Starling, William (1847-1907)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1907

Transcription of Obituary in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Joseph Johnson (1)

Mr. William Starling, senior circuit steward, Kingstone, Hereford, was brought to God when quite young, and at once united himself with our church. He was a useful and acceptable local preacher, a class leader, trustee, superintendent of the Sunday School, Circuit Steward and Missionary treasurer for the District. He was often delegate to District meeting and several times to Conference, as well as to the Sunday School Conference. 

A good man, a loyal Primitive Methodist, a most devoted Christian he was loved, esteemed, and trusted by all who knew him. On February. 8th, 1907, returning from the District committee he was thrown from his trap by the stumbling of the horse. The fall caused concussion of the brain. He never fully recovered consciousness and died on Thursday, February 14th.

There was a large assembly at his funeral. The Revs. J. Blayney, D.S. Lees, T.A. Young, H. Owen and the writer took part in the service and the address was given by Rev. E. Ball. At the grave the Sunday School children sang one of his favourite hymns, “Safe in the arms of Jesus.” The writer improved his death to a large and sympathetic congregation on Sunday. March 10th, at our Cagebrook chapel. 

Rev. E. Ball says, “For nearly forty years he was my friend, and his friendship was true and genuine. I never once saw him out of temper or heard him utter an angry word.”

Rev. D. S. Lees writes, “He was a true minister’s friend, jealous of the interest of the circuit and anxious for the success of every place.” 

Rev. J. Blayney says, “I have known him well for thirty years, and ever found him a true, God-fearing man. His great delight was in the sanctuary and in the service of his Lord. He still serves, not in weariness, but in endless strength; not amid the shadows but in the blaze of the eternal light.”

Family

William was born abt 1847 at Norton, nr Bromyard, Herefordshire, to Parents James, who worked the land (1851), and later became a grocer (1861), and Ann.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

  • 1871 joiner
  • 1881 carpenter & joiner
  • 1891 temperance hotel keeper
  • 1901 assistant overseer

He married Susannah Hancorn (1847-1896) in the summer of 1873 in the Weobly Registration District, Herefordshire.

He married Nora Jane Beavan (1853-1910) in the spring of 1898  in the Hereford Registration District.

William died on 14 February 1907 at Lawnsdown, Clehonger, Herefordshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1907/744

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.