Paxton, Ralph Butler (1836-1911)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

The Brentford Church has suffered a great loss in the death of its oldest member, Mr. Ralph Paxton. He was born at Stanton St. John, Oxfordshire, in 1836, and early in life was attracted to the Primitive Methodists. At the age of sixteen he came to Brentford, where he joined our Church and continued all his life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Paxton’s house was always open to the ministers. He took a great interest in the present church in New Road, and in many ways helped to make its erection possible. Together with his wife (who died in 1900) he was a whole-hearted supporter of Primitive Methodism in Brentford, and also was trustee of several chapels in the Connexion. He was of a retiring disposition, but a true friend to the ministers during his sixty years’ membership. 

Suffering from a severe affliction it became necessary for him to enter a hospital, and after a few days he passed away in the full assurance of faith. He was interred on Thursday, Sept. 28th, 1911, the service being conducted by the Rev. Thomas Saunders, who also conducted a memorial service on October 1st.

Family

Ralph was born in 1836 at Stanton St John, Oxfordshire, to mother Mary Paxton. He was baptised on 16 October 1836 at Stanton St John.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Ralph.

• 1851 servant in a school
• 1861 barge builder
• 1871 barge builder
• 1881 barge builder
• 1891 managing foreman to barge builder
• 1901 barge builder’s foreman
• 1911 pensioner barge builder

He married Mary Ann Sadler (1828-1900) in early 1860 in the Poplar Registration District, London. Census returns identify two children.

• Emily (1860-1935) – a dressmaker (1881); married Joseph Hyde in 1882
• Mary Ann (1861-1945)

Ralph died in September 1911 at Brentford, Middlesex.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/329

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers