Edwards, Thomas (1842-1916)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by T.A.K.

By the passing of Thomas Edwards, the Ludlow Circuit has lost one of its most devoted members and one of its oldest local preachers.

Born seventy-three years ago, he was “born again” spiritually when about twenty years of age. For over fifty years he served our Church as a local preacher, walking thousands of miles to fulfil his appointments. As a class-leader, he served successively the Hopton Bank, Knowbury, and Angel Bank Societies. He was the founder of the latter cause, and through his influence the site of the present chapel was secured. 

He made sick-visiting his special task. Gentle and considerate in everyday life, he was patient and reliable in his Christian work. In the home, which was always open to our preachers, he was much beloved. To his aged widow and devoted children we extend our sincerest sympathy.

Family

Thomas was born in 1842 at Caynham, Shropshire, to parents Thomas Edwards, a collier (1851), and Sarah Roberts. He was baptised on 25 September 1842 at St Paul, Knowbury, Shropshire.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.

• 1851 scholar
• 1861 coal miner
• 1871 blacksmith
• 1881 blacksmith
• 1891 blacksmith
• 1901 farmer & blacksmith
• 1911 farmer

He married Ann Tyler (1842-1919) on 26 May 1866 at Ribbesford, Worcestershire. Census returns identify seven children.

• Edwin (1867-1934)  – a blacksmith (1911)
• Sarah Ann (b1870) – general domestic servant (1891)
• Emma (1872-1957) – married William John Bond, a stone quarryman (1901), in 1895
• Benjamin (b1874) – a foreman joiner (1911); builder & contractor (1921)
• Ellen (b1877)  – dressmaker (1901); married George Thomas, loader in stone quarry (1911), in 1906
• Alice (b1879)
• Elizabeth (1883-1961) – a dressmaker (1911); married John William Wing, a fruit framer (1921), in 1913

Thomas died in May 1916 at Angel Bank, Shropshire. He was buried on 15 May at St Paul, Knowbury.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1917/290

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers