Crowther, Benjamin (1833-1909)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by R.W. Russell

MR. BENJAMIN CROWTHER was born at Greet’s Green, July 4th, 1833. From his earlier days he was a follower of the Lord Jesus. Before arriving at his twentieth year he was engaged in Christian service. Greet’s Green witnessed his early devotion to the church he loved. Among his own people he shone brightest, and many are the abiding evidences of his unstinted labours for God and His people.

Coming to reside in West Bromwich, upwards of twenty-five years ago, he threw himself heartily into the affairs of Queen Street Church. Called to be school superintendent he continued in office till his death, and numerous are the testimonies to his kind and loving treatment of the young. For many years he served the West Bromwich circuit as its faithful steward. His guiding word in perilous hours is something to which many ministers can testify. He was honoured by all, not because of his gifts of money alone which were numerous, but because of what he was—a burning and a shining light.

Our friend fell asleep January 29th, 1909, with the light of God on his face. We pray for his devoted widow and his affectionate family. “He being dead yet speaketh” in tones beseeching and irresistible.

Family

Benjamin was born on 4 July 1833 at Greet’s Green, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, to parents John, a boiler plate roller (1851), and Mary. He was baptised at the Particular Baptist Chapel, Coppice, Staffordshire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Benjamin.

1851 in iron works
1861 coffin maker
1871 undertaker
1881 postmaster and undertaker employing 13 men & 2 boys
1891 undertaker
1901 undertaker

He married Fanny Davis (abt1836-1931) in late 1855 at West Bromwich, Staffordshire. Census returns identify eight children.

Arthur James (1858-1932) – a cab driver (1881); undertaker’s manager (1891); a cab proprietor (1911)
Alice Mary Booth (b1862) – married in 1886 but I have been unable to identify her spouse.
Benjamin Booth (1864-1930) – a funeral undertaker (1911)
Walter John (1865-1936) – clerk to cab & car proprietor (1901)
Lucy Jane (b1866) – married Walter Davis, a schoolmaster (1911), in 1891
Fanny (b1868) – married Thomas Whitcomb Smith, a machine fitter, in 1890
Sarah Elizabeth (1874-1948) – married Frederick William Richardson, an electrical engineer (1901), in 1902
Mary Ann (1875-1956) – married Clement George Fillmore, an accountant clerk (1911), in 1896

Benjamin died on 29 January 1909 at West Bromwich, Staffordshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/747

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers