Naylor, Thomas (1839-1908)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by James Keightley

Mr. Thomas Naylor was one of those sterling Christian men whose worth cannot be fully  estimated. Born at Gildersome, February 28th, 1839, he was the eldest of a considerable family and commenced work when eight. His necessarily limited educational advantages were fully utilised, and he became fairly well informed. 

Removing to Sheffield he became a steel smelter. Here he found a wife who was for many years a true helpmeet, as was also his second wife who mourns his departure. In the days when it was believed the intense heat of the iron works made alcoholic drinks a necessity he signed the pledge. Thirty years ago he joined our John Street Church, and with Mr. H. Clayton worked the Band of Hope and the Tract Society, periodically entertaining the workers to supper. He was also a Sunday School teacher.

An old scholar writes of how he used to gather his class round him at his home on Christmas Day, so making them feel that he took an interest in them. His kindness was evinced in the distribution of tea tickets among the poor people in connection with anniversary efforts at John Street and Hodgson Street, of which last he was a trustee. 

As a successful business man his absolute fairness won confidence and esteem. Treasurer of John Street Sunday School for many years, and a generous supporter of its funds, he was a valuable circuit official. Retiring from business three or four years ago he had frequent attacks of illness due to the exacting nature of his work; these were borne with patience and fortitude. He lived well and fell asleep, April 11th, 1908, calmly trusting in the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Revs. W. Kitchen, H. Taylor, and the writer, took part in the funeral service. A memorial service was held April 26th. Many friends were present. May the widow, son, and daughter be graciously comforted.

Family

Thomas was born on 28 February 1839 at Gildersome, Yorkshire, to parents Samuel, an engine tenter (1851) and later a steel roller (1861), and Sarah.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas

• 1851 labourer at clay works
• 1861 labourer at steel works
• 1871 furnace man
• 1881 steel melter
• 1891 steel melter
• 1901 steel melter

He married Ann Hattersley (1833-1890) in the spring of 1861 in the Wortley Registration district, Yorkshire. Census returns identify two children.

• Ann Eliza (1867-1944) – a dressmaker (1891)
• William Walter (1869-1947) – a grocer and provision merchant (1911)

He married Harriet Sargent (1835-1918) in early 1897 at Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Thomas died on 11 April 1908 at Sheffield, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/575

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers