Ramsden, Levi (1809-1887)

Ministry

A transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by William Harvey is attached. He includes this tribute from Rev. B. Walton: ‘He was a true friend. To know him was to trust and respect him. His piety was real. He possessed the mind of Christ, and exhibited that mind in word, deed, and life. Many refer to his kind counsel and godly example in terms of affection. He did much good without ostentation. Aged and sick persons found in him a practical friend. He was a “father in Israel.” ’

The obituary records that Levi had an ‘increase’ of 708 in his 25 years active ministry. It also includes some extracts from his journal of 1841/2.

Family

Levi was born on 13 December 1809 at Flockton, Yorkshire, to parents Leonard and Hannah. he was baptised on 14 January 1810 at St. Michael, Thornhill, Yorkshire.

He married Frances Greenway, nee Rollin (1802-1859) on 11 July 1842 at St Pancras, London.

He married Eleanor Williams (1819-1871) on 3 June 1860 at Monmouth, Monmouthshire.

Levi died on 8 April 1887 at  Gwernysaint. Farm, nr Monmouth, Monmouthshire.

Circuits

• 1837 Louth
• 1838 Halifax
• 1939 Scotter
• 1940 Louth
• 1841 Hull
• 1842 Sheerness
• 1843 Guernsey
• 1844 Alderney
• 1845 Jersey
• 1847 St Austell
• 1848 Redruth
• 1851 Chippenham
• 1853 Pillowell
• 1856 Radstock
• 1858 Frome
• 1861 Gloucester
• 1863 Pillowell
• 1865 Pillowell (S)
• 1869 Malmesbury (Ac)
• 1871 Monmouth
• 1878 Monmouth (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1888/561

PM Minutes 1887/19

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers