Botterill, George (1822-1912)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Mark Knowlson

For more than eighty-nine years Mr. Botterill lived at Barwell, in the Hinckley Circuit. In youth he was converted in the Wesleyan Methodist Sunday School, but immediately joined the Primitive Methodist Church. Requested to occupy the pulpit, his efforts met with such appreciation that the Circuit engaged him as Hired Local Preacher for six months. He served as local preacher for 62 years, and as class leader for nearly the same length of time.

As a preacher he was successful. Thoughtful, earnest, but often lengthy, the people marvelled at his wealth of thought and the equal richness of his language. As a hearer he was helpful. To have him in the congregation (and he was always there if possible) was to have a good time. He was also a great reader.

Gratitude and generosity were amongst the more prominent features in his character. Though exceedingly poor, all his life he always insisted on being allowed to contribute to the support of the Church.

In triumph he passed to his reward on October 3rd, 1912.

Family

George was born in 1822 at Barwell, Leicestershire, to parents William Boterill and Patience Goode. He was baptised on 13 November 1822 at Barwell.

Census returns identify the following occupations for George.

1851 framework knitter
1861 cotton stocking weaver
1871 stocking maker
1881 PM local preacher & framework knitter (cotton)
1891 road labourer & PM local preacher
1911 old age pensioner – retired labourer

He married Esther Herbert (1825-1903) in late 1847 at Barwell, Leicestershire. Banns were published on 5, 12, 19 September 1847. Census returns identify four children.