Walton, Benjamin (1852-1912)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

Early years

Benjamin was born in 1852 at Oldbury, Worcestershire to parents Henry and Hannah. Henry was an ironstone miner at the time of the 1861 census.

Benjamin entered the fellowship of the Church in South Wales when he was fourteen. He at once became a diligent bible student, and was still in his teens when he started to preach.

The Pontypridd circuit employed him as a hired local preacher and afterwards pledged him as a probationary minister. Prior to entering the ministry, Benjamin worked as a coal miner.

Ministry

His obituary records that Benjamin delighted in purely evangelistic work, and witnessed many gracious revivals. The pastoral side of his work received constant attention, and he was much loved and appreciated by his people.

Benjamin supervised the erection of six new chapels and several schoolrooms.

Benjamin spent five years as Candidate’s Examiner and was for a long time District Orphanage Secretary. He also served at District Missionary Secretary and West Midland District Secretary.

Family

Benjamin married Annie Bowyer Jones (abt1858-1948) in the summer of 1878 at Monmouth, Monmouthshire. Census returns identify two children.

  • Ellen Annie (1881-1954) – a designer and illustrator (1911)
  • Catherine Rigby (b1883) – a dispenser (1911)

Benjamin died on 28 March 1912 at Handsworth, Birmingham, Warwickshire.

Circuits

  • 1874 Pontypridd
  • 1875 Monmouth
  • 1878 Penzance
  • 1880 Radstock
  • 1882 Frome
  • 1885 St Day
  • 1888 Pillowell
  • 1892 Aberdare
  • 1896 Bilston
  • 1900 Barnsley
  • 1903 Bloxwich
  • 1906 Quinton
  • 1909 Birmingham II

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/255; 1912/493

PM Minutes 1912/35

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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