Atkinson, Thomas (1831-1910)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by F.G. Starling

By the death of Thomas Atkinson, June 12th, 1910, our church in North Lincolnshire has lost a lifelong adherent and a generous benefactor. A man of strong will, sturdy independence, and simple habits; hard working and possessed of great foresight and initiative, from humble circumstances he rose to affluence.

Coming, thirty years ago, to North Kelsey, Brigg Circuit, he became local preacher, class leader and society steward. Several of our chapels have benefited by his generosity and one at least was built on his initiative. His first gift to our Church was £5 —all his savings; his last was a contribution to the Centenary Fund. 

Interested in the public life of his village, our brother, years ago, was instrumental in securing good school accommodation, and again he was responsible for securing a public cemetery free from sectarian control, in spite of active opposition from the Church, the Bishop, and the Home Secretary of that date.

The crowded funeral services were conducted by Revs. F.G. Starling and T.B. Heward, the latter conducting a memorial service on the following Sunday evening. We thank God for his life and pray that his wife and children may meet him in heaven.

Family

Thomas was born in 1831 at Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, to parents John and Mary. He was baptised on 30 October 1831 at Tuxford.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas

• 1861 innkeeper – Queen’s head, North Kelsey
• 1871 coal merchant & publican (Railway Hotel, North Kelsey)
• 1881 coal, coke & general merchant, farmer of 165 acres
• 1891 farmer
• 1901 merchant, corn & coal, and farmer

He married Maria Caukwell (abt1835-1918) in late 1858 in the Lincoln Registration District, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify three children.

• Mary Ann (1860-1882) – married Walter Gladding in 1881
• John (1862-1918) – a farmer and coal merchant (1911)
• Fanny Maria (1870-1899)

Thomas died on 5 June 1910 at North Kelsey, Lincolnshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/154

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: The probate record gives the date of death as 5 June 1910, not 12 June as given in the obituary.