Bagnall, Thomas (1827-1911)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Charles T. Bishell

Mr. Thomas Bagnall put on immortality on Thursday, May 18th, after a useful life of eighty-three years. He was bore at Wrise Hill (Wrine Hill), Staffs, Aug. 31st, 1827. Cradled in Primitive Methodism, he delighted to tell how he had sung for Hugh Bourne when a little child. But a youth when his name appeared on the plan, he was soon in constant demand.

Coming to Bollington, he threw himself heartily into the work. It was a great joy to hear him tell of his experiences when going to his appointments. For two years he waited patiently for the call. He fell asleep, and was laid to rest in Bollington Parish Graveyard on Saturday, May 20th. Rev. C.T. Bishell conducted an “In Memoriam” service May 21st. 

Rev. J. Biggs writes: “He was a most earnest and acceptable preacher.” Rev. P. Kay writes: “To hear him in prayer was indeed a means of grace.” Rev. G.H. Southall writes: “It was quite bracing to hear him discourse on the deep things of God.” Rev. J. Bradley writes: “He had a deeply religious nature and a rich spiritual experence.”

Family

Thomas was born on 31 August 1827 at Wrine Hill, Staffordshire, to parents Thomas, a road labourer (1851), and Ann. He was baptised on 17 September 1827 at Betley, Staffordshire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.

• 1851 shoemaker
• 1861 shoemaker
• 1871 boot and shoemaker
• 1881 boot & shoemaker
• 1891 shoemaker
• 1901 shoemaker
• 1911 retired bootmaker (dealer)

He married Elizabeth Wright (1829-1867) on 16 October 1849 at Wolstanton, Staffordshire. Census returns identify five children.

• Ann (1853-1909) – married Alfred Gleave, a carrier (1891), in 1890               
• Thomas (1855-1868)                  
• Betsy (1857-1943)     – married John Peter Bradbury, a stone merchant (1891), in 1890; died at Vancouver, canada
• William (1861-1888) – a wrapper at paper works (1881)
• Joseph (b1863) – a boot and shoemaker (1881)

He married Mary Ann Beeley (1838-1921) in late 1868 at Bollington, Cheshire. 

Thomas died on 18 May 1911 at Bollington, Cheshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/655

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers