Gibbins, George (1843-1915)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Wm. Turner

Bridlington Circuit, and the Quay Church in particular, has suffered heavy loss in the promotion of George Gibbins, after nearly fifty years’ efficient and faithful work. Formerly associated with the Market Rasen and Driffield Circuits, he came to Bridlington forty-one years ago, and at once joined our Quay Church. He gave himself with rare devotion to the work of the Sunday school, serving as superintendent for twenty-five years and as visitor the whole time. He was a most acceptable local preacher for forty-five years, and served a successful term as circuit steward. A devoted class leader, and an unflagging supporter of the Christian Endeavour Society, he was also a member of the District Committee, and for many years treasurer of the District Temperance Committee.

He passed peacefully home Tuesday, May 11th. On May 14th a most impressive service was held in Quay Church, Revs. W. Turner, G. Tucker, F.E. Heape and H. Woodcock taking part, and testifying to his character and work.

Family

George was born on 2 April 1843 at Scothern, Lincolnshire, to parents Thomas Gibbins, who worked the land (1851), and Elizabeth. He was baptised on 30 April 1843 at Scothern.

Census returns identify the following occupations for George.

1861 farm servant
1871 groom
1881 confectioner
1891 confectioner
1901 baker & dealer in confectionery
1911 sweet manufacturer

He married Ruth Kent (1850-1916) in the spring of 1873 in the Lincoln Registration District, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify six of eight children.

Elizabeth Edith (1874-1958) – married John Henry Watson, bricklayer (1911), in 1900
George Herbert (1876-1938) – a house painter (1921)
Walter Sidney (1879-1947) – a market gardener (1921)
Florence Annie (1881-1955) – married Horace William Bray, a grocer (1911), in 1907
Claude Stanley (1887-1944) – elementary school teacher (1911)
Ida Ruth (1890-1959) – assisting in father’s business (1911); paid domestic help (1939)

George died on 11 May 1915 at Bridlington, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1915/998

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers