Marriott, William (1823-1899)

Transcription of Obituary In the Primitive Methodist Magazine by William Robinson

MR. WILLIAM MARRIOTT, of Malton, died July 10, 1899, aged seventy-six years, and we doubt not joined the multitude of the saved in heaven. As Mr. Marriott was a man of sterling worth, a Primitive Methodist of more than fifty years’ standing, and known to large numbers of our people, it is a duty, as well as a mournful pleasure, to furnish a brief record of his character and worth, his life and work.

His first drawings toward God, religion, and the Church were felt in the Primitive Methodist Sunday School. His conversion, which was unmistakably real, took place at the age of twenty-four years, under a sermon by the Rev. Samuel Bottomley. He at once joined our people, and maintained the connection with honour to the end of his life. Possessed of excellent gifts, a clear head, and strong body, he naturally made his way in life to positions of influence and success. As a man of great integrity, with the courage of his convictions, he met at one time and another with not a little opposition, and not at few trials, but none of these things moved him. Just after his conversion he was discharged by a certain person from his situation because he refused to do work which he knew to be unnecessary on the Lord’s Day, and within six months he was engaged to fill the place of the over-zealous person who had discharged him.

After spending the years of his early manhood in Newark, where even still his name is remembered, and his good influence survives, he lived successively in Sheffield, in Worksop, and in Malton, in all of which places he sought out and faithfully served his own people. In the two latter places, where undoubtedly the best years of his life were given, his name is as ointment poured forth. He did herculean work. His liberality was great; his hospitality knew no pause. He shrank from nothing by which he might serve the cause he loved so well. Though holding positions of much difficulty and responsibility, he found time to meet his class, to attend week-night service, and the choir practice, of which he was for many years the conductor. Mr. Marriott was not a man of noise and show, but he was respected, and even beloved by all who knew him, as one whose piety was unquestionable, whose word was reliable, and whose fine spirit of consecration entered into all he undertook. His character was a rare combination of qualities: quietness with strength, firmness with gentleness, high moral rectitude with the courtesy of a gentleman, and the kindness and charity of an apostle, “which never faileth.”

Brother Marriott had not the slightest taint of self-seeking in his nature, and ever esteemed others as better than himself; yet – or therefore – how the Church delighted to see him honoured, and did confer upon him the highest honours at its command. Though not wanting in Catholicity, he was a thoroughgoing Primitive Methodist, rejoicing in all the Connexion’s hopes, thanking God for all its successes, and liberally supporting all its Institutions. When the Jubilee Thanksgiving Fund was started, his promise of five pounds was promptly given, and as promptly and cheerfully handed on to the treasurer. His religion was beautifully warm, and full of glow, and yet was intensely practical and real; not a religion of many words, but rather of steadfast faith, holy life, and noble deeds.  The Master’s own great words, “Good and faithful servant,” describe William Marriott, every inch of him, as he was through all the thirty years that the writer so well knew him.

At the close of 1898 he felt compelled by failing health to resign several of his official positions. To his friends it was evidently the beginning of the end. Medical skill was employed, but the earthly house was being taken down, and the ripened grain was about to be gathered. In his affliction, which was at times very painful, how patient and resigned he was! As in health, so in sickness, the calm and trustful man of God.

A very pleasing incident in connection with his dying-bed we record with special pleasure. The Rev. Dinsdale T. Young, the eminent Wesleyan minister, was engaged to preach and lecture in Malton one week-day afternoon and evening. He had done his work to the delight of crowded audiences; he had twenty-five minutes to spare before the train left for London. He might have spent the few minutes getting a little refreshment; and so he did, but in the slck chamber of his dear old friend. The memory of that visit will live in warm hearts a long time, redolent as it was of the Master’s name.

As showing the great respect in which our brother was held, we could quote from many letters, but one or two shall suffice. Mr, George Colby, a local preacher and member of our Malton Church, says: “I have known Mr. Marriott over nineteen years. I have worked under him for eight years; and I can say I always found him a Christian gentleman, courteous and kind in every respect.”

Councillor Saunders, of Newark, says of our friend: “The moral standard of his life endeared him to all who knew him.”

The Rev. James Shaw, of Sheffield, writing to the widow, says: “You have lost one of the best of husbands; the world one of the best of men; the Church one of the best representatives of saintliness; and the (Primitive Methodist) ministry one of its most considerate friends and constant supporters.”

Rev. W. Kitchen says: “His high Christian character and straightforward conduct commended him to all who knew him.”

Rev. A.J. Bull also testifies to “his sterling worth, his unswerving loyalty to his Church, his ungrudging service, and his generous disposition,” and says, “he will be greatly missed by the circuit.”

At the funeral, which was a very large one, Revs. W. Robinson. W.C. Ball, T. Storr, and W. Cox took part. The funeral sermon was preached by the writer to a large audience in the Malton Chapel, the Sunday following.

May the sorrowing widow and friends, the writer and reader, by and by meet our departed brother where “tempests cease, and surges swell no more.”

Family

William was born in 1823 at Newark, Nottinghamshire, to parents John Marriott and Elizabeth Smith.

William worked as a brewer.

He married Louisa Clark(1822-1863) on 30 June 1844 at Newark, Nottinghamshire. Census returns identify on child.

  • John (1845-1897) – a brewery manager (1881)

William married Sarah Ann Chapman (abt1838-1910) in early 1866 at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901/707

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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