Proctor, William Sexton (abt1825-1913)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909

Transcription of Magazine ‘Sketch’

Downham Circuit boasts a succession of great laymen. Bensley Redhead, John Harpley, Walter Goddard, and W.H. Rose, are a succession of whom any circuit may feel proud. William Sexton Proctor belongs to the same order. Born at Ten Mile Bank, and converted to God in early life, he has a long record of service. He has been a local preacher sixty-five years, for thirty-four years he has been Circuit Chancellor. No layman has done more for Primitive Methodism in this part of Norfolk. His generosity and statesmanship has helped to establish, as well as consolidate many of our churches. He forms a link with the past and speaks in glowing terms of his association with Robert Key, and John Smith (1), under whom he was converted. As a Primitive Methodist he has been loyal.

His hospitality has been boundless, as he has kept open house for our ministers. “May his eventide be bright.”

J. Bowles

Family and other information

William was born abt 1825 at Hilgay, Norfolk, to parents William and Elizabeth. William was a farmer.

William was a farmer. The 1881 census records that he was farming 369 acres employing twelve men and three boys. By the time of the 1901 census he had retired and was living in Downham.

William married Mary Kemp (1818-1908). Census returns identify four children.

  • Mary Ann (abt1847-1930)
  • William Kemp (1848-1947) – a farmer
  • Anthony (1849-1941) – milk dairyman (1901)
  • Joseph Sexton (1852-1941) – a farmer

William died on 10 February 1913 at Downham Market, Norfolk.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/196

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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