Cooke, Thomas (1839-1916)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.C. Robinson

By the death of Mr. Thomas Cooke, on January 15th, 1916, the Grays and Romford Circuit has sustained a great loss. He was seventy-six years of age, and died in the London Hospital after an operation.

Throughout his long career he has been closely associated with Primitive Methodism in and around London. He commenced to preach sixty years ago at Cooper’s Gardens Chapel, and at the time of his death was circuit steward, local preacher, and class leader of the Grays and Romford Circuit. Several other circuits he served with stedfastness and Christian fidelity, including Walthamstow, Upton Park, and Hounslow.

He was a sincere and earnest soul, patient and conciliatory. His later years have been peaceful and spent in unobtrusive, quiet service. At eventide it was light for him, and his passing was swift. We laid him to rest in the Romford Cemetery on January 20th in sure and certain hope. Rev. J.C. Robinson conducted the funeral. Much sympathy is felt for his lonely widow.

Family

Thomas was born on 31 October 1839 at St George in the East, London, to parents Thomas Dedman Cooke, a plumber (1841), and Elizabeth Nicoll. He was baptised on 1 December 1839 at St George in the East.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.