Sharpe, Henry (1834-1909)

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by G.T.S.

The Winchester Circuit is the poorer for the loss of Mr. Henry Sharpe. A man who by his splendid piety earned for himself the respect of all. A local preacher for over fifty years, few will ever know of the labours and sacrifices endured during these years in the interests of the church he loved so dearly. He was a quiet, unobtrusive man, one who disliked publicity and was content to work in a modest, unpretentious manner. He was a devoted Methodist, and in the days long ago was not ashamed to avow his Methodism when it was a difficult task in a village to be a Dissenter. He had the spirit of our pioneers, and the village of Leckford in the Andover Circuit keeps fresh and green the memory of this Primitive Methodist saint.

The Rev. G. Hunter writes: “Mr. Sharpe was a splendid typeof a Christian. To know him was to love and honour him, and the church is poorer for his loss. His piety was most conspicuous; his faith in God unshaken by adversity or affliction, and in his long life he experienced both. His generous and kindly spirit earned for him the esteem and good will of his brethren. He was a mighty man of prayer, and would wrestle with God for hours until the assurance came. Soul saving was the end for which he lived, and the long journeys in the Andover Circuit were willingly undertaken that his heart’s desire might be realised.”

In the Sunday School and Band of Hope he took a deep interest. The way in which he and his good wife trained up their children is much to their credit, and their sons and daughters manifest the spirit and devotion of their parents.

Like a shock of ripe corn he was gathered by the great Harvester, full of years, ripened by experience, and having behind him the record of a long life spent in the service of his God and Church.

To the family the memory of their dear one’s life continues to be an inspiration, and to many others as they fight the good fight of faith and strive to win those around them to Jesus Christ it is full of encouragement. We doubt not the memory of this good man will be blessed, and pray that the service of those left behind may be marked by the same power and followed by the same results.

Family

Henry was born abt1834 at Leckford, Hampshire, to parents John and Sarah. He was baptised on 2 February 1834 at Leckford. His father died before the time of the 1841 census. His mother is described as a pauper in 1841.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Henry.

  • 1851 agricultural labourer
  • 1861 labourer
  • 1871 agricultural labourer
  • 1881 farm labourer
  • 1891 agricultural labourer
  • 1901 restaurant proprietor (coffee house)

He married Sarah Andrews (1841-1917) in late 1862 in the Stockbridge Registration District, Hampshire. Census returns identify nine of twelve children.

  • Richard (1863-1941) – a baker & pastry cook (1901)
  • Charley (b abt1865) – not identified after 1871
  • George (abt1867-1936) – a farm labourer (1911)
  • Bessie Andrews (1868-1940) – a general domestic servant (1891); married William Spencer Garrett, a book-keeper (1911), in 1891
  • Emma (1870-1907) – a cook (1901)
  • Mary Ann (b1872) – not identified after 1881 census
  • Elizabeth (1874-1926) – a general domestic servant (1891); assisting in restaurant business (1911)
  • Harry (1876-1960) – a carman (1911)
  • Alice (b abt1882) – a general domestic servant (1911)
  • Maude (b1884) – assisting in restaurant business (1911)

Henry died in early 1909 at Winchester, Hampshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/832

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: Many records spell the surname ‘Sharp’.

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