Dando, Charles (1854-1916)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Freer Bell

By the passing: away from this life of Charles Dando, of Midsomer Norton, that circuit and the Bristol District has sustained the loss of an official of long standing.. For over forty years Mr. Dando was an official of the Redfield Road Church, well sustaining the offices of trust treasurer, Sunday school superintendent, class-leader and choirmaster, where his fine tenor voice, musical taste, and organising power enabled: him to train and hold together for many years a good choir. As a local preacher his services were much in demand, not only in the circuit, but throughout the district. As circuit steward his aim was to improve the financial strength of the circuit, and secure a good circuit manse, features in which he succeeded, to the permanent advantage of both minister and circuit.

Until health began to decline he held the office of secretary to the local branch of the Free Church Council, also treasurer of the District Equalisation Fund. As a worker in God’s vineyard his duties were numerous, arduous and varied. He was winsome in spirit, possessed an even temper, and bore the burdens and trials of official life with patience.

The death of his son (the Rev. W. Charles Dando, one of our ministers of great promise) was a very severe trial to him. After this event, though he carried on his work for some years, there was evidence of affliction and declining strength. The funeral service, in which the circuit minister, Rev. F. Bell, Rev. W.G. Leadbetter, Rev. T.T. Waycott, and Wm. Whittock took part; was attended by many friends and representatives. His memory will long be cherished.

Family

Charles was born in late 1854 at Paulton, Somerset, to parents Solomon Dando, a collier, and Mary Dando. He was baptised on 25 February 1855 at Paulton.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Charles.

1861 school
1871 coal miner
1881 insurance agent
1891 assistant superintendent assurance agent
1901 insurance superintendent
1911 insurance superintendent

He married Sarah Jane Dunford (1854-1940) on 12 August 1875 at Radstock, Somerset. Census returns identify nine of ten children.

Williams Charles (1876-1904) – a PM minister
Bessie Ann (1878-1934) – married Arthur Day, a postal & telegraph clerk (1911), in 1909
Eleanor Augusta Jane(1880-1956) – a domestic servant (1901); married Samuel Edward Newton, a greengrocer (1911), in 1907
Arthur Henry James (1882-1964) – insurance agent (1901); dealer in fine arts (1911)
Esther Elizabeth Ann (1884-1969) – a music teacher (1901); sister of the people (1911), a midwife (1925)
Minnie Ada (1887-1957) – assistant in china shop (1901); married Frank Arthur Ashton, a Methodist minister (1939), in 1913
Agnes (1887-1972) – married Charles Edward Clark, a master grocer (1939), in 1915
George Seward (1889-1940) – antique dealer (1911)
Andrew James (1891-1961) – clerk insurance (1911); a house furnisher & dealer (1939)

Charles died on 24 July 1916 at Midsomer Norton, Somerset.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1917/440

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers