Lawrence, William (1846-1935)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

Early years

William was born on 23 March 1846 at Llanbister, nr Knighton, Radnorshire.

William was converted at the age of nineteen and put on the plan a year later. William commenced his ministry in the Birmingham II circuit under Rev Joseph Ferguson. He devoted himself to study and became a most acceptable preacher.

Ministry

The atmosphere of the big city did not suit William’s health so he moved from Southwark to Kingston-on-Thames. His six years in the Exeter area were very successful with 180 members added to the churches.

William’s obituary records that he was shrewd in judgement, sound in administration, and affectionate in disposition; he gained the co-operation of his people wherever he travelled.

William continued to preach until within two weeks of his death.

Family

William married Rebecca Jane Watkins (1849-1911) on 24 March 1873 in the Clun Registration District, Shropshire. Census returns identify seven children.

  • William John (b1876) – a clerk
  • Daniel George (1878-1900)
  • Herbert Stanley (1880-1907) – a chemist’s assistant (1901)
  • Margaret Emily (b1883) – married Frederic James Frost in 1915
  • Florence Jessie (b1885) – a milliner’s assistant (1901)
  • Lilian Elizabeth (b1888) – a milliner (1911)
  • Ethel Rose (b1890) – a day schoolteacher (1911)

William died on 10 August 1935 at Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Circuits

  • 1875 Southwark
  • 1876 Kingston
  • 1880 Exeter
  • 1881 Exmouth
  • 1886 Cheltenham
  • 1890 Newtown Church
  • 1892 Crewe
  • 1895 Talke
  • 1900 Halifax II
  • 1903 Halifax I
  • 1908 Biddulph
  • 1913 Crewe
  • 1916 Crewe (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/633; 1912/240

PM Minutes 1936/182

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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