Newton, David (1840-1879)

Book cover: true to Principle written by Rev David Newton

provided by Anna 2022

Book cover: Rhoda or A gipsy girl's mission of love by Rev David Newton

provided by Anna 2022

Ministry

A transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by James Jackson is attached. Jackson writes as follows.

“As superintendent of the Rockland station, his influence for good was speedily manifested. In labours ‘he was more abundant,’ while his steady, upright character, and genial disposition, combined with considerable pulpit abilities, endeared him to his associates. He here succeeded, by the blessing of God, in turning many from the ‘error of their ways,’ and leading them to dedicate themselves ‘to Him who died for them, and rose again.’ 

His industry, from the very commencement of his religious career, must have been unwearied and persevering, and reflects most creditably upon the systematic and conscientious disposal of his time, and the entire consecration of his powers to the service of God; for, in addition to the faithful discharge of the duties imposed on him by the itinerancy, he succeeded in preparing for the press a number of works of more than average merit, namely, ‘True to Principle, or the History of John Kent ; ‘Rhoda, or a Gipsy Girl’s Mission of Love;’ ‘The Queen of Humanitas;’ ‘Coster Jack, or No Business done at this Shop on Sundays.’ Some of these have already obtained a wide circulation, and it is believed are destined to prove powerful instruments for good, especially to the young. An interesting serial tale, ‘Adeline Mayling; or, the Sister that was Faithful and True,’ is now appearing in the monthly numbers of this magazine, the whole of the papers for which were finished by him before it pleased the great Head of the church to lay him aside. Several chapters of another religious tale for the same magazine were written, but the hand employed in their preparation has now lost its cunning, and the story must for ever remain unfinished.”

Family

David was born in 1840 at Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, to parents William, an iron forgeman (1851), and Elizabeth. He was baptised on 7 June 1840 at Brierley Hill.

Before entering the ministry David worked as an iron moulder (1861).

He married Priscilla Elizabeth Jackson (1844-1921) in the summer of 1869 in the Aylsham Registration District, Norfolk. She was a daughter of Rev. James Jackson.

David died on 7 January 1879 at Rockland St Peter, Norfolk.

Circuits

• 1865 Yarmouth
• 1866 Aylsham
• 1868 Yarmouth
• 1869 Norwich
• 1870 Ipswich
• 1873 Docking
• 1877 Rockland

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1879/241

PM Minutes 1879/7

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers