Horne, William (1825-1915)

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

In the passing of Brother W. Horne, father of Rev. J.T. Horne, of Watford, a long and useful life has been brought to a close. He was converted in his youth, and rendered good service to our Church at Outwell, his birthplace, and at Walpole, whither he removed, and where, with other kindred spirits, he succeeded in establishing a Sunday school.

Rev. C. Bell writes:— “As a preacher he was not brilliant, but sound and reliable, and delivered his message with acceptance.”

It was largely due to his initiative that the present commodious chapel at Walpole Highway was built. For District or Connexional honours he had no desire; he found ample scope for his time and talents in the two circuits on which he spent his life. He was a loyal Free Churchman, an ardent Primitive Methodist. Both he and his now aged widow were given to hospitality; ministers and laymen alike were heartily welcomed to their home.

He passed away on May 6th, 1915, at the ripe age of eighty-nine years. Rev. G. Ford officiated at the interment.

Family

William was born abt1825 at Outwell, Norfolk, to parents John Horn, a gardener 91841), and Margaret Dockrill.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

1851 farmer
1861 farmer of 60 acres
1871 farmer of 75 acres employing 2 men
1881 farmer of 109 acres employing 2 men
1891 farmer
1901 farmer
1911 retired farmer

He married Rebecca Taylor (abt1830-1918) in late 1848 in the Wisbech Registration District, Cambridgeshire. Census returns identify eight of nine children.

John Thomas (1849-1919) – a PM minister
Sarah Embling(1850-1924) – married George Didwell, a a farmer (1911), in 1882
George (b1852)
William Taylor (1857-1940) – a blacksmith (1881)
Alice (1860-1927) – married John Ward, a corn miller (1911), in 1881
Rebecca (1862-1922) – married William Firmin Drake, a grocer & draper (1911), in 1890
David (1865-1940) – a farmer
Leah (1867-1950) – married Herbert Cooper, a corn miller (1911), in 1888

William died on 6 May 1915 at Walpole St Peter, Norfolk.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1915/745

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: Many records spell the surname without an “e”.