Errington, William Thomas (1836-1912)

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

Our Church at New Shildon has lost a faithful and good man in the death of Bro. Errington, trustee, Sunday School teacher and Band of Hope worker.

Born near Hexham, at twelve years of age he lost both parents and came to live with his uncle near Houghton-le-Spring, where he worked on the farm. Some time after he gave his heart to God. When he married Miss Grieves the young couple joined our Church at Houghton-le-Spring. At Seaham, Hetton, and for the last twenty-eight years at New Shildon, they have rendered much service to our Church.

Bro. Errington was of quiet disposition and very devout, cheerful and kind, always in his place in God’s house. The funeral was conducted by the writer and Rev. G. Squires. May the God of all comfort be with the widow and daughters.

Family

William was born in 1836 near Hexham, Northumberland, to parents Thomas, a farmer, and Mary. He was baptised on 17 June 1836 at Whitley Chapel, Northumberland.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

1851 farmer’s son
1861 carter
1871 farm bailiff
1881 fruiterer
1891 coal miner
1901 grocer
1911 colliery labourer

He married Elizabeth Eldsdon Grieves (1840-1919) in the summer of 1866 in the Houghton le Spring Registration District, Co. Durham. Census returns identify three children.

Mary (1868-1939) – a milliner (1891); married Herbert Harker, a grocer & provision dealer (1911), in 1895
Thomas Elsdon (1870-1894)
Elizabeth Dorothy (1878-1961) – a confectioner (1901); married William James Dixon Grieves, a stone man underground (1911), in 1910

William died on 14 December 1912 at New Shildon, Co. Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/245

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers