Edwards, George (1836-1915)

zoom

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by M.P. Pearce

With the passing away of George Edwards, the Clun Circuit has lost one of its oldest, ablest and most generous supporters. He was one of God’s gentlemen, a man of quiet simplicity and generous instincts. A child of the open air, his love for nature was a passion. 

Born in 1836, in Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire, he knew the hardships of poverty and the lack of education. Despite his early limitations, which the added fear of consumption accentuated, he fought his way to health and to a measure of efficiency which shame many with greater opportunities. Converted when he was twenty-six years of age, six months later he married and came to Clun. Soon he was placed on the plan of the Bishop’s Castle Circuit. He spent himself in labours abundant, preaching on the Clun and adjoining circuits, and lecturing on behalf of the Midland Temperance League. 

Mr. Edwards to the last kept a mental freshness which younger men might well imitate. While his “sun was setting” praise and prayer were ever upon his lips. We laid him to rest on Jan. 1st, 1916. The funeral was conducted by Revs. H. Stratton and M.P. Pearce.

Family

George was born in 1836 at Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire, to parents Thomas, who worked the land (1841), and Mary. He was baptised on 3 July 1836 at Brampton Bryan.

Census returns identify the following occupations for George.

• 1851 scholar
• 1861 shoemaker
• 1871 shoemaker (master, employing 2 men and 2 boys)
• 1881 boot and shoemaker
• 1891 boot and shoemaker
• 1901 boot and shoemaker
• 1911 retired bootmaker

He married Sarah Jones (abt1833-1906) in the summer of 1862 at Clun, Shropshire.

George died in December 1915 at Clun, Shropshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/487

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers