Dales, George (1837-1910)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

In the decease of Mr. George Dales the Louth Society has lost one of its oldest and most faithful officials. Converted at North Somercotes over 55 years ago, a few years later he came to Louth, and was quickly found a task as assistant class leader, and not until a short time before his death did he relinquish his task. Regular and punctual in attendance, sympathetic in nature, ready of speech, he could listen and reply to the varied experiences he heard recounted in the class meeting. During his later years he.spent his leisure visiting the aged and infirm.

He was deeply interested in all the life and work of the Church, and served for many years as sidesman. He was also a trustee and seat-letter.

He greatly delighted in the means of grace, and was not often absent from the prayer meeting and week-evening preaching service. He found much joy in the practice of private prayer.

During the last few months of his life he was not able to leave his home, and in May last he quietly and peacefully sank to rest, having passed over seventy milestones on the journey of life, leaving a devoted wife, two sons, and a daughter to mourn his loss.

He will be greatly missed as a visitor of the sick. Having considerable leisure, he devoted it largely to this work, and by his kindliness, sympathy and tact, as well as his deep and genuine spirituality, was ever welcome in the homes of the suffering. A genial, tactful, friendly greeting will often render the subsequent service one of sunshine and helpfulness. But he has gone to higher service.

Family

George was born in 1837 at North Somercotes, Lincolnshire, to parents John, a shoemaker, and Elizabeth. He was baptised on 21 August 1837 at North Somercotes.

Census returns identify the following occupations for George.

1861 post messenger
1881 letter carrier
1891 postman
1901 retired postman

He married Sarah Ann Graves (1844-1929) in early 1862 at Louth, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify five children.

George Henry (abt1863-1929) – a railway stationmaster (1911)
Emma Jane (1866-1938) – married Thomas Edward Purdue Attewell, an organist and music teacher (1911), in 1892
Herbert James (b1868)
Arthur (b1872) – a railway clerk (1901)
Charles William (1875-1922) – a law clerk (1911)

George died on 13 May 1910 at Louth, Lincolnshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/825

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers