Johnson, Anthony (1807-1899)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1870

Anthony was born on 25 April 1807 at Croft Spa, Yorkshire to parents John and Mary. Anthony was one of 8 sons and 6 daughters. He was apprenticed to Mrs Harrison of Darlington to learn trade as a grocer. Anthony joined with the Primitive Methodists in 1825 and was soon a local preacher.

Ministry

After completing his apprenticeship, Anthony was determined to improve his position and resolved to go to Manchester to set up in business. He set off to walk. On arrival in Halifax he secured lodgings with Mr Sam Mitchell, the caretaker of the PM Chapel. They went to service that evening but no preacher appeared. It later transpired that the young minister appointed had been overfaced with his duties and had run away from his work. Anthony was asked to lead the service and having led a good service was asked by the congregation to take the place of the minister.

After ten years of travelling, Anthony withdrew to commence business, but he found he was not happy and re-entered the ministry. He travelled for a further 32 years.

Anthony could play the violin, and with this instrument he would go and take his stand, and after attracting a company of people by his music, he would proclaim the Gospel of Jesus.

The net increase on his stations during his ministry was 317.

Family

Anthony married Sarah Tebbett (1811-1891) on 23 Jun 1836 at Yarborough, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify five children.

• Robert Tebbett (b1840) – a joiner and later a commercial traveller
• Samuel Ebenezer (1842-1918) – a doctor and director of a life assurance company
• Elizah (b abt 1846)
• Angell James (1848-1851)
• Joseph John(b1850)

After the death of his wife, Anthony moved back to Croft and then to Ferryhill where he stayed with a niece. He died on 22 May 1899 at Ferryhill and was buried at Croft.

Circuits

• 1842 Isle of Wight
• 1843 Scotter
• 1845 Epworth
• 1846 Grimsby
• 1848 Norwich l
• 1850 Lynn
• 1851 Bridgeford
• 1853 Sheffield
• 1854 Rugby
• 1855 Ashby de la Zouch
• 1857 Horncastle
• 1859 Mansfield
• 1861 Wirkworth
• 1863 Spilsby
• 1864 Doncaster
• 1866 Driffield
• 1868 Brigg
• 1871 Scotter
• 1872 Manchester lll (S)
• 1873 Ashby de la Zouch
• 1876 Coalville
• 1877 Ashby de la Zouch
• 1892 Darlington

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1870 (portrait)

PM Minutes 1899/17

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers