Middleton, Joseph (1805-1878)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1856
Copy provided by Steven Carter

Early years

Joseph was born on 10 August 1805 at Smalldale, nr Bradwell, Derbyshire to parents Robert and Clarissa. He was baptised at Hope, Derbyshire on 25 August 1805.

Kendall writes about Bradwell; ‘The first services were held in the house of George Morton, who became the first circuit steward ; and a chapel was opened in 1822 by Hugh Bourne. This we learn on the authority of Joseph Middleton, who tells us that, from the time of the Primitive Methodists coming to Bradwell, he had generally attended their meetings, and in this same year, when a youth of seventeen, joined the society. He soon after entered the ranks of the ministry, and was followed by his brother, the present governor of Bourne College. Joseph Hibbs, John Hallam and John Morton, were also sent forth from this circuit.’

Ministry

Wherever he went he was highly esteemed by his bretheren in the ministry, as well as by the members of the churches. His sermons were generally plain, forcible, scriptural, and well arranged; showing that he carefully prepared and thought out his discourses before appearing before his congregations.

As a pastor he was tender hearted and watchful, endeavouring to feed the flock with the utmost diligence.

Family

Joseph married Elizabeth Williams-Davies (1796-1871) on 5 October 1837.

Following superannuation Joseph turned to farming.

Joseph died on 4 September 1878 at Presteign, Radnorshire.

Circuits

  • 1826 Sheffield (18 mths)
  • 1827 Nottingham (18 mths)
  • 1829 Pillowell
  • 1830 Bath (6 mths)
  • 1830 Stroud (6 mths)
  • 1831 Haverfordwest
  • 1832 Birmingham
  • 1833 Darlaston
  • 1834 Fulbeck
  • 1836 Mansfield
  • 1838 Derby
  • 1840 Presteign
  • 1849 Derby
  • 1852 Leintwardine
  • 1854 Ludlow
  • 1855 Presteign (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1830/224; 1851/fr (portrait); 1873/40 (wife); 1879/114

PM Minutes 1879/5

H B Kendall, Origin and History of the PM Church, vol 1, p503

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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