Isaac Froggatt (1D8), the son of Elias Froggatt (1C2) and Ann (née Lycett), was born on October 30th, 1808, at Bitterley, Staffs. He married Lucy (alias Mary) Chatham on May 15th, 1834 at Chetton, Salop., and they had 13 children. Isaac died on February 7th, 1885, at Featherknoll Farm in the parish of Ashford Bowdler.
Below I provide a summary of his Will, together with his obituary published in the Methodist Magazine, as well as the obituary of his widow, Lucy, who died only 17 days after her Isaac.
Isaac’s Will
His last Will and Testament was executed on May 27th, 1884, some eight months before he died. He appointed five of his children as trustees and executors, namely Thomas Froggatt of Ashford Carbonell, Caroline Froggatt and Lucy Froggatt of Featherknoll, and George Froggatt and Joshua Froggatt both of Invercargill, New Zealand. He directed that as soon as possible after his decease, all property be sold for the benefit of the estate, except the household furniture and dairy utensils, which were to go to his daughters, Caroline and Lucy, "to have in consideration of their services in staying at home and attending to their parents".
Out of the proceeds of the sale of assets, the trustees were to provide a "sufficient sum for the comfortable maintenance of my dear Wife Lucy for as long as she shall live". Whatever fund remains was then to be divided equally between his ten children, who are named as follows: Thomas Froggatt of Ashford Carbonell; Jane Lea of Winton, New Zealand; Caroline and Lucy Froggatt of Featherknoll; George Froggatt and Caleb Froggatt of Invercargill, New Zealand; Mary Froggatt of Invercargill; Annie Froggatt of Ashford Carbonell; Clara Froggatt of Featherknoll; and Joshua Froggatt of Invercargill, New Zealand.
Isaac further directs that the sum due to Caleb shall be kept in the hands of trustees, George and Joshua, to pay Caleb such sum weekly as they think fit till the whole sum due to him be disposed of. Thus there must have been some reason why Isaac would not trust Caleb with his share as a lump sum; it was not because he was too young as he would have been in his late thirties. According to Bevis Malone [17], Caleb drank a lot (possibly an alcoholic) and the rest of the family were devout Methodists, so this could explain why he became a "black sheep" of the family and could not be trusted by his father to act responsibly with his share of the inheritance. According to Paul Froggatt [20], he was "excommunicated" by the family because he enjoyed the occasional drink.
Isaac further provided that unless his son-in-law, John K. Lea, pays the sum due to him, his trustees were to retain the share due to Jane Lea for twelve months, and if the sum were to remain unpaid after this period, to divide Jane's share among the other nine children.
The Will was witnessed by William Mainwaring and Harriet Emily Mainwaring. It was proved at Shrewsbury by the Oath of Thomas Froggatt, with power being reserved for the other executors, Caroline Froggatt (spinster), Lucy Froggatt (spinster), George Froggatt and Joshua Froggatt. The value of the estate was under £1,500. The register copy of the Will records that Isaac died on February 7th, 1885, at Featherknoll and was a farmer.
Isaac’s Obituary
The following obituary of Isaac appeared in The Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1886:
ISAAC FROGGATT was born at Bitterley, October 31, 1808, and died at Feather Knowle, in the Ludlow Circuit, February 7, 1885. About the year 1842, the deceased was a prosperous farmer, professedly a Churchman, when he was induced with his excellent wife to attend our chapel at Wyson. A revival in religion was then in progress, promoted chiefly by the devoted labours of one of our deceased ministers. Brother Froggatt was convinced of sin, and was for some time in deep soul trouble; but his partner, having in the meantime obtained mercy, she encouraged him to look to God, which he did, and soon found peace. He now with his wife, joined the society, and soon after took a leading position among the members. He held the offices of chapel treasurer, leader, and local preacher. The circuit then was extensive, and the journeys long, but he was never known to neglect an appointment. At Wyson, however, his chief work was done, and here a strong and useful society was established, which was chiefly distinguished. largely through his influence, for its interest in the work of missions, both at home and abroad.
Increasing affirmities of late years interrupted his attendance, and for some months past he was unable to attend at all, still his interest in its welfare did not fail. His last illness was not of long continuance; bronchitis, his old complaint, returned, but in a stronger form he considered than in former years. Patiently and with submission did he suffer, saying with the patriarch, "All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come." This he had not long to do. On Friday morning, February 6, after the usual family devotions, conducted by one of his daughters, he became unconscious; in that state he lingered till the morning following, when he passed peacefully away. Testimonies to his worth have been supplied by several ministers.
We add a few words from the pen of the Rev. C. Smallman, who says, "In taking a general view of the man I see nothing but excellence. For many years he has been an unwavering Primitive Methodist, and, what is better, he was an upright, sincere, consistent, concientious servant of Christ. As a genuine Christian man I have never known any superiors, and not a great number of equals. He was meek and quiet in spirit, chaste and inoffensive in language, and self-denying in his habits. For a great number of years a local preacher, and a most punctual class-leader, one to whom the members could look up as a friend, a father, a counsellor, and guide. He may with propriety be called the father of the Invercargill Mission, New Zealand. Some of his family having gone out to that colony, he felt very anxious that a missionary should be appointed there. Towards defraying the necessary expenses he offered a liberal donation. The offer was, by the Missionary Committee, accepted, and a missionary was sent. And to assist in sustaining the Missions on that island, Brother Froggatt annually contributed. He had gone, peace to his ashes, blessings on his memory. He will not return to us; may we go to him. He shall be had in everlasting remembrance."
His death was improved at Ludlow and Wyson by the writer, to large and sympathetic congregations. "The memory of the just is blessed."
Lucy’s Obituary
Lucy Froggatt was born in 1810, and was converted in 1842, and joined the society at Wyson, Ludlow Circuit. She was an eminent Christian, and did much to extend and establish the cause of God in her own neighbourhood. But her practical sympathies, like her prayers, were world-wide, and not long before her death she gave a special donation for the Missions in Africa. While, with her husband, she was kind to the ministers on the home station, and liberally supported its funds, like him she took a deep interest in the work of the Missions in the regions beyond. Their house was truly a house of prayer. They carried out the Master’s direction "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness"; religion was always a welcome topic of conversation there. Our esteemed sister for the last several years of her life was laid aside by affliction. She felt greatly the death of her husband, and a fortnight afterwards, having broken a blood-vessel, she joined him in the land of light and glory, on February 24, 1885. The Rev. S. Sanders improved her death at Wyson to a large and deeply affected congregation. He, having known them for many years, thus speaks of the deceased: "Mrs. Froggatt was a real help-meet in her domestic circle; her hand and heart, her example and counsel, all were influential in rearing a numerous family, and moulding her children’s minds to fear God and work righteousness. Her husband found in her some valuable help, in comforting and encouraging him in all his toils and conflicts. By her prayers and faith she spread a moral sunshine over the darkest dispensation. For many years she constantly attended with him at his little chapel in the village of Wyson, and when he was appointed to preach she would visit the neighbours, and persuade them to come in, that God’s house might be filled. She was a brave, honest and pure woman, and a Christian of the rarest type, who, by her consistent life, adorned the doctrines of God her Saviour. She was a pattern of piety and plainness, living in disconcernity to the world, walking worthy of God unto her pleasing. Her sincerity was proved by her liberal support of God’s cause, and her kindness to the poor and needy. Many of the villagers will long revere her memory. The latter part of her life was attended with affliction, but she patiently bore her lot, and passively suffered God’s will; the devout longings of her heart were for a higher life in goodness (?), a strict conformity to the Divine image, a constant communion to God. The language of her heart frequently was, "My soul followeth hard after Thee, O God." When she came to exchange faith for sight, her hope was bright with immortality and eternal life. "She is not dead, but sleepeth".