Gair, Thomas (1842-1913)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine C.H.G.

Mr. Thomas Gair, who passed away very suddenly at Ramsgate, on March 27th, 1913, was born at Bargate in Durham, December 6th, 1842. He was a brother of Rev. John Gair, sometime governor of Elmfield College. 

Thomas was converted at the age of fourteen, in our chapel at Darlington, and went on the plan at seventeen. In 1879 he became a member of our church at Curzon Street, Leicester, and shortly after married Miss Sarah Lings. 

Rev. J. Pickett describes him as “a colleague most devoted and conscientious; in every way loyal, reliable and valuable.”

In 1888 he removed to London, and joined the church at Camden Town, where he rendered good service as a local preacher and official, showing special interest in the young people. In 1901 he became a member of Upton Lane Church, Forest Gate, where he endeared himself to all.

Family

Thomas was born on 6 December 1842 at Bargate, Co. Durham, to parents John Gair, an innkeeper and later a blacksmith following his conversion, and Mary Stokeld. He was baptised on 11 December 1842 at Lanchester, Co. Durham.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.

• 1861 engine fitter
• 1871 locomotive engineer (fitter)
• 1881 engine fitter
• 1891 engine fitter
• 1901 railway hydraulic foreman
• 1911 hydraulic engineer’s foreman

He married Hannah Longstaff (1845-1878) in late 1866 in the Auckland Registration District, Co. Durham. Census returns identify three children.

• John Wilson (1867-1923) – mechanical engineer
• Thomas Richard (1870-1931) – engine fitter (1891)
• Laura Hannah (1876-1959) – married Walter Robert Weatherhead, a coal wharf superintendent (1939), in 1909

He married Sarah Lings (1857-1941) in late 1879 at Leicester, Leicestershire. Census returns identify four children.

• Charles Ernest (1881-1917) – a coach and motor painter (1911); died in WW1
• Sydney Lings (1884-1958) – a clerk (1911); inspector, cleansing department, local government officer (1939)
• Charlotte Mary (1890-1956) – married Harold R Lloyd in 1918
• Frank Victor (1892-1917) – junior clerk at West Ham Guardians (1911); died as a result of wounds (WW1)

Thomas died on 27 March 1913 at Ramsgate, Kent.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/833

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers