Withams, Daniel (1846-1914)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by H.W.P.

Daniel Withams was born in an Essex village on May 29th, 1846, and died at Braintree, October 29th, 1914, aged sixty-nine years. Migrating in early manhood to East Ham, he soon decided to become an abstainer, and this ultimately led to his conversion. Associated first with a small Baptist cause at Barking, and afterwards with our infant church in East Ham, Brother Withams closely identified himself with the fortunes of the little church. He remained a loyal member until his removal to Braintree in 1911.

His Christian character was apparent to everyone. His home life was beautiful, and his care of his ailing wife was pleasant to see. These generous souls both made many sacrifices to help others and the cause they loved. He loved the class meeting, and was very proud of the silver teapot presented to him on his removal.

His declining days were spent amidst the scenes of his youth. The funeral service, on November 5th, 1914, was conducted by Rev. F.W. Wilkinson, who also gave a brief “In Memoriam” on the following Sunday. Our hearts go out in sympathy to his sorrowing widow.

Family

Daniel was born on 29 May 1846 at Cressing, Essex, to parents William Withams, who worked the land (1851), and Maria Smee

Census returns identify the following occupations for Daniel.

• 1861 agricultural labourer
• 1871 stoker in gas works
• 1891 gas stoker
• 1901 furnace foreman
• 1911 general labourer carbonising department

He married Louisa Breed (1844-1928) on 19 October 1868 at St Michael the Archangel, Braintree, Essex. Census returns identify four of eight children.

• Alice (b abt1866) – only identified in the 1871 census return
• William James (1874-1925) – a gas stoker & navvy (1911)
• Frederick (1877-1956) – a labourer navvy (1911)
• Arthur (1882-1934) – a coke filler (1911)

Daniel died on 29 October 1914 at Braintree, Essex.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1915/330

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers