Collis, Charles (1843-1912)

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

Micheldever Circuit has lost one of its faithful workers in the death of Brother Charles Colliss, of Hurstbourne Priors. He was the second oldest local preacher on the plan, and for nearly fifty years has travelled the Circuit. In his younger days he was in great request and was very acceptable in the pulpit. No journey was too far for him, and oftentimes he would arrive home in the early hours of the morning after a walk of many miles along dark country lanes. In later years he was not able to go the long journeys, but always took appointments near home. 

He often was heard to say, “Sudden death would mean sudden glory,” and the end came very suddenly. He preached on Sunday, March 3rd, and seemed in his usual health. On Thursday, March 7th, he had returned from his daily work, and was doing a little work in his garden when the call came. It was indeed “sudden death and sudden glory.” The first news we heard when we closed our Quarterly Meeting was that while we had been discussing the work of God on the circuit Brother Colliss had been called home.

The children in our schools near his home will miss him, for he was one of their greatest favourites. Eternity alone will reveal the result of his labours for his Master. He leaves a widow and grown up family to mourn his loss.

Family

Charles was born abt1843 at Tufton, Hampshire, to parents James Collis, who worked the land, and Elizabeth Adams. He was baptised on 5 march 1843 at Tufton.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Charles.

• 1851 scholar
• 1861 carter
• 1871 agricultural labourer
• 1881 agricultural labourer
• 1891 labourer (agricultural)
• 1901 carter on farm
• 1911 labourer at private laundry

He married Ann Gale (1841-1922) in late 1868 at Whitchurch, Hampshire. Census returns identify five children.

• Charles (1869-1934) – a scavenger (1911)
• Annie (1871-1959) – a servant (1901); a servant cook (1911)
• William John (1874-1952) – a domestic gardener (1911)
• Ernest (1877-1949) – a labourer in private garden (1911)
• Maurice (1880-1938) – emigrated to Australia in 1913

Charles died on 7 March 1912 at Hurstborne Priors, hampshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/661

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: Most records spell the surname “Collis”.