Hallam, Charles (1834-1910)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by S.A.B.

A worthy and useful life has come to a close in the passing of Mr. Charles Hallam, of the Curzon Street Church, Leicester Third Circuit, at the ripe age of seventy-six years. A village lad, he settled in Leicester shortly after his marriage, more than fifty years ago. Here his Christian course commenced, at nearly the same time. He was led, under the ministrations of a former work-fellow, to give himself fully to Christ. This took place at the Denman St. Undenominational Mission, in connection with which, for many years, he rendered good service as local preacher, Sunday School teacher and class leader. 

Joining the Curzon Street Church some fifteen years ago, his name was placed upon the plan and until his strength was broken by illness, eighteen months since, he faithfully discharged his duties. His ideal was high, and he gave to it of his best; often doing his work in the later days, at not a little cost of suffering to himself. Mr. Hallam was a winsome personality. All who knew him loved him. He was a most spiritual and sympathetic listener. His stainless character, deep piety, kindly spirit, and unassuming disposition have made him widely esteemed. He was an intelligent working man, of strong liberal convictions, and remembering the hungry forties, had himself conveyed to the polling booth at the last election, to vote against the taxation of the people’s food. He brought up a large family in the fear of God, and they and their children are walking in his footsteps. Stricken by paralysis, his last illness was lingering and severe, but patiently borne. He died in great peace on August 22nd and was interred on August 25th; the service, attended by a large number of friends, being conducted by Rev. S. A. Barron, in the Curzon Street Church.

“What matters now grief’s darkest day,
When God has wiped all tears away?”

Family

Charles was born abt1834 at Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire, to parents Thomas Hallam and Maria Townsend.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Charles.

• 1851 farm labourer
• 1861 agricultural labourer
• 1871 carman
• 1881 railway carman
• 1891 carman Midland London
• 1901 railway carter

He married Mary Thompson (1835-1916) on 15 October 1856 at Ashby-Magna, Leicestershire. Census returns identify four children.

• Elizabeth (1857-1921) – married Charles Townsend, a bootmaker, in 1877
• Thomas (b1859) – a boot machinist & foreman (1901)
• George (1864-1947) – agent for a friendly society (1911)
• Charles (1868-1932) – a corporation housekeeper (1911)

Charles died on 22 August 1910  at Leicester, Leicestershire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/911

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers