Saxton, Thomas (1848-1915)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by A.E. Proctor

The death of Mr. Thomas Saxton on December 13th, . 1915, at the age of sixty-seven, and after being a local preacher for about forty years, has been a great loss to the Epworth Circuit. With the Sunday school he had almost a life-long connection, and to its work he was devotedly attached. As a member of the choir he rendered good service for more than thirty years. 

The funeral service, conducted by Rev. W. H. Nicholas, was most impressive, Sunday school children, members of the church and congregation, and townspeople generally, assembling in large numbers to pay respect to his memory. His favourite hymns were sung both in the schoolroom where the service was held and at the graveside, around which many school children reverently gathered. 

He loved the hymn, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” We pray that this assurance is now fully realised.

Family

Thomas was born in 1848 at Epworth, Lincolnshire, to parents Thomas Paxton, a blacksmith (1851), and Hannah Shipley. He was baptised on 17 November 1848 at Epworth.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Thomas.

• 1861 scholar
• 1871 blacksmith
• 1881 blacksmith
• 1891 blacksmith
• 1901 blacksmith
• 1911 blacksmith

Thomas died on 13 November 1915 at Epworth, Lincolnshire. He was buried on 16 November 1915.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/332

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: Thomas probate record gives the date of death as 13 November 1915; not December as stated in the obituary.