Turner, William (1881-1941)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

WILLIAM TURNER (B): born at Langford, Oxfordshire, in 1881. After training at Hartley College, he commenced his ministry in 1907, and travelled thirty-five years, chiefly in wide country circuits. This was his proper sphere, for he was a cultured countryman who understood and appreciated village folk; and they with true affection regarded him as their big brother.

Among his people and in his home he radiated the presence of God. He was a keen student and clear thinker, his chief studies being philosophy, theology, literature, and poetry, in all of which he was well versed. With a well-stored mind and cultured spirit, he served his Church with unstinted devotion and ability. As pastor and preacher he knew how to break the bread of life to hungry souls. Lovely in his home-life and held in affection by his people, he bore the suffering of later years bravely, and passed beyond the shadows to the eternal light on November 13, 1941.

Family

William was born on 10 August 1881 at Langford, Oxfordshire, to parents Joseph Turner, who worked the land, and Ann Radbourne.

Before entering the ministry William worked as a labourer in a railway factory at Swindon (1901).

He married Florence Annie Marriott (1877-1959) in late 1912 in the Oakham Registration District, Rutland. The 1939 Register identifies one child.

• Marion Annie (1916-2006)

William died on 13 November 1941 at Andover, Hampshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1907 Canterbury &c
• 1910 Falmouth
• 1911 Aberdare
• 1912 Pillowell
• 1915 Eston
• 1919 Wisbech
• 1922 Bingley
• 1925 Banbury
• 1929 Hungerford
• 1935 Andover

References

Methodist Minutes 1942/141

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers