Waller, James (1832-1909)

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W.L. Spooner

After a protracted and very painful affliction, Brother J. Waller, of Bintree, on June 11th, escaped from his burdened lot and passed to the rest beyond. For about fifty years he had been connected with our church, and during the greater part of that time was a most acceptable, and even popular local preacher. Long journeys, lonely roads, rains and snows, were braved by our brother in his days of strength. His religion was his life; it filled and suffused him. Out of his eyes shone its light, through his lips its message was music, from his actions its aroma spread.

On all hands J. Waller was spoken of as the man of real Christian experience, as one who took his Christianity about with him. In spite of the trying nature of his sufferings it was a treat to visit him. One can never forget his exulting assurance of the Divine care.

Occasionally he would say, “It is hard work, yet God has some good reason in allowing me to suffer in this way, and it will soon be over. He will never forsake me. He will never suffer my feet to be moved. He is with me; I will fear no evil. He is good, too good to be unkind.”

In the mind of the writer the memory of his looks, his faith, his radiant gladness will ever abide. To have known him has been a delight. Out of the way of life’s noisy, more widespread activities this flower of human life, though wounded, has bloomed. Long out of the public eye, he has lived in the Father’s presence, and has known himself as one of the royal sons of God.

The funeral service in our own church was impressive. Rev. G. Bass, Baptist minister of Foulsham, gave a word of testimony to our brother in a touching manner, and presented an earnest appeal to those of his family, and others present, to follow the same Christ.

The writer read the committal service at the grave. It was a tearful time, yet through the tears the light was shining, for all knew we were not burying more than the discarded shell, all felt confident our brother was on high. May his family and all who knew him follow up the path on which he journeyed to his home. 

“Though in the earth now lies his broken form,
He risen is beyond all pain and storm;
Up there where health and good will never cease,
He lives in light, and boundless joy and peace.”

Family

James was born in 1832 at Bintree, Norfolk, to parents John, who worked the land, and Lydia. He was baptised on 7 October 1832 at Bintree.

James also worked the land.

He married Harriet Nobbs (Nobes) (1836-1905) on 2 November 1856 at Bintree, Norfolk. Census returns identify nine children.            

  • Betsey (1858-1938) – housemaid (1891); married Alfred George Loads, a machine fitter (1911), in 1902; married Joseph G Flaxman in 1931
  • Mary Ann (Polly) (b1861) – a domestic servant (1881); married Thomas Henry Bell, a bricklayer, in 1891
  • Lydia (b1863) – a domestic cook (1881); a housemaid (1891)
  • Celia (b1865) – a domestic servant (1901)
  • William (b abt1868) – a horseman on farm (1901); a farm labourer (1911)
  • Sarah (1870-1937) – married William Dack in 1890
  • James (1874-1936) – a farm labourer (1911)
  • Walter (1877-1949) – a horseman on farm (1911); a farm bailiff (1939)
  • Arthur John (1880-1955) – agricultural labourer (1901)

James died on 11 June 1909 at Bintree, Norfolk.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/832

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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