Scorer, William (1845-1913)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

William Scorer was born at West Moor, Northumberland, April 12th, 1845, and when quite a lad gave himself to Christ’s service. Removing about 1863 to Harton, he joined our Church, though the meeting-place was only an old cow byre. He continued a faithful member and official to the end.

He was an enthusiastic school worker, never absent except from necessity, and was a constant attender also at the District School Committees. For forty years he was a zealous temperance advocate, was vice-president of C.E. Society, and for many years chapel treasurer. The fellowship he found in the ordinary services, and especially in the class meeting, was a constant delight to him.

His wife’s death only a month before his own was a shock from which he never rallied. He passed away on July 7th, and was buried in Harton Churchyard on July 10th, Mr. Wilkinson giving a touching address at the service in Talbot Road.

He was a transparent, generous, and sincere Christian soul, and will be missed above many from the ranks.

Family

William was born on 12 April 1845 at West Moor, Northumberland, to parents Charles Scorer, an engine man (1861), and Mary Brown.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

1861 fireman
1871 colliery brakes man
1881 engine man
1891 colliery engine man
1901 winding engine man
1911 retired miner

He married Elizabeth Liddle (1845-1885) in early 1866 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. Census returns identify eight children.

Mary Jane (1866-1931) – a domestic servant (1881); married Robert Gardener Williamson, a coal trimmer(1901), in 1890
Isabella (1867-1940) – married Thomas Graham, a railway engine stoker (1911), in 1889
Elizabeth Ann (1869-1932) – married Joseph Lovatt, a coal miner (1911), in 1892
Charles (1871-1903) – a coal miner (1891)
Sarah (1873-1894) – a dressmaker (1891); married William Chapman in 1892
William (1878-1948) – a law clerk (1911)
Margaret (1880-1959) – married John William Harrison, a coal miner hewer (1911), in 1900
Martha Hannah (1883-1938) – ironer in laundry (1901); married William Oliver, a coal miner (deputy) (1911), in 1907

He married Elizabeth Peete (1847-1913) in late 1892 in the South Shields Registration District, Co. Durham.

William died on 7 July at Harton Colliery, South Shields, Co. Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/918

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers