Hancox, Edward (1856-1926)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914

Early years

Edward was born in November 1856 at Romsley, Halesowen, Worcestershire, to parents William and Priscilla. His father was a local preacher and earned a living as a nailmaker.

Edward was converted when fourteen and began to preach at seventeen, being given a note to accompany his father to preaching appointments. Edward went as a hired local preacher to the Old Hill circuit and was later pledged by that circuit. Edward received guidance on the methods of study, preaching and public ministry from Dr Joseph Ferguson, who was, at the time, circuit superintendent.

Ministry

Evangelistic, direct and appealing in preaching, Edward had much blessing in missions, and at camp meetings he was in great request for his racy messages and vivid forcefulness.

Genial and kindly, whilst he had his fair share of strenuous toil, Edward retained his love of a game, and entered with zest into cycling and cricket.

Edward served twice as Secretary to District Building Committees and as Secretary of the Orphanage Committee. He also sat on the Candidates’ Examining Committee.

His wife, Emma, was elected as a delegate to Conference.

Family

Edward married Emma Wilkes (abt1858-1933) in the summer of 1883 at Birmingham, Warwickshire. Emma was a sister of Rev Arthur Wilkes and a local preacher. Census returns identify five of seven children.

  • Thomas William (1884-1974) – a PM minister, 1905-16; Army Chaplain in WW1
  • Gertrude Emma (1888-1976) – a schoolteacher (1911)
  • Stanley Ewart (1890-1890) – an Oxford graduate; in judicial service in Ceylon (1914)
  • Eva Isabel (b1892)
  • Arthur Edward (1897-1987)

Edward died on 26 January 1926 at Southsea, Hampshire.

Circuits

  • 1879 Old Hill
  • 1880 Silverdale
  • 1883 Walsall
  • 1884 Darlaston
  • 1885 Liverpool II
  • 1889 Crewe
  • 1891 Brierley Hill
  • 1894 Burton on Trent
  • 1897 Long Eaton
  • 1900 Old Hill
  • 1903 Loughborough
  • 1906 Nottingham III
  • 1909 Hull V
  • 1913 Wolverhampton
  • 1916 Birmingham IV
  • 1918 Leamington
  • 1919 Bromsgrove
  • 1923 Portsmouth (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914/758; 1926/807

PM Minutes 1926/272

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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