Louise dau.

I would think that Jabar is Jabez, but a birth registration eludes me.

I would not expect to see a christening 

Mike

[avm228]

The birth of Jabez Peaceful, mother's maiden name Hodson, was registered in Newport, Shropshire in Jun qtr 1843.

Per GRO Online.

[davidft]

Looks like they were brothers

PEACEFULL, JONAH  Mother's maiden name  HODSON     
GRO Reference: 1845  J Quarter in NEWPORT, SALOP & STAFFORDSHIRE  Volume 18  Page 125