Neale, John Thomas (1818-1888)

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Primitive methodist Magazine 1873

Early years

John was born on 2 February 1818 at Griffydam, nr Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. The family soon moved to Ansty, nr Leicester. John’s father was a PM local preacher and class leader and often entertained travelling preachers in their home. John was converted under a sermon preached by Francis Warner of Leicester at Ansty. He soon became a local preacher.

Ministry

John’s obituary records that he was exceedingly hospitable. To entertain friends at his table was a grand source of satisfaction and joy to him. He had a large heart and was full of compassion and sympathy for the poor and oppressed. He hated meanness, denounced tyranny and injustice with fiery vehemence and championed the cause of the weak and struggling with all his might.

As a preacher and platform speaker he excelled. He suffered from a speech impediment, but as he warmed to his work his stammering ceased and the discourse flowed on in smooth and easy style.

Family

John married Ellen (1834-1920). Census returns identify three children.

• Eva Ellen (1853-1885) – married Henry Whitworth, a butcher and local preacher
• Betsey (1859-1881)
• John Thomas (1867-1928) – a refreshment caterer

John died on 30 July 1888 at Lincoln and was buried at Ripley, Derbyshire.

Circuits

• 1844 Winster
• 1845 Horncastle
• 1846 Bottesford
• 1847 Grantham
• 1848 Donington
• 1851 Ilkeston
• 1853 Lincoln
• 1855 Sleaford
• 1857 Kiveton Park
• 1860 Boston
• 1863 Burton on Trent
• 1866 Grantham
• 1868 Clay Cross
• 1870 Belper
• 1874 Ripley
• 1880 Ripley (S)
• 1883 Lincoln l

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1873 (portrait); 1889/689

PM Minutes 1889/17

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers