English, John (1850-1916)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by C. Roberts

The Rhymney Valley Circuit has recently lost one of its best officials in the death of Bro. English, who was a local preacher, Sunday school teacher, class leader, for forty-five years. He was a native of Blackwood, Mon., and when young joined our Church there, devoting himself with much zeal to every form of church work. Then he removed to Bargoed, where he and his family helped to build up a prosperous church; after which he settled at New Tredegar, labouring till his lamented death for the welfare of our church and circuit. 

His numerous family are connected with our Church, his eldest son being a local preacher. His last illness was borne with Christian fortitude, and his death was triumphant. Rev. C. Roberts conducted the burial, assisted by Rev. T.H. Bryant, and Messrs: W.J. Scammells, B. Jones and H. Hynam. Rev. C. Roberts conducted an impressive memorial service on the Sunday following. Much sympathy is felt for the widow and family.

Family

John was born abt1850 at Blackwood, Monmouthshire, to parents Mark, a coal miner, and Ann.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John. 

• 1861 coal miner
• 1871 coal miner
• 1881 coal miner
• 1891 coal miner
• 1901 coal  miner & hewer
• 1911 coal miner (hewer)

He married Elizabeth Hughes (abt1848-1891) on 23 November1868 at Bedwelty, Monmouthshire. Census returns identify six children.

• William Mark (1870-1926) – a coal miner hewer (1911)
• Thomas John (1873-1961) – a colliery examiner (1911)
• Ann (b abt1875) – married David Jones, a coal hewer (1901), in 1892
• James (1877-1952) – colliery haulier – below ground (1911)
• Joseph (1880-1957) – a coal miner (1911)
• Charles (b1883) – assistant butcher (1911)

He married Mary Wiltshire (1854-1926) in late 1892 in the Bedwelty Registration District, Monmouthshire.

John died on 12 February 1916 at New Tredegar, Monmouthshire. He was buried on 17 February 1916 at Bedwelty, Monmouthshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/413

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers