Garner, William (1845-1913)

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

William Garner was born on April 13th, 1846, at Burbage, Leicestershire, and was converted in his mid-teens. In 1866 he married Miss Elizabeth Garratt. Among the earlier co-workers of the late General Booth, Mr Garner for a considerable time served as superintendent of the Christian Mission, and only discontinued his toil under medical mandate. He became pastor of the Congregational Church, Thorne, Doncaster, and by his able and evangelical ministry endeared himself to his ever-increasing congregation. Removing to Hull, he joined our Hessle Road Church, where, as local preacher, class leader, and society steward, he rendered yeoman service. 

We never saw his generosity excelled and seldom equalled. Felicity filled his home life, and of his marriage were born nine sons and three daughters. On Nov. 20th, 1913, William Garner (nephew of the Revs. William, John and James Garner, of Primitive Methodist prominence) fell on sleep, and on Nov. 22nd. the writer (aided by Rev. Wm. Swales and John Bowness) performed the final religious rite.

Family

William was born on 13 April 1845 at Burbage, Leicestershire, to parents William Garner, who worked the land (1851) and Ann Rowley.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William

• 1861 farm boy
• 1871 gardener & Wesleyan local preacher
• 1881 minister independent
• 1891 farmer
• 1901 farmer
• 1911 corn factor

He married Elizabeth Garrett (1846-1933) on 29 October 1866 at Sheepy Magna, Leicestershire. Census returns identify twelve of sixteen children.

• William (1867-1917) – a joiner (1911)
• Mary Elizabeth (1869-1936) – married Alexander Reed, a farmer (1911), in 1902
• Charlotte (1872-1944) – married Percy Reed, a farmer (1901) in 1896; married Wifred E Hattersley in 1912
• Joseph Garrett (1875-1965) – a wood machine man (1911); died in Australia
• Boaz (1878-1948) – a farmer (1911)
• John (1880-1918) – a horseman (1901)
• Harold Robert (1882-1967) – a corn factor (1911); a public work contractor’s labourer (1939)
• Lydia (1885-1959) – married Arthur Oldfield, a fruit merchant’s labourer (1911), in 1909
• Oswald (1886-1966) – corn factor’s assistant (1911); a builder’s labourer heavy works (1939)
• Benjamin Charles (1888-1972) – a waggoner (1911); a public works contractor’s labourer (1939)
• Amos (1889-1941) – rulleyman (1911); a foreman horseman (1939)
• Frederick (1891-1978) – corn factor’s assistant (1911); a farmer (1939) 

William died on 20 November 1913 at Hull, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914/573

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: Birth Records identify tat William was born in April 1845, not 1846 as stated in the obituary.