Symes, Samuel Joseph (1841-1913)

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

Bro. Samuel J. Symes, of the Weymouth Society, was respected by all who knew him. Converted in the old chapel fifty-eight years ago, he became a local preacher and carefully prepared his message. He took great interest in the house of God and gave much money and time to its interests. He was appointed class leader and society steward, the duties of which offices he discharged with conscientious fidelity.

Superintendent of the Sunday School for twenty-six years, he gained the affection of the children. His character was mellowed by trial. A friend of all good causes, the Bible Society, Orphan Homes, the London Missions had from him cheerful and liberal support, but especially was he a foreign missionary enthusiast.

A shipwright by trade, he was greatly respected by his masters and the men with whom he laboured. He was spared a long illness and died as he had lived, peacefully and triumphant in Christ. He will be greatly missed.

Family

Samuel was born abt1841 at Weymouth, Dorset, to parents Thomas Symes, a cordwainer (1851), and Joannah Bennett

Census returns identify the following occupations for Samuel.

1851 scholar
1861 ship carpenter
1871 ship carpenter
1881 shipwright
1891 shipwright (wdr)
1901 shipwright (wdr)
1911 carpenter

He married Sarah Jane Smith (1845-1870) on 4 April 1865 at Holy Trinity, Weymouth, Dorset. Census returns identify two children.

Emma Bennett Oak (b1866) – a school teacher (1891); married William Lawrence Couch, inspector of ports and lighthouses in Egypt (1906), in 1906; in Jersey in 1941
Sarah Jane (1870-1871)

Samuel died in July 1913 at Weymouth, Dorset.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/749

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers