Turner, William (1845-1911)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

The subject of this sketch, Mr. William Turner, passed away on January 22nd last, after an illness which lasted eight years, during which he was lovingly and devotedly nursed by his wife, who has since passed away, leaving one son and three daughters. 

Brother Turner was born on August 4th, 1845, at Andover, where his father, the late Rev. Samuel Turner, was then the Primitive Methodist minister. He was educated at Newbury Grammar School, and afterwards at Shirland Hall, Birmingham, and later on entered the printing trade. In 1872 Brother Turner came to Reading to engage in business. At this time he joined our Cumberland Road Church, and later became associated with our Friar Street Church, and with both in turn he acted as secretary of the Sunday Schools. He was painstaking in his Church work, and his sterling integrity will be gratefully remembered by those with whom he was associated in this connection. 

The interment of our late friend took place in Reading Cemetery on January 26th, and was conducted by the Revs. W. Raistrick and E.E. Fisher, Mr. H. Ralph, a friend of the family, delivering a brief but appropriate address. Many friends attended the service to show their sympathy with the bereaved. An “In Memoriam” service was held in the Friar Street Church on the Sunday night following, conducted by the Rev. E.E. Fisher, at which a large congregation attended.

Family

William was born on 4 August 1845 at Andover, Hampshire, to parents Samuel Turner, a PM minister, and Ann Wheildon.

Census returns identify the following occupations for William.

• 1861 paper maker
• 1881 master printer
• 1891 printer, stationer & bookseller
• 1901 printer

He married Emma Eliza Coling (1844-1911) in January 1877 at Reading, Berkshire. Census returns identify four children.

• Elizabeth (b abt1878) – a bookseller’s assistant (1901); stationer’s assistant (1911)
• Annie (b1879) – domestic servant (1911)
• Rosa Mary (b1881) – typist (1901); a draper’s correspondent (1911)
• Samuel Joseph (1887-1950) – a journalist (1911)

William died on 22 January 1911 at Reading, Berkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/996

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers