Genders, Thomas (1851-1911)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by G.D.

Mr. Thomas Genders, known by a large circle of friends, passed away April 8th, 1911. About forty years ago, in his later teens, he was converted, and in the ordinary course became a local preacher. 

Brother Genders in his earlier days felt it no easy task to preach, and more than once went to his appointments nervous and depressed. This was his experience when he went with Mr. Hodkinson to the old chapel at Rocester, but with the help of the hearty congregational singing and the inspiration of the old family known as the Stubbs family, who were recognised by preachers to bring their own rich spiritual contribution to the service, Brother Genders and his friend had an excellent time. Seven souls sought and found the Master. This filled the preachers with such joy that they had a prayer meeting in the dark road under the hedges on their homeward journey to Hollington. 

Brother Genders was a man of sterling Christian character, and always well received in all our pulpits. His very countenance would bespeak to the biggest stranger that he was a man of God. Always the same, Sympathetic, large-hearted, full of faith, hope and love. The faithfulness of our late brother to fulfil his appointments ought to be mentioned. He did his best to take his appointment at Oakamoor on April 2nd. But his dear wife realised that he was too ill to go, and on her advice he stayed at home. But no arrangement could be made for his appointment, and he wrote a letter to his minister expressing deep regret, but he feared pneumonia had taken hold of him.  This was too true, for he passed away on the next Saturday, leaving all his appointments on the new plan unfulfilled. 

But Brother Gender’s life is itself a sermon to-day in the Ramsor Circuit. His remains were interred at Free Haye Churchyard. He leaves a widow and a family, all of whom are grown up.

Family

Thomas was born in 1851 at Marchington, Staffordshire, to parents William Genders, a labourer (1861), and Catherine Rhead.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.

• 1871 stone getter
• 1881 stone getter
• 1891 farm labourer
• 1901 farm labourer

He married Francis Adelaide Mellor (1850-1907) in early 1870 in the Cheadle Registration District, Staffordshire. Census returns identify eight children.

• Andrew Thomas (1870-1958)
• Kate (1873-1919) – a domestic servant (1891); married Arthur Alcock, a farmer (1911), in 1902
• William Henry (b1875) – a railway yardman (1911)
• Sarah (1879-1922) – domestic servant (1901); married George William Hurst, a railway labourer (1911), in 1904
• Jesse (1881-1941) – a railway carter (1911)
• Eliza (1885-1903)
• George (abt1888-1904)
• Lilian (b1891)

He married Annie Flower (1866-1935) in early 1910 in the Cheadle Registration District, Staffordshire.

Thomas died on 8 April 1911 at Freeway, nr Cheadle, Staffordshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/913

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers