Tinsley, Marshall (1818-1862)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W Dolman

MARSHALL TINSLEY late of North Walsham, in the county of Norfolk, was an itinerant minister in our Connexion. He was born at Balderton, in Nottinghamshire, in 1818. He was the son of Marshall and Bridget Tinsley, who lived in the fear of the Lord, und took great pains to train up their children in the way they should go, combining with their instruction, fervent prayer and supplication on their behalf at the throne of grace. As they belonged to the poor, they were unable to bestow upon their children a liberal education.

The subject of this memoir was brought to God when about sixteen years of age; he then became a member of our society, and continued a zealous, consistent Christian to the end of his life. Shortly after his conversion, his name appeared on the circuit’s plan, and he laboured in the capacity of a local preacher about four years, and had success in warning sinners to flee from the wrath to come. In 1838, he was called to the work of the ministry by the Fulbeck Circuit, and from that time until 1843 he laboured on the following stations—Fulbeck, Bury, Isle of Man, Preston Brook, and Chester,—with some tokens of Divine approval. By the Conference of 1845 he was re-stationed at Chester, but North Walsham being in need of a preacher, he was given up to that station. Here he enjoyed the sympathy of the people, and by the blessing of God witnessed an increase of members. His next station was Wangford, where he saw the salvation of God in the conversion of sinners,—about one hundred being added to society. He thence removed to Stowmarket, in Suffolk, and in this station I understand he was the means of doing good to some whom he found in the way to ruin.

From 1846 to 1848 he laboured on the Hadleigh Circuit, where I believe he had to endure some severe trials; but he prayed, “Save me, O God, for the waters are come in unto my soul;” and many deliverances he realized. By the Conference of 1848 he was appointed to Brandon, where he laboured two years, and left an increase of members. He next removed to Rockland, where after labouring earnestly and suffering patiently until 1852, it was his painful lot to have to report a small decrease.

Swaffham, Aylsham, Wangford, Wisbeach, and Briston next in succession shared his labours, until 1861. He was then stationed the second time to North Walsham; and on his entering his station he appeared in a low, nervous state, having recently interred a beloved wife and an interesting daughter in the cemetery of this town. After some time, however, he became more cheerful, and the friends remarked they never saw him look so well. Appearances are proverbially deceptive: and so it was here. For our friend soon sickened and died. The cause of his death was gastric fever, from which he suffered extremely during the fourteen days of his affliction; but in the midst of all he enjoyed a calm and tranquil state of mind: having laid the foundation of his hope on the Rock, it was unshaken “Amidst the jar of clashing pain.”

He departed this life June 27th, 1862, aged forty-four years, with a firm assurance that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin. May all who read these lines realize its cleansing virtue.

Those who knew Mr. Tinsley say he was a good man, and possessed a benevolent disposition. He was an affectionate husband and father, and a kind friend to the poor. But his work is done, and he now enjoys his reward. May the reader and the writer meet him in heaven.

Family

Marshall was born in 1818 at Balderton, Nottinghamshire, to parents Marshall and Bridget. He was baptised on 18 June 1818 at St Giles, Balderton.

He married Elizabeth Mungard, nee Sharpe (1803-1861) on 10 July 1844 at North Walsham, Norfolk. Census returns identify one child.

• Jane Annie (b1852)  – a pupil teacher (1871)            

Marshall died on 27 June 1862 at North Walsham, Norfolk.

Circuits

• 1838 Fulbeck (6 mths)
• 1838 Boston (6 mths)
• 1839 Bury
• 1840 isle of Man
• 1841 Preston Brook
• 1842 Chester
• 1843 N Walsham
• 1844 Wangford
• 1845 Stowmarket
• 1846 Hadleigh
• 1848 Brandon
• 1850 Rockland
• 1852 Swaffham
• 1853 Aylsham
• 1855 Wangford
• 1857 Wisbech
• 1859 Briston
• 1861 N Walsham
• 1862 Yarmouth

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1863/129

PM Minutes 1863/9

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers