Dabner, William (1829-1912)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Enoch Shepherd

The Chatham Circuit and Wouldham Society have suffered a great loss by the death of William Dabner. Nearly sixty years ago he joined our Church in the village of Wouldham. He laboured in the Sunday School, in the open air, and for many years he was joined by his devoted wife in his Christian work. He had been trust treasurer for forty years. He was a liberal supporter of our funds, and keenly interested in our work to the last days of his life. 

The universal respect in which he was held sprang from his devotion to God. He ordered his life in the fear of the Lord. The deep and abiding respect in which he was held by his employers was most affectingly shown by Mr. Peters going down into the grave to lay his flowered tribute of regard upon the coffin with his own hands. Mr. Dabner lived for his home, his business and his Church.

The end came on August 22nd, 1912, in his eighty-third year. He lived a noble life, and now reaps his reward.

Family

William was born in 1829 at Burham, Kent, to parents Thomas Dabner, a lime labourer (1851), and Jane Roots. He was baptised on 18 December 1831 at St Mary the Virgin, Burham.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

• 1851 agricultural labourer
• 1871 foreman of chalk works
• 1881 foreman of lime works
• 1891 manager cement works
• 1901 foreman of lifeworks
• 1911 cement & lime works manager (retired)

She married Sophia Evenden (1829-1900) on 12 July 1852 at Durham, Kent. Census returns identify and birth records of nine children.

• Ellen (1853-1933) – married James Roberts, a labourer (1871) in 1869
• Mary Ann (b1856) – married Alfred Watts, a druggist’s agent (1901), in 1875
• William (1858-1911) – a factory engine driver (1901); emigrated to USA
• Harriette Ann(1860-1930) – married Elijah Edward Wakeling, a publican, in 1896
• Sophia Ann (1863-1958) – married James William Weedon, a carpenter (1911), in 1881
• Elizabeth Alice (b1865) – married James Boreham, a boot & shoe maker, in 1884
• Edwin Henry (1868-1923) – manager of cement works (1901)
• Clara (1869-1909) – married Joseph William Meakin, a cooper (1901), in 1893
• Alfred James (1873-1926) – a general labourer (1911)

William died on 22 August 1912 at Burham, Kent.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/243

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers