One of our notable ‘residents’ in Rev John Aston. He was Pastor of the Congregational Church in Eccleshill for 30 years from 1850-1880. He was a well-known figure in the everyday life of Eccleshill. A well respected and courteous man who was well liked by his parishioners. His preaching was popular, being described as thoughtful and evangelical.
He was born in 1814 at St Briavels, Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire to Edward and Jane Aston. He married Amelia Pitney in Bristol on 11th November 1845. They had a family of 4 sons and 5 daughters, but sadly one son and four of their daughters died in infancy.
Their eldest son Dr John Pitney Aston was the Medical Officer of Health for Eccleshill. Son Edward became a Congregational Minister and died in Canada. Son Richard became a Medical Practitioner, and their only surviving daughter Ruth became a teacher.
Rev John Aston passed away in June 1903 at the age of 87 and his wife Amelia in 1908 at the age of 84. Both were still living in Eccleshill when they passed away and are buried in section 3 of the cemetery. Dr John Pitney Aston who died in 1899 is also buried in section 3.
Location: section 3 M23
Location: section 3 L29