Owen, William (1842-1914)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.L.

Brother W. Owen was born at Potford, Prees Green Circuit, February 13th, 1842. The son of godly parents, during early life he was the subject of gracious religious influences. Soon after conversion he was put on the plan, which position he held with great credit for nearly fifty years.

In Brother Owen’s death our cause has suffered a very serious loss. He held the offices of class leader and society steward for many years, and took an intelligent and deep interest in all society and circuit affairs.

For some time our brother was in a declining state of health. The end came with painful suddenness on Saturday night, November 28th last. He leaves a sorrow-stricken widow and family to mourn his loss.

Family

William was born on 13 February 1842 at Potford, nr Hodnet, Shropshire, to parents Thomas Owen, a farm labourer (1851), and Margaret Palin.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

1851 scholar
1861 carter
1871 railway labourer
1881 platelayer
1891 railway platelayer
1901 grocer shopkeeper
1911 grocer & baker

He married Ellen Ralphs (1843-1934) in late 1866 in the Wellington Registration District, Shropshire. Census returns identify four of seven children.

Thomas Richard (1867-1931) – a railway goods guard (1891)
William Edwin (1870-1893) – shopkeeper (1891)
George Henry (1878-1934) – a baker (1901)
Lizzie (1880-1969) – a mother’s help (1901); married Richard Griffiths, a farmer (1911), in 1904

William died on 28 November 1914 at Cold Hatton, Wellington, Shropshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1915/410

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers