Leach, John (1850-1912)
Early years
John was born on 9 July 1850 at Oldham, Lancashire to parents Abraham and Susannah. Abraham worked in the cotton mills and later was a grocer.
John started work in the cotton mills at the age of eight. In his early teens he felt his need of mental culture and walked two miles, three times a week, to attend classes at the Oldham Lyceum. At the age of fifteen, John was converted and resolved to spend two evenings at the Lyceum, two at chapel and two at home. He soon became a Sunday School teacher and local preacher.
Ministry
In Yorkshire and in South Wales, John was a member of the School Board. He suffered imprisonment at Oxford and Reading as a Passive Resister. In all, he went to prison on six occasions. He was an enthusiastic Temperance advocate, and a very able reasoned against tobacco smoking.
His obituary records that John was not made after a stock pattern. He was a distinct individuality. His strong will and impulsiveness at times brought him in to conflict with some whose methods were not his. He was genuinely sincere, and believed he was doing right. Errors of judgement he doubtless showed; but with his soul and mind and strength he strove to serve his Lord and promote the good of Zion.
Family
John married Annie Eliza Chapman (1858-1954) in early 1881 at Islington, London. Census returns identify six children.
- Wilfrid Samuel Chapman (1882-1953) – a PM Minister
- Susannah Florence (1884-1936)
- John Gladstone (1886-1942) – a grocer’s assistant (1911)
- Llwellyn (1888-1953) – an outfitter’s assistant (1911)
- Joseph Maylott (1893-1969)
- Andrew Danzy (1897-1963)
John died on 5 May 1912 at Pimperne, nr Blandford, Dorset.
Circuits
- 1872 Hungerford
- 1875 Poole
- 1879 Aylesbury
- 1880 Dunstable
- 1883 Minsterley
- 1885 Swinefleet
- 1887 Cardiff I
- 1890 Northampton II
- 1891 York II
- 1894 Bishop Auckland
- 1896 Luton II
- 1900 Blaenavon
- 1902 Oxford
- 1905 Slough
- 1908 Bishop Waltham
- 1911 Blandford
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/381
PM Minutes 1912/26
W Leary , Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits , 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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