Dash, William (1841-1911)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by G.D.

Mr. William Dash, Cardiff passed away August 27th, 1911. He had been a Local Preacher for 45 years. Preaching the Gospel was the delight of his life. When converted, in young manhood, he was unable to read or write, but he soon learned to read, and, later, taking up the study of theological writings, studied them even in the midst of his daily work. The passion of his life was knowledge of God. 

He coached quite a number of young men for the “plan,” and there are to-day men practically in every Methodist ministry who received their first impressions for study from him. It was the honour of his life to give a son to our ministry. An acceptable preacher, he has led many a one to the Master.  Everybody, who knew him loved him; a man full of the Christian graces. 

Our departed friend missed his seventieth birthday and golden wedding day only by a week. The funeral service was conducted by the Revs. J.H. Bedford, W.C. Chrimes and Caleb Joshua (Baptist). |The interment was at Cardiff cemetery. Mr. Dash leaves a widow and family to bemoan the loss of their dearest earthly friend.

Family

William was born  in September 1841 at Staplehill, Bristol, Gloucestershire, to parents George Dash, a beer seller (1851), and Ann Bryant.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

• 1851 scholar
• 1861 cordwainer
• 1871 cordwainer
• 1881 shoemaker
• 1891 shoemaker
• 1901 shoemaker
• 1911 bootmaker (dealer)

He married Esther (Hester) Demmery (abt1842-1915) on 2 September 1861 at Llanfihangel Llantarnam, Monmouthshire. Census returns identify nine of eleven children.

• Alfred (aka Frederick) (1862-1934) – a boot and shoe dealer (1911)
• Mary (aka Polly) (1867-1927) – married James Llewellyn Woodcock, head postman (1911), in 1895
• George (1869-1894)
• William (1872-1950) – bootmaker (dealer) (1911)
• Bertha (1877-1952) – a shop assistant (1901);  married William Maull, a boot salesman (1911), in 1902
• Grantley (1878-1961) – bootmaker (dealer) (1911) 
• Gilbert (1880-1960) – a PM minister
• Beatrice (1885-1972) – married William Pritchard, a commercial traveller (dental) (1911), in 1907
• Joseph (1886-1968) – a boot dealer (1911)

William died on 27 August 1911 at Cardiff, Glamorgan.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/330

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers