Robinson, Richard (1850-1899)

Ministry

A transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by R. Jones. He writes:

“Like most of his brethren, his experiences were varied. But in the nature of things, Brother Robinson’s ministry could not produce showy or startling results. He was not a Boanerges —his was a gentle ministry, full of faith and good works, distinguished by a constancy that never failed, and a love that never wearied. He was an omnivorous reader, and, moreover, he had the faculty of turning to account in his public ministrations all he read. Hence his pulpit and platform. efforts were always replete with interest. Incident and illustration, biography and travel, poetry and philosophy were all rendered subservient to his call, and pressed into the service of a well-stored memory. His sermons and addresses were always delightfully fresh and stimulating, packed with noble thoughts and the inspiration of noble deeds. “

Family

Richard was born on 25 August 1850 at Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, to parents John, a cooper (1851), and Jane.

Th 1871 census return records Richard as a bandsman at a colliery.

He married Margaret Wearmouth (b1856) in late 1881 at Crook, Co. Durham. Census returns identify four children.

• Edith (b abt1883) – a schoolteacher (1911)                  
• Madeline Wearmouth (b1885) – a lady clerk (1911)      
• Margaret Gladys (1890-1929) – a schoolteacher (1911)                 
• Eric Maurice (1892-1968) – a commercial clerk (1911); emigrated to USA in 1926; a Congregational minister (1930); died in Florida                   

Richard died on 16 September 1899 at Stanley, Co. Durham.

Circuits

• 1876 Chorley
• 1878 Bury
• 1880 Stalybridge
• 1881 Manchester I
• 1882 Oldham I
• 1886 Birkenhead
• 1888 Earlstown
• 1891 Fleetwood
• 1893 Oldham III
• 1896 Bury

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1900/785

PM Minutes 1900/15

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers