Davies, James (1847-1934)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908

Early years

James was born on 25 November 1847 at Compton, nr Wolverhamton, Staffordshire. His parents were well known Primitive Methodists, and for many years services were held in his father’s house.

James was converted at the age of twenty. Twelve months later, he yielded to the solicitations of his brethren, aided by Rev Isaac Dorricott, to go on the plan. On the night he preached his trial sermon, Rev James Prosser urged him to enter the ministry. In November 1870, James went to Stafford, first as a hired local preacher and then as a probationer.

Ministry

His obituary records that James was a soul-winner and a circuit builder. Many young people through his influence and guidance became local preachers and officials. He was an evangelical preacher and a capable administrator.

James served as Secretary in all District Departments. He served on the General Examining Committee and attended Conference on three occasions.

Family

James married Susanna Powell (1850-1939) in the summer of 1875 at Ludlow Shropshire. Census returns identify two of four children.

• Elizabeth Susannah Powell (b1878) – a drapers assistant (1901)
• Florence Mary Powell (1879-1967)

James died on 7 December 1934 at Bishops Castle, Shropshire.

Circuits

• 1871 Stafford
• 1872 Ludlow
• 1875 W Bromwich
• 1878 Peaton Strand
• 1881 Bishops Castle
• 1884 Shrewsbury
• 1886 W Bromwich
• 1889 Leintwardine
• 1892 Oswestry
• 1895 Nantwich
• 1897 Dawley
• 1900 Bilston
• 1904 Stoke on Trent
• 1906 Presteign
• 1909 Bromsgrove
• 1911 Presteign (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1908/129

Methodist Minutes 1935/200

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers