Stroud, John (1818-1888)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1866

Early years

John was born on 10 September 1818 at Mortimer, Berkshire to parents Richard and Jane. He was baptised on 20 December 1818 at the Independent Chapel,Mortimer, his parents being Presbyterian.

John attended a Presbyterian Sunday School but remained unconverted until John Ride and colleagues visited his part of Berkshire.

Ministry

At the age of 18, John accompanied John Guy on mission to Henley-on-Thames. There they met a fierce uncontrollable mob.

John was keen to continue his studies whnever possible. He would carry his wardrobe and library, candles and matches, about with him from place to place on his extensive journeys. Whenever the opportunity arose, in a room or under a hedge, out came his books.

The writer of his obituary records; ‘As a preacher he was solid rather than brilliant. he had a clear practical mind which was fond of enquiry and being an extensive reader, he took a broad view of things.’

As a paster he was diligent and faithful. he was fond of visiting among the sick and the poor and ministering to their needs.

Family

The 1851 census shows John married to Louisa (b abt 1817) working in Alderney.

John married Elizabeth Hetherington (1827-1896) in 1857 in Carlisle, Cumberland. Census returns identify two children.

• Deborah Jane (b abt 1859) – a music teacher before marriage – she married Allan McIntosh, a Sergeant in the Royal Marines (1891)
• Louisa (b abt 1862)

John died on 30 December 1888 at Deal, Kent.

Circuits

• 1839 Reading
• 1840 Pillowell
• 1841 Stroud
• 1842 High Wycombe
• 1844 St Albans
• 1845 Saffron Walden
• 1847 Brighton
• 1849 Alderney
• 1851 Dover & Deal
• 1853 Edinburgh
• 1855 Glasgow
• 1857 Paisley
• 1859 Belfast
• 1862 Hastings
• 1864 Croydon
• 1867 Tunbridge Wells
• 1868 Hanley
• 1871 Old Hill
• 1873 Worcester
• 1874 Deal (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1866 (portrait); 1890/243; 1897/791 (Elizabeth)

PM Minutes 1889/11

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers