Swinburn, William (1831-1911)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine By G.E.M.

Bro. Swinburn came to Sheffield from Newark over fifty years ago. Soon after he was converted, and, removing into Heeley, joined our Society there. He entered heartily into the work of the School and became a great power among the young men. He soon became a Local Preacher, and rendered much acceptable and efficient service. As a Class Leader his wise counsel proved very useful to his members. 

A man of simple, sturdy faith, devout and reverent in worship and fellowship, rich in spiritual experience, devoted and generous to the Church he loved, ever ready for hard, self-denying service, full of sympathy, rich in wise counsel, he was beloved by all who knew him. 

After a long and useful life of four score years, he has passed triumphantly to rest and reward. Outwardly his last days were accompanied by pain and struggle, but in his conscious moments he conversed freely concerning the great spiritual realities which had been so long the stay and inspiration of his life, and at the last his transition was triumphant and tranquil. His memory is blessed, and will abide.

Family

William was born abt1831 at Newark, Nottinghamshire, to parents John Swinburn, a labourer (1841), and Ann Haywood. He was baptised on 16 March 1831 at Farndon, Nottinghamshire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

• 1851 groom
• 1861 carter
• 1871 steel machinery man & Methodist Local Preacher
• 1881 coal dealer & PM Local Preacher
• 1891 coal merchant
• 1911 retired coal merchant

He married Sarah Greaves (abt1837-1899). Census returns identify eight children.

• George (1857-1934) – a hammer maker (1911)
• Mary Jane (1859-1865)
• Walter John (1866-1928) – Liberal Club steward (1911)
• Frank (1868-1939) – foreman file cutting machinist (1911); emigrated to Australia in 1913
• Charlotte Ann (1871-1947) – married William R Wright, a timekeeper (1911), in 1895
• Harry (1873-1950) – machine file cutter (1911); emigrated to Australia
• Fred (1875-1922) – a machine file cutter (1911); emigrated to Australia in 1913
• William Albert (1878-1955) – a machine file cutter (1911)

William died on 15 July 1911 at Heeley, Sheffield, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/330

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: The obituary was headed Mr M. Swinburn. There was no M. Swinburn listed in online death records in 1911 in the Sheffield area and the information for William fits that provided in the obituary.

I have not been able to identify an online marriage record.