Parfitt, Henry Charles (1836-1898)

Transcription of Obituary In the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Geo. Litten

GREAT sorrow and regret were felt in the District of Pontnewydd and Cwmbran, in the Pontypool Circuit, and in the Eastern valleys of South Wales generally, when it became known that Alderman Parfitt, of Ashley House, had passed away. For years he had suffered from his lungs and valvular disease of the heart, and was for a long time prevented in consequence from taking any very active part in the work of the circuit and of the District, as he had done in former years. He was born at Risca, and came to Abersychan when quite a lad, and as he grew to manhood took a deep interest in all matters affecting the interests of his fellow-men. He was a member of the District Council of Llanfrechfa Upper, from its origin as a Local Board thirty years ago. He was one of the founders of the Cwmbran British School, and for some time he was chairman of the School Board for that District.

He was for several years member of the Llantarnum Urban District Council and the Pontypool and Newport Board of Guardians.

He was elected member of the County Council in the Liberal interests by a large majority, and remained a member of it from the time of his election till his death. He was a strong Nonconformist and a keen politician.

He was for many years associated with the Pontypool Circuit as a member of society and trustee for some of its chapels.

His end came suddenly. He had been attending a special meeting at the opening of the West Monmouth Grammar School; being called on he made a speech, but the effort was too much for him, he was taken ill in the carriage on his way home, and took to his bed, which he never left. In a few days the end came. His last hours were spent much in prayer to God, and he expressed confidence that God was with him.

He passed away on the morning of December 11, 1898, in the sixty-second year of his age. The funeral took place on the 14th, and was attended by a large concourse of people and representatives from all parts of the county. The service was conducted in our chapel at Pontnewydd, and was of a very impressive character. He will be missed by many, and our prayer is that God may raise up men true and faithful to Him that shall fill the places of those whom He removes from us.

Family

Henry was baptised on 16 October 1836 at Trevethin, Monmouthshire. His parents were Henry, a mason, and Elizabeth.

Records identify the following occupations for Henry.

  • 1853 mason
  • 1871 builder
  • 1881 builder and contractor
  • 1891 builder and brick manufacturer
  • 1898 builder and contractor

Henry became a freemason on 26 February 1872.

He married Ann Davies (abt1834-1889) on 22 November 1853 at Llanfihangel Pont-y-Moel, Monmouthshire. Census returns identify four children.

  • Sarah Ann (b1857) – married Thomas Henry Scott, a grocer shopkeeper (1901), in 1877
  • Henry William (1863-1908) – a home carpenter (1881); a brick salesman (1901)
  • Ada (1869-1947) – married William John Board, a solicitor and town clerk (1911), in 1895
  • Ethel (b1875) – there were two Ethel Parfitts born in the same year; they married in 1894 and 1897. I cannot distinguish them in online records.

His probate record gives the date of death as 10 December at Pontnewydd, Monmouthshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901/469

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Comments about this page

  • He is my Great x5 great grandfather. I have some other information if you are interested.

    By Stella Jones (15/10/2018)

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