Smith, Richard (1851-1914)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.W.

By the translation of Mr. Richard Smith the Claremont Street Church, Leicester, has lost one of its oldest and most respected members. Taken to the school when three years of age, for sixty years he has had an unbroken connection with school and church. At sixteen he was called to preach, and for forty-seven years filled that office with great usefulness. For many years school superintendent and teacher of the young women’s class, he was a most devoted class leader.

He will ever be remembered as a man distinguished for his sterling sincerity, his goodness of soul, and for the completeness of his devotion. It bespeaks much for him and the devout spirit of his wife, that all his children are members of the Church.

Though Mr. Smith had been in failing health for some time, his home call was quite sudden. His funeral on August 6th in the Belgrave Cemetery and in our Claremont Street Church was conducted by Rev. John Whittle and Mr. Richard Hallam. A most impressive In Memoriam service was held in our Claremont Street Church on the Sunday evening.

Family

Richard was born in the spring of 1851 at Belgrave, Leicester, Leicestershire, to parents Henry Smith, a gardener (1861), and Ann Bentley.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Richard.

1861 farmer’s boy
1871 stone mason
1881 master mason – employs 5 men
1891 stone mason
1901 stone mason
1911 retired stone mason

He married Priscilla Wain (1849-1924) on 13 May 1875 at St Peter’s, Belgrave, Leicester, Leicestershire. Census returns identify five of seven children.

Herbert Owen (1876-1968) – a pupil teacher (1891); a science master (1914)
Elsie (1880-1939) – general clerk at milliner’s establishment (1921)
Alice Evelyn (1881-1962) – school teacher (1911); married Walter Edward Browett, a secondary school teacher (1921), in 1912
Annie May (b1883)
Frank Wain (1888-1959) – a farmer (1911)

Richard died on 1 August 1914 at Hungerton, Leicestershire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914/835

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers