Withington, William (1827-1902)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

WILLIAM WITHINGTON. — The venerable William Withington finished his earthly course at Dark Lane, Oakengates and Wellington Circuit, on May 8th, 1902, aged 75 years. Here by his consistent Christian character and self-denying devotion to the spiritual interests of the people he had gained a firm hold upon the general respect of the public. His name will be long remembered for his Christlike spirit and toils, by which he was made in various ways a channel of Divine blessing. He was connected, as a teacher and superintendent, with our Dark Lane Sabbath school from its commencement, in 1865, up to the day of his death. He held the office of local preacher for 50 years, and his pulpit-power was derived from his fidelity to Holy Scripture, his evangelical earnestness, the sanctity of his character, and his prayerful reliance upon the Holy Ghost. His influence in promoting the work of God in connection with our Dark Lane Church could not be estimated. From its early days he carried it in his heart, honoured it by his life, helped it by his unsparing, self-denying labours, and unctionised it by his persevering prayers. He could pray “the fervent and effectual prayer of the righteous man.” “He and the late Mr. Tart got up one Sunday morning at five o’clock and went and prayed earnestly and long that God would give them a piece of ground for a chapel, and the chapel is on the very spot where they prayed. Although another piece of ground was staked out, yet in the end it was built on the very spot where they pleaded with God.” He has bequeathed to his beloved family and church the legacy of a fine example, many earnest prayers, and a field of usefulness well cultivated and full of promise. His adorable Lord called him rather suddenly from his much-loved employ, and leaving his beloved ones on earth his benediction, he passed into the Divine Presence, with the sweat of the vineyard upon his brow. May grace be given us not to be slothful, but followers of him. Amen.

W. FORTH

Family and other information

William was baptised on 21 January 1827 at Dawley Magna, Shropshire. His parents were Thomas, a labourer, and Elizabeth.

William worked as an iron puddler.

He married Elizabeth Ruscoe (1824-1887) on 16 November 1845 at All Saints, Wellington, Shropshire. Census returns identify eight children.

  • William (1850-1929) – a puddler
  • Mary Ann (1851-1861)
  • Thomas (1852-1937) – an ironworker (1881); an insurance agent (1901)
  • Ann (abt1857-1931) – married Thomas Jones, a platelayer (1891), in 1886
  • Sarah (abt1862-1886) – married Alfred Gough, a coal miner, in 1880
  • Emily (1863-1920) – a domestic servant (1891); married Henry Dewhurst, a baker, in 1891
  • John (abt1867-1935) – a moulder
  • George (1870-1940) – a puddler

William married Sarah Bates (abt 1816-1894) on 2 September 1888 at Mainslee, Shropshire.

References

Christian Messenger 1903/127

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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