Spence, John (1816-1890)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1889

Early years

John was born on 9 July 1816 at Percy Main to parents Roger Spence and Jane Attis.. His father was a miner. He was one of 17 children and was sent to work in the coal pit as a trapper boy aged 9.

In 1828, Primitive Methodists missioned Percy Main and John attended service at Henry Wonder’s house. He was one of the first scholars at the PM Sunday School that opened in 1829. John was converted at the age of 14.

At the age of 21, John left the pit to set up a small drapery business in his village. He remained at Percy Main until 1845 and then moved to North Shields.

Whilst at Percy Main, John was a class leader and Sunday School Superintendent.

Adult Life

John’s drapery business prospered, as did his position in society. In 1864 he was elected Guardian of the Poor. In 1870 he was elected to the Borough Council. He was mayor of North Shields in 1881 and elected an Alderman in 1884. Today, there is a John Spence Community High School in North Shields

Contribution to the Connexion

John was generous in the building of the Saville St church in North Shields. He was station steward for many years and representative to the District meeting. He attended conference on several occasions.

John was active in securing the Theological Institute at Sunderland and served as a Trustee. He was also a director of the Connexional Insurance Company.

John was Chairman of the Metropolitan Missionary Meeting in 1888.

Family

John married Mary Hall (1820-1856) on 6 Apr 1842. They had eight children.

Roger (1843-1922) – a draper, emigrated to Australia
Jane (1844-1936) – married George Smith, a commercial clerk, emigrated to Australia when a widow
Mary (1846-1847)
Margaret (1848-1849)
Samuel John (1850-1851)
John (1852-1928) – died in Australia
James Samuel (1853-1854)
Mary (1855-1919) – married Joseph Sanderson, a master mariner

John married Isabella Goodal Carse (1828-1894) on 14 January 1861.

John died on 9 November 1890 at North Shields, Northumberland.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1889/641

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Smith Family Tree on Ancestry.com