Buxton, James (1867-1892)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

James Buxton was born at Middleton, by Youlgreave, Derbyshire, February 11th, 1867. In his youth he attended our Sunday school, and showed early signs of piety and usefulness. In 1882 he was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth under the preaching of Mr. James Thornhill. From this time he became a useful and honourable member of the church. He became a local preacher in 1885, and filled the post with great acceptance and credit. Many conversions were the crown of his labours, while he resided in Derby, Manchester, and for some time in America. He was engaged some time as a hired local preacher and a supply in Hasbury and Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where all who had to do with him found him kind and faithful. 

About three years since he sustained an injury of the spine from a fall, from which he never fully recovered. He was, however, recommended for the ministry in March 1892 by the Winster Circuit, and by last Conference was stationed at Ludlow. The September Quarterly Meeting of Ludlow pledged him, but it was the firm conviction of many that he would not stand the strain of ministerial labour. He looked in a feeble state of health when he came among us in July last. His ability as a preacher was undoubted. He was well received, and his sermons were impressive and showed good acquaintance with the scriptures. 

He laboured in Ludlow station from July until September, when from weakness and ill-health he was compelled to go home. Many noticed his weakness, but he would not admit there was anything the matter. His desire to continue his work was all absorbing. During his illness his mind was in his work and he wished to be back in Ludlow to preach. He was the means, during his illness, of bringing two persons to decision for Christ while saying, ‘I will die in harness if I am able to climb the pulpit steps.’ Just before his death he said, ‘Praise God,’ three times, and asked his friends to sing, ‘I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath,’ etc. He said to his mother, ‘I shall soon be leaving you; look into the other room, it is all bright as gold.’ While she read the 23rd Psalm he said, ‘Rest, sweet rest.’ When all hope of recovery was gone he said, ‘I should like to preach from the parable of the ten virgins.’ He was thus taken away while in the morning of life, and we are called upon to say, ‘Thy will be done.’

Family

James was born on 11 February 1867 at Middleton, by Youlgreave, Derbyshire, to parents Thomas Buxton, a farmer, and Charlotte Thompson.

The 1881 census return describes James as a farm servant. In 1891 he is a hired local preacher.

James died in September 1892 at Middleton.

Circuits

• 1892 Ludlow

References

PM Minutes 1893/9

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers