Kent, David (1814-1862)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

DAVID KENT was born at Hampstead Nortis, in the year 1814. In early life his career was one of folly and sin. He was convinced of his lost condition under the ministry of Mr. Morton, an Independent, of Bucklebury Common. He sought pardon in the name of Christ, and found peace through believing. He shortly afterwards united with the Primitive Methodist society, and soon after his name appeared on the plan of what was then the Shefford circuit. He laboured some years in a local sphere with a degree of success.

In the year 1836 the Shefford circuit called him out to travel, and he subsequently travelled in the following stations—Pillawell and Hereford, Frome, Brinkworth, Cirencester, Paisley, Lancaster, Settle, Croydon, Plymouth, Newtown, and Maidenhead.

Through some disease of the blood vessels, he was obliged to apply for superannuation, which he obtained in the year 1857. He then returned to his native place, and his health considerably improved, so that he was able to take an occasional appointment on the Sabbath. The performance of pulpit duties considerably affected him, so that he could not preach more than once in the day.

He was appointed at Aldworth the last Sabbath he spent on earth; and the friends say that he laboured on that occasion to a degree rather unusual for him. On the Wednesday following he went out into the wood to his brother, and while there attempting to lift something, he strained himself, which caused him acute pain. He returned home with difficulty, and died the same evening. It is supposed that the strain ruptured one of the large blood vessels, thus producing internal hemorrhage, and causing almost immediate death. He died December 24th, 1862.

Family

David was born in 1814 at Hampstead Norris, Berkshire.

The 1861 census return records David, a widower, living with his mother Sarah (b abt1781). He was ‘visiting’ at the time of the 1851 census return. As a consequence I have not been able to identify his wife.

David died on 24 December 1862 at Hampstead Norris, Berkshire.