Rutter, Enoch (1844-1912)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Arthur Wilkes

By the passing of Brother E. Rutter to the higher service, Bromsgrove Circuit has lost a man of fine character and splendid devotion. A Primitive Methodist of the third generation, his father was a pillar in our Catshill church for fifty years. His grandfather built us a synagogue at Wildmoor when we were a poor and feeble folk.

Enoch enhanced the splendid traditions he inherited. Well do I remember his conversion under the ministry of Professor Peake’s father. His gifts were soon recognised and a “note” was given him to accompany my father. An earnest and acceptable preacher he was for forty years, and served as Class Leader, School Superintendent, Steward, etc. Generous, too, he was, the new church at Catshill, built two years ago, being a monument to his liberality and zeal.

At the Leicester Conference he was among the first to promise a liberal donation at the inception of the Centenary Fund. And the Church delighted to do him honour, sending him often as delegate to Synod and twice to Conference.

Becoming a bread-winner at nine he tasted the hardships of farm service, and then became a stoker on the Midland Railway. Following in turn nailmaking, market gardening, fruit growing and farming, he forged his way to affluence, “giving thanks to God alway.”

Two years since he had a long illness from which he never really recovered. His end came serenely on Feb. 21st, at the age of 67. Great crowds assembled at the funeral and memorial services conducted by Rev. F.J. Harper. He leaves a widow with four sons and six daughters, all grown up and attached to their father’s Church. Two sons are stepping into some of the vacant offices. Great is their loss, but they have as their continual inspiration the priceless legacy of a shining example.

Family

Enoch was born in late 1844 at Catshill, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, to parents William Rutter, a nailer (1851), and Hannah Kendrick.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Enoch

1861 nail maker
1871 fireman on the railway
1881 fruiterer & potato dealer
1891 farmer
1901 farmer
1911 farmer

He married Emma Warman (1846-1919) on 10 November 1867 at Catshill, Worcestershire. Census returns identify ten of fourteen children.

Hannah (1868-1936) – a domestic cook (1891); married Cornelius George Humphries, a tin smith, in 1895
Walter (1871-1925) – a farmer (1911)
Ellen (1873-1942) – married Frank Wagstaff, a baker (1911),in 1892
Eliza (1875-1941) – married Joshua Waldron, a coach smith (1911), in 1895
Arthur (1877-1930) – a farmer (1901)
Paradise (1878-1956) – married William Fisher, a baker (1911), in 1900
Sarah (1881-1964) – dressmaker (1901); farmer’s daughter (1911); married Harry Powell, a market gardener (1939), in 1919
Edward (1883-1935) – a farm labourer (1911)
Mary (b1886) – married Harry Wilkes, a bricklayer (1911), in 1904
William (1888-1949) – a farm labourer (1911)

Enoch died on 21 February 1912 at Cottage Farm, Marlbrook, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/573

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers