Overfield, Richard (1844-1907)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by R.W. Russell

The “passing” of Mr. Overfield came as a great shock to Queen Street Church. Only a few days before he was in comparatively good health, but having sat in a sick chamber after a heated service in his church, he contracted a chill from which he never rallied. We could ill afford to lose him. From the religious standpoint he was a tower of strength. How he could pray! Upon him rested an unction which gave power to his intercessions. For many years he was the life and stay of Witton Lane Society. For twenty-one years he laboured in Queen Street School. Of his generous gifts of clothing. boots, etc., to the necessitous poor many can speak. In him no atom of selfishness dwelt. He lived for others, and of others’ comfort he thought when he might have thought of his own.

It was on Sunday, August 25th, 1907, in his sixty-fourth year, that his pure spirit passed within the veil. The young people for whom he toiled were bewildered with the news. At his funeral no eye was dry. He has left behind him children who bitterly mourn his loss. To his memory children and friends placed a marble slab in the school, and none can ever look upon it without thinking of the generous love which moved and throbbed within the heart of our beloved friend.

Family

Richard was born abt1844 at Shefnal, Shropshire, to mother Ellen. He was baptised on 28 January 1844 at Shifnal.

Census return identify the following occupations for Richard.

• 1851 pauper inmate, scholar
• 1861 apprentice
• 1871 gun sight filer
• 1881 coach axle finisher
• 1891 coach axle finisher
• 1901 coach axle finisher

He married Thirza Bagley (1847-1902) on 8 June 1870 at Moxley, Wednesbury, Staffordshire. Census returns identify six children.                      

• Francis Harry (1871-1840) – a coach axle turner (1891); coach axle trade foreman (1911)      
• Lydia (1873-1937) – a dressmaker (1891); married Benjamin Loach, a tool maker (1911), in 1897                                      
• Arthur John (1878-1882)
• Florence (b1880) – married John Scott, assistant superintendent assurance agent (1901), in 1900
• Norman Sidney (1882-1969) – an assistant schoolmaster elementary (1911)  ; head teacher (1939)                                
• Thirza Adeline (1885-1970) – married Percival Thomas Thompson, an insurance agent (1911), in 1905

Richard died on 25 August 1907 at West Bromwich, Staffordshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/747

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers