Searle, Charles (1841-1913)

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

A link with the early history of our Church in London has been broken by the death of Mr. Charles Searle. Fifty-four years ago Charles Searle was converted at a band meeting conducted in Coopers Garden Chapel by the sainted Rev. Isaac Nullis, He at once entered heartily into all kinds of Christian service, and became a member of the Mission Room which preceded the London Fields Chapel, Hackney, where, for a time, he was steward, and proved to be one of the late Rev. G. Austin’s best supporters. It was our friend’s greatest joy to talk of the memorable scenes he witnessed in this historic place of worship. 

Fifty-three years ago he became a local preacher and had many exciting experiences when preaching in the open-air. Hardly a Sunday passed without some souls finding their way to Jesus through his preaching. 

Acquiring a business at Sevenoaks, where we had no church, for a time he identified himself with the Wesleyans. A few years later he removed to Sunninghill, Berks, and was one of the founders of our cause at The Rise. Retiring from business, he removed to Chalvey, where, through his influence, the late Mr. A. East had given a splendid site for a new church. He assisted largely in the erection of the present handsome church and school, and spent his time in preaching and visiting. At all times his house was open to the preachers, and he loyally supported all the funds. 

On December 6th he passed away, after a serious operation, at the age of seventy-two. He was buried in the Slough Parish Churchyard on December 10th, the service being conducted by Rev. George Kendall, who also, on December 14th, conducted a memorial service. We deeply sympathise with his wife and son.

Family

Charles was born abt1841 at Ascot, Berkshire, to parents Richard, a carrier (1851), and Letitia.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Charles.

• 1861 dock labourer
• 1871 carman
• 1881 coal merchant
• 1891 carman & tobacconist
• 1901 coal merchant
• 1911 retired carman

He married Elizabeth Cranwell (1837-1868) in late 1865 in the lethal Green Registration District, London. Census returns identifying one child.

• Charles William (1866-1949) – a printer compositor (1891); a journalist (1911)

He married Jane Cranwell (abt1832-1888) on 29 August 1869 at Stepney Parish Church, London.

He married Phoebe Whittington (1844-1940) in late 1890 in the Windsor Registration District, Berkshire.

Charles died on 6 December 1913 at Slough, Buckinghamshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914/241

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers