Pointer, William (1834-1909)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Geo. Annakin 

Mr. William Pointer was born at Slowley, in Norfolk, in 1834, and passed away at Shouldham, December 26th, 1909, in the 75th year of his age. He was brought into vital communion with Christ as his Saviour when about twenty-four years of age, and soon after united with our people at Fairs Green, in the parish of Middleton. This union was one of a very happy and honourable description on both sides, and continued for the lengthy space of more than fifty-one years. 

For more than forty years he was a local preacher, and rendered very useful service in this respect, both in Lynn, Swaffham, Watton, Wymondham and Brandon and Methwold Circuits. Mr. Pointer was a plain, steady, peaceable, and unostentatious man, very strong in his convictions, devout, cheerful, and kindly in spirit, and very upright in his daily conduct.

His home life was exemplary and happy. A diligent reader and student of the Word of God, he was very regular in his attendance at the means of grace. The Class meeting to him was a great spiritual treat. As a hearer of the Gospel message, he was most attentive and sympathetic. As far as his means would permit, he gave cheerfully and generously to the funds of the Church, was a true friend of its ministers, and took a deep interest in its welfare. 

His life, on the whole, was of strenuous and self-denying character, and his last illness, though sharp and painful, was borne with much cheerful patience and fortitude. When the final summons came for him to depart, he was fully prepared. His mortal remains were committed to their last resting place in Shouldham Churchyard on the following Thursday by the Rev. G. Shrean in the presence of a large circle of deeply sorrowing relatives and friends.

It is not death to die,
To leave this weary road,
And ’midst the brotherhood on high,
To be at home with God.

Family

William was born on 22 July 1834 at Hevingham, Norfolk, to parents Thomas Pointer, a labourer, and Elizabeth Abbs. He was baptised on 17 August 1834 at Hevingham. The family were living at Sloley, Norfolk at the time of the 1851 census.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William

• 1851 agricultural labourer
• 1861 labourer
• 1871 farm bailiff
• 1881 farm bailiff
• 1891 farmer

He married Elizabeth Bennett (1837-1900) on 17 February 1859 at Middleton, Norfolk. Census returns identify seven children.    

• Mary Jane (b1859) – married William Richard Chamberlain, a carpenter (1881), in 1879
• Harriet (1861-1943) – married Charles Bone, a bus driver (1901), in 1884
• Thomas (1863-1941) – a butcher (1901)
• Annie (b abt1866)
• Elizabeth (b1868) – a hospital nurse (1891); married Augustus Rufus French, a military bandsman (1901),  in 1891
• William (1870-1946) – a butcher (1891)
• George (1878-1956) – a farmer (1911); bus driver (1939)

He married Mary Dix, nee Bennett, (1833-1915) on 10 December 1900 at St Peter’s, Battersea, London.

William died on 26 December 1909 at Shouldham, Norfolk.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/494

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers