Proverbs, Thomas (1830-1907)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908

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

Thomas Proverbs was born at Wednesbury, November 17th, 1830. His early religious life was associated with Wesleyan Methodism. He became a local preacher, and being intelligent and of studious habits, his messages were thoughtful and acceptable. He had high ideals of life, and scorned anything that was low or vulgar. He was connected with the ecclesiastical controversies that resulted in the Wesleyan Reform movement, and being radical and progressive, he was forced to leave the church of his early choice.

On leaving Wednesbury for Banbury he joined our church, and he and his family were soon engaged in active Christian work. He took his place as a local preacher, and did useful secretarial work. His enthusiasm, however, was devoted to the Temperance cause. He identified himself with Temperance organisations, and worked hard with voice and pen for the spread of Temperance principles. He has preached and lectured on the steps in Wednesbury where John Wesley stood to proclaim his evangel. All the members of his numerous family are life abstainers.

Eventually his health gave way, and the rest of his life was pain. He removed to Birmingham and for a short time devoted himself to preaching and other aggressive Christian work. But increasing pain compelled him to retire, and he spent the rest of his days in quiet. He was methodical, precise, punctual; a lover of books, broad in his views, and generous in his sympathies. Throughout the long years of suffering he was patient and uncomplaining. He would sometimes express a longing for the eternal rest, but was quite content to wait the Lord’s time. His great text was, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

His devoted wife was his constant companion and untiring nurse. On the morning of November 30th, 1907, a change was noticed, and the eldest son was sent for. “I am sinking deeper, deeper,” he murmured. ‘Yes,” said his wife, “deeper sink to higher rise.” “Ah, that’s it. I am all right now.” And so it was not death but falling asleep.

His memorial sermon was preached by the Rev. G.E. Rudram in Selly Oak Chapel. At the service a tune called “Rest,” composed by our departed father, was sung to the hymn, “Rock of Ages.” There we will rest till the storm is over.

Family

Thomas was born on 17 November 1830 at Wednesbury, Staffordshire, to parents John Proverbs, who worked the land (1841) and was later a miner, and Mary Ann Griffiths. He was baptised on 6 February 1831 at St Bartholomew, Wednesbury.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.

1851 painter
1861 clerk in manufactory
1871 clerk in manufactory
1881 commercial clerk – unemployed
1891 hosier & draper
1901 rent collector

He married Harriet Waldron (1830-1914) on 12 April 1852 at St Bartholomew Wednesbury, Staffordshire. Census returns identify eleven children.

Thomas (1853-1930) – a cycle tool maker (1901)
John Henry (1854-1928) – a printer & stationer (1901)
Harriet (1856-1932) – married James Griffin, a PM minister, in 1879
Catherine (1858-1909 – married Thomas William Warren, a clerk/cashier in East India warehouse; emigrated to Australia and died at Fitzroy, Victoria
Amy Mary (1859-1930) – married Jonathan Marshall Booth, a clerk (1880), in 1880
William George (1862-1939) – an electrotyper (1911)
Alice (1864-1951) – married James Edward Wilson, a printer compositor (1911), in 1888
Mary Ann Griffiths (1865-1934) – a hosier & draper’s assistant (1891); married Henry Borrill, a ship’s steward, in 1898
Ellen (abt1869-1894)
Sarah (1869-1874)
Frederick Josiah (1870-1874)

Thomas died on 28 November 1907 at Selly Oak, Northfield, Worcestershire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/912

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: His probate record gives the date of death as 28 November 1907.