Walker, George (abt1838-1902)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

BROTHER GEORGE WALKER departed this life February 18th, 1902. For the long period of 40 years he was connected with our church at Alton in the Ramsor Circuit. From the testimony of some of his most intimate friends and fellow-labourers in the Masters’ service, we gather the following facts as to his character, piety, and usefulness. He was a very pious and consistent man, a man of broad sympathies and liberal views; he was conscientious and diligent in the discharge of all his duties. He was a sincere servant of God, and his experience was of a high spiritual tone, and his hope of heaven was always bright. For many years he was the superintendent of the school, and took a great interest in the moral and spiritual welfare of the children. He was also deeply interested in the Trust Estate, and laboured hard and long to place both the chapel and the school in a good financial position, and had the satisfaction of seeing his efforts crowned with success. His friendship was real in sunshine and storm, and, while he was attached to his own church, he was no bigot, no narrow, selfish sectarian — ready to help others who, though differing from him in church polity and mode of worship — were faithfully and loyally serving the same Lord and Master. He had his faults, but we may say that he never erred on the side of laxity in morals and religion; regular in his attendance at the means of grace, joining heartily in its services of prayer and praise; constant in his life and conduct — his was an example worthy of imitation. His death was improved by the writer in our chapel at Alton, where a large Congregation gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to departed worth.

A. STABLER.

Family and other information

George was born abt 1838 at Farley, nr Ramshorn, Staffordshire, to parents Samuel and Edith. Samuel was a shoemaker.

George worked as a stone mason. He married Ann Haynes (1840-1913) on 14 March 1860 at St Peter and Vincula, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. Census returns identify four children.

• Albert (1860-1911) – a stonemason (1881); later a labourer at chemical works
• Henry (1870-1901) – a copper roller (1901)
• Edith (1873-1900)
• Samuel (1877-1963) – a brass and copper tube drawer (1911)

References

Christian Messenger 1903/154

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers