English, Alfred (1839-1913)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W.J.

Hinckley Road Church (Leicester Second) has just lost by death one of its oldest members, Mr. Alfred English, at the ripe age of seventy-four years. As an infant he was taken to “old George Street chapel” by his parents. Afterwards he attended York Street chapel, where he joined the choir. When York Street and Alexander Street churches united to build St. Nicholas Street chapel he continued as a singer, as also did Mrs. English. All his life he has kept up his attachment in the one church of his choice. 

His piety was not of the obtrusive or demonstrative kind, but of the quiet and contemplative, yet very real order. He had a large sympathy with all movements which aimed at the securing of men’s adherence to good things. Domestic relations were of the happiest kind. A devoted husband, a loving and considerate father, he is missed greatly, and his memory will continue both in his family and his church.

Family

Alfred was born in the spring of 1839 at Leicester, Leicestershire, to parents John English, a blacksmith, and Sarah Marriott.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Alfred.

• 1851 winder
• 1861 machine fitter
• 1871 engine fitter
• 1881 engine erector
• 1891 steam engine fitter
• 1901 engine fitter
• 1911 retired engineer

He married Dorothy Ann Spriggs (1842-1933) on 19 May 1861 at St Mary de Castro, Leicester, Leicestershire. Census returns and birth records identify eleven children.

• Amos (1862-1917) – a cabinet maker (1901)
• Alfred (1864-1920) – an engineer (1911)
• Ezra (1866-1880)
• John William (1869-1881)
• Matthew Henry (1872-1880)
• Robert James (1873-1961) – steam engine fitter’s apprentice (1891)
• Florence Annie (1876-1880)
• George Henry (1878-1880)
• George Sydney (1880-1880)
• Annie (b1882) – shop assistant in music warehouse (1901); married Archibald L Clarke in 1912
• Margaret May (1888-1889)

Alfred died on 15 June 1913 at Leicester, Leicestershire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/665

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers