Kewin, William (1821-1855)

Ministry

A transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Robert Hill is attached. He records; “ Brother Jesse Ashworth has furnished me with the following account of his labours as an itinerant preacher:  “My dear friend, Kewin commenced his labours as a travelling preacher in February, 1846, in the Settle and Grassington mission, where he laboured with great satisfaction to the people for something more than two years. As a colleague he had my high esteem. I found him invariably ready to co-operate with me in every useful enterprise. His diligence in study, his zeal in family visiting, and his attention to the discipline of the Connexion, were highly commendable. He cultivated personal piety, and breathed a spirit of devotion in his walk and conversation. His talents were considered good; his pulpit labours were very acceptable, and frequently crowned with pleasing success. It was apparent to all who were acquainted with him that his heart was in the work of God, and that it was his greatest delight to labour for its prosperity, He was greatly beloved by all the friends, and his removal to another mission was much lamented.”

Family

William was born on 19 January 1821 at Marown, Isle of Man, to parents Edward, a hairdresser (1841), and Isabella. He was baptised on 25 January 1841 at Marown.

Before entering the ministry, William worked as a miller (1841).

He married Jane Harrison (abt1824-1900) on 28 February 1853 at Male, Isle of Man. Census returns identify one child.

• Jane Isabella (1853-1873) – a shop assistant (1871)

William died on 2 December 1855 on the Isle of Man. He was buried on 5 December 1855 at Malew, Isle of Man.

Jane married William James Clarke, a baker, on 4 November 1860 at Malew.

Circuits

• 1846 Settle & Grassington
• 1848 Maidstone

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1856/193

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers