The Life And Death Of B. Tatham
Gospel Standard 1866:
Death. On March 27th, 1866, Mr. B. Tatham, Minister of the Gospel, Eastbourne.
We have received a few particulars of his illness, gifts, &c.; but the account says not a word of his experience, either as living or dying. “We extract the following:
“He was in his usual health excepting as light cold until Tuesday evening, the 27th of March, when he complained of a pain in his chest. He had recourse to brandy and water, which seemed for a time to relieve him, but the pain soon returned with greater violence; the same means, with the addition of putting his feet in mustard and water, were again used, but without effect. Mrs. Tatham, becoming alarmed, sent for their medical attendant, who arrived quickly, but did not seem to think seriously of the case. He went to prepare some medicine, and the servant was sent to get it, consequently Mrs. Tatham was left alone with him. The pain became almost unbearable after he retired to bed, but he said, ‘What a comfort it is to have a nice bed to lie down upon.’ Feeling restless, he got out of bed, sat on the side of it, leaning on Mrs. Tatham’s shoulder, when he vomited and brought up some undigested carrot, eaten at dinner. Mrs. T. then applied a hot poultice to his chest. On asking him if it were not too hot, he replied, ‘No, I can bear anything.’ He again laid himself down on the bed, threw up his arms, and expired without uttering a word. The servant had not returned with the medicine. Mrs. Tatham, thinking he might have fainted, used means to restore him, but without effect. Thus suddenly ended the days of another of God’s faithful ministers, on Tuesday night, March 27th, in the 44th year of his age.”
B. Tatham (1822-1866) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He served as pastor for the church meeting at Eastbourne, East Sussex.