Proud, Joshua (1808-1886)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Danzy Sheen

JOSHUA PROUD was born at Lanchester in Co. Durham, 1808; and became savingly acquainted with God through the ministry of our first missionaries in the north. He began to preach to others, at about the age of seventeen, that Gospel which had become so precious to himself. He became a laborious local preacher, and laid the foundation of some of our most flourishing churches. 

He removed to Ryhope, near Sunderland, about thirty years ago. At that time there was no Primitive Methodist church in the place, and it was through his efforts, in conjunction with the late John Bates, that the present flourishing society was planted. 

He continued in the midst of this church to the calm eventide of his days, loved and revered by all. His last illness was brief; and his removal to the upper home of bliss, April 8th, 1886, seemed more like a translation than death. May his mantle fall on those who bear his name at Ryhope.

Family

Joshua was born on 11 September 1808 at Lanchester, Co. Durham, to parents Joshua Proud and Martha Hopper. he was baptised on 19 February 1809 at Lanchester.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Joshua.

• 1851 engineman
• 1861 engineman
• 1871 engineman
• 1881 engineman

He married Mary Bell (1809-1894) on 11 May 1833 at St Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. Census returns identify four children.

• George Armstrong (1837-1902) – an engineman (1881
• Anthony (1840-1930) – pit brakesman (1881)
• Elizabeth Jane (1844-1894) – married Joseph Knox, a coal miner (1871), in 1869; married George Ritchie, a pit brakesman (1881), in 1877
• Martha (1847-1915) – married Jacob Williamson, a coal miner (1881), in 1869

Joshua died on 22 April 1886 at Ryhope, Co.Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1889/119

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: Joshua’ probate record gives the date of death as 22 April 1886, not 8 April as recorded in the obituary.