Fulton, William (1812-1884)
Early years
William was born on 17 July 1812 at Leitham, nr Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland to parents William and Barbara. He was baptised on 2 August 1812 at Golden Square Presbyterian Church, Berwick upon Tweed. Wiliam’s father was a farmer. The family moved to Eyemouth shortly after William’s birth.
As a boy, William began to train for ministry within the United Presbyterian Church, but his elder brother left home and William had to leave school to work on the farm.
William was converted circa 1830 when PM missionaries visited Eyemouth. The mission was led by Rev W Lister.
Ministry
William’s call to ministry was unusual. Two young men had failed in the Berwick circuit in one year and the superintendent (Rev F Smith) could not obtain a replacement. William was the choice of the circuit to step in. He was reluctant at first, but bowed to pressure and consented, somewhat against the wishes of his family.
As a preacher he was evangelical in his doctrines, and eminently practical in the character of his sermons.
Family
He married Ann Hudson (1819-1872) at Stockton, Co Durham in 1841. Census returns identify one daughter.
- Barbara Jane (1844-1885) – married John Ritson, a Prudential Insurance Agent.
William died on 8 February 1884 at Gateshead, Co Durham.
Circuits
- 1837 Ripon
- 1839 Stockton
- 1841 Durham
- 1842 N Shields
- 1844 Newcastle
- 1846 Alston
- 1847 Brough
- 1848 Barnard Castle
- 1849 Brough
- 1850 Berwick
- 1854 Whitehaven
- 1858 Brompton
- 1862 Alston
- 1863 Allendale
- 1865 Berwick
- 1869 Kendall
- 1872 Gateshead
- 1873 Motherwell (S)
- 1875 Gateshead
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1864 (portrait); 1884/241
PM Minutes 1884/4
The Primitive Methodist, 1884/118
H B Kendall, Origin and History of the PM Church, vol 2, p175
W Leary,Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits , 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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