Gent, Henry (1838-1914)

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

By the passing of Mr. Henry Gent, who for well over half a century was connected with the Hull II. Circuit, another tie with the past is broken. He was born in a Wesleyan home at Terrington St. Clements, near King’s Lynn, on January 18th, 1838. About twenty years later he came to Hull, and was introduced to our Jarratt Street church, where he became a member, teacher, and local preacher. He was trustee for Lambert Street and Fountain Road chapels, and for many years was treasurer of the village society at Theame. He ultimately became a member of the Fountain Road church, and occupied the chair at the Sunday-school anniversary meetings from the beginning. 

He was a man of strong character and original mind, very cheerful in temper, and with a lively sense of humour. He rendered willing service to, the churches in many ways, was especially interested in young people, and in spirit at least remained young himself to the end. Though latterly unable to attend public worship, Mr. Gent was able to follow his employment until recently. 

A fortnight before his death he was taken seriously ill, and after an operation at a nursing home he peacefully passed away on January 24th, 1914, a few days after his seventy-sixth birthday.

Family

Henry was born on 18 January 1838 at Terrington St. Clements, Norfolk, to parents William Gent, who worked the land (1841), and Ann Ward Baker. He was baptised on 31 January 1838 at Terrington St. Clement.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Henry.

• 1851 errand boy
• 1861 agricultural labourer
• 1871 labourer
• 1881 labourer in iron works
• 1891 forge labourer
• 1901 iron & steel worker’s labourer
• 1911 working in iron & steel works supporting furnaces

He married Josephine Petty Watson (1845-1970) in late 1867 at Hull, Yorkshire. Census returns identify one child.

• William (b1868) – a newspaper shop porter (1891)

He married Mary Ann Sanderson (b abt1837) in early 1875 at Hull, Yorkshire. Census returns identify one child.

• Louisa (b1881) – married John Edward Taylor, a draper & confectioner (1921), in 1916

Henry died on 24 January 1914 at Hull, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914/244

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers