Ford, George (1864-1932)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1918
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1918

Early years

George was born in 1864 at Silchester, Hampshire, to parents Charles and Elizabeth. Charles was a blacksmith.

George was converted early in life. He served as a hired local preacher on the Berwick on Tweed Circuit for three years before entering Manchester College.

Ministry

George served as Missionary Secretary in the Sheffield District.

His obituary records that his was cultured evangelism. His sermons gave evidence of careful preparation, and it is not surprising to learn that he sent his hearers home to think and to pray. He built others up in the faith, always emphasising the need for growth of the soul.

Thoughtfulness for others, and the desire not to be the cause of their stumbling but rather their progress, were outstanding features in his character. He loved peace but was firm in his convictions.

A breakdown of health compelled George to superannuate in 1923. His illness was of such a nature that it prevented him from taking part in any active work.

Family

George married Caroline Gertrude Vickers (1867-1961) in late 1892 at Bourne, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify four children.

  • Maurice Rolfe Vickers (1893-1967) – Captain in RAMC in WW1; a medical practitioner
  • Winifred Gertrude (b1896)
  • Raymond Eustace (1898-1994) – Surgeon Probationer on H.M.S. Nereide in WW1; later a principal officer in Ministry of Health (1961)
  • Elsie Gwendoline M (1901-2000) – married John B Oates in 1937

George died on 27 March 1932 at Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1890 Alford
  • 1892 Richmond, Yorks
  • 1893 Lincoln I
  • 1896 Sheffield III
  • 1899 Retford
  • 1902 Otley
  • 1905 Sheffield II
  • 1909 Sheffield IV
  • 1913 Wisbech
  • 1916 Chesterfield II
  • 1920 Leeds III
  • 1921 Doncaster
  • 1923 Bradford (S)
  • 1925 Sheffield

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1918/560; 1932/560

PM Minutes 1932/308

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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