Gibbs, Joseph (1842-1893)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1885

Early years

Joseph was born in 1842 in Northampton to parents George and Emma. George was a shoemaker.

George was 18 when the Primitive Methodists first visited Northampton. He became a class leader and local preacher. His house was a hospitable home for both itinerant and local preachers.

Joseph attended the first Primitive Methodist Sunday School in Northampton

Business

As a young man, Joseph wandered, firstly to Stafford, later to Manchester and then back to Northampton. Joseph started his own business as a shoe manufacturer when his father moved to London.

Joseph visited America, but shortly after his return he contracted diabetes.

Joseph’s father put £500 on the foundation stone of the Kettering Rd Church in Northampton, but died shortly afterwards. The family kept a close association with that church.

Contribution to the Connexion

Joseph was circuit steward of the Northampton ll circuit. He attended conference as a delegate on two occasions.

Joseph was Chair of Metropolitan Missionary Meeting in 1884.

Joseph was a connexional representative at the Methodist Ecumenical Conference in Washington in 1891.

Joseph was the District Treasurer for the Connexional Orphanage and, along with W P Hartley, Treasurer of the Primitive Methodist Chapel Aid Association.

Family

Joseph married Eliza Britten (1836-1890) in late 1863 at Northampton. Census returns identify six children.

• Edwin J (b1866)
• Millicent Fanny (1868-1950)
• Mary Ellen (1871-1910)
• Edith Annie (1874-1957) – married Stanley Thorogood, an art master
• Margaret Gertrude (1876-1943)
• Grace Laura (b1878)

Joseph married Emily Payne (1865-1938) on 6 March 1891 at Regent Square, London.

Joseph died on 19 March 1893.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1885 (portrait); 1895/145

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers