Prosser, David Samuel (1848-1901)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1902

Early years

David was born in 1848 at Congleton to parents James Prosser and Mary Hewitt. James was a PM Minister.

David’s obituary records that he recalled a visit of Hugh Bourne to his father’s house. Hugh Bourne laid his hand upon his head and bade him to be a good boy.

At the age of 15, David attended Elmfield College at York. John Petty’s wise and helpful counsel led to his conversion during the college term.

Ministry

His ministry was eminently successful as was often evidenced by increased membership, the reduced financial liabilities, the improved properties and the healthy spiritual position he was able to report.

As a public speaker he was exceedingly popular. His pulpit efforts were gained by clear and convincing discourses of a distinctly evangelical character always calculated to meet the needs both of the intellect and heart, and delivered when at his best with an eloquence that few could surpass.

He was an excellent debater and had great administrative ability.

David was Secretary of Conference in 1899 at Grimsby, having previously been Assistant Secretary at two previous conferences.

He rendered considerable service to the Liberation Society and took a lively interest in the work of the National Council of Evangelical Free Churches. David was a powerful temperance advocate and frequently appeared on the platforms of the United Kingdom Alliance.

Family

David married Ann Mayer (1847-1879) on 15 August 1871. Census returns identify three children.

  • Annie Mayer P (1873-1911) – married James Kyle Robertson, a general engineering works manager (1901)
  • Mary Alice (1875-1966) – married Archibald William Lawry, a warehouse foreman (1901)
  • Elizabeth May P (1877-1950) – married Thomas Frederick Searle Forse, a customs and excise officer

David married Kate Fothergill Bell (1862-1950) on 31 March 1881. Census returns identify four children.

  • Nora Bell (1884-1957) – emigrated to Canada in 1911
  • James Hewitt (1887-1963) – an accountant; emigrated to Canada in 1908
  • Oscar David (1887-1960) – a stenographer; emigrated to Canada in 1907
  • Cyril Leon (b1890) – a bank clerk; emigrated to Canada in 1907

David died on 1 May 1901 at Darwen, Lancashire.

Kate emigrated to Canada in 1911.

Circuits

  • 1867 Shrewsbury
  • 1868 Ludlow
  • 1870 Darlington
  • 1871 Worcester
  • 1872 Tunstall
  • 1876 Crewe
  • 1880 Walkden
  • 1886 Willenhall
  • 1890 Blackpool
  • 1894 Bristol III
  • 1896 Foxhill
  • 1899 Darwen

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1879/690 (Ann); 1901/33 (Kate); 1902/785

PM Minutes 1901/33

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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Comments about this page

  • This page was modified on 5 July 2017 to add a transcription of the obituary published in the Primitive methodist Magazine 1902.

    By Geoff Dickinson (05/07/2017)

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