Some press reports, following a couple of visits to Southport Library.
Departure of the Ambulance Man.
....Mr. Arthur Marsden, the ambulance man who has been selected from the Holy Trinity detachment of the St. John Ambulance Association to proceed to South Africa, left Southport for Preston yesterday. By one o'clock there was a large crowd at Derby-road Station to bid him God-speed, among those present being the Rev. J. S. Gardner, the Rev. A. E. Drew, Messrs. J. Tattersall (superintendent), J. G. Cook (instructor), W. Wycherley (secretary), J. Gregson, W. Higson, G. Blackburne, P. Wright, L. Oswick, J. Ball, A. Waterhouse, and Wm. Vearey, a member of the Cheshire Lines (Lord-street) Ambulance Team. Altogether there were 50 or 60 people on the platform, most of whom eagerly pressed to the window of the carriage occupied by Marsden, and heartily shook hands with him. Punctually at one o'clock the train began to move out, and the crowd set up a loud parting cheer. A number of detonators had been placed on the line, and as the engine passed over them they exploded in quick succession. Nine or ten members of the detachment were unwilling to let their comrade travel alone, and accompanied him to Preston. Marsden himself was in the very highest spirits. On Sunday morning nearly the full force of the detachment, in uniform, accompanied Marsden to church. In the afternoon a large number of adult scholars joined the Rev. J. S. Gardner's Bible Class. of which Mr. Marsden has been a member for several years, in the crypt of the church. Mr. Gardner conducted a short, suitable service, and gave an address on Psalm cxxi., 8, "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and coming in from this time forth and for evermore," which, he said, might serve as a motto for all during the ensuing year, and appropriately he turned into a prayer, not only for their fellow-member going to South Africa, but also for themselves. Mr. Banner, teacher of one of the adult class, also spoke a few words of encouragement to the members. At the close of the meeting hearty good-byes were exchanged between Mr. Marsden and his friends.
The Southport Visiter, Tuesday 2nd January 1900
Southport Soldiers' Families.
....The list of Southport soldiers who have left dependents behind them in poor circumstances is increasing. The following are the latest additions to the lists already published:—
....Private Mervin, 18th Battery Field Artillery; parents at 3, Mill-street.
....Arthur Marsden, Army Medical Corps; parents residing at Zetland-street.
....Corporal Alfred Whittaker (68,771), 46th Battery Royal Artillery; married—wife at 28, Southbank-road.
....Private William Thomson, Royal Engineers; married—wife at 84, Lord-street.
....Private John Jackson, 87th Battery Royal Artillery; married—wife at 160, Hampton-road.
....Private Charles Salkeld, Northumberland Yeomanry; married—wife at Haweside-street.
....Private John Wright (8306), Scots Guards; married—wife at Liverpool House, Rufford-road, Crossens.
....Private Frank Hussey (2396), Loyal North Lancashire Regiment; married—wife at 61, Milton-street.
All these cases are being attended to by the Local Committee. The next meeting of the Committee will take place at Scarisbrick Lodge on the 23rd inst.
The Southport Visiter, Saturday 13th January 1900
DEATH of PRIVATE A. MARSDEN.
S. J. A. B. (250).
.
....Mr. Marsden having been for many years a member of the Bible Class of Holy Trinity, it was thought fitting to give his fellow-members and many friends an opportunity of showing their esteem and respect by attending a memorial service. This was held in the Crypt of Holy Trinity Church on Sunday afternoon at 2-30. The room was crowded with his fellow-members of the class and Communicants' Guild, and his comrades of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. The service consisted of portions of the Burial service, combined with the singing of Marsden's favourite hymns. The Rev. J. S. Gardner, teacher of the class and guild and chaplain of the Brigade, conducted the service; the lesson was read by Mr. J. E. Willett (hon. secretary of the Local Branch of the St. John Ambulance Association). The Rev. J. S. Gardner gave an address founded on St. John xv., 13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." He said Arthur Marsden in spirit had done this. Not for fame or glory in war did he bid good-bye to his family; separate himself from life-long friends and companions, and leave his native land, but he did so to relieve or mitigate the pain and the suffering from wounds or sickness of those who needed it, far away from home like himself. God's ways were mysterious; but we must bow to them. He was sure their heart-felt sympathy would go out to the members of his family, and their prayer would be that the God of all comfort and Father of all mercies would pour the healing balm of true consolation into all their bruised hearts. He pointed out what an example the life of their friend furnished as a son, brother, friend, and loving Christian: and as one who was willing, too, to devote leisure time in learning to be ready to do good to others when required. He wished them to learn a warning lesson of the uncertainty of life from the early and unexpected death of their companion, and therefore to make the most of their opportunities of being good, feeling good, and doing good. The service was most impressive throughout. After it was over Mr. Gardner read a cheery letter received by his brother from Marsden. Reference will be made in the church to this sad event next Sunday afternoon.
Southport Visiter, May 1900
*I don't have the exact date of this last piece, will look for it on my next visit, and also for a report of his death.
