Smith, Aaron (1839-1915)
Early years
Aaron was born in 27 November 1839 at Ablington, nr Bibury, Gloucestershire to parents William and Amelia. William worked the land, an occupation that Aaron followed until he became a minister.
Aaron was converted aged 17 and immediately began to preach.
Ministry
Aaron superintended the erection of about 20 chapels during his ministry. Whilst at Andover, he was involved in the erection of eight chapels and a minister’s house. Whilst in Southampton the pressure of the erection of the South Front chapel caused Aaron’s health to break down.
He was a first class preacher, an eloquent platform speaker, and a kind and faithful pastor. Aaron was a keen student and an original thinker, being theologically far in advance of his time. He often came into conflict with his brethren on doctrinal questions and enjoyed the combat.
In his later years, Aaron laboured under the heavy disadvantage of increasing deafness.
Family
Aaron married Harriett Ann Bayman (1839-1880) in late 1865 at Hungerford, Berkshire. Census returns identify three children.
- Harriett A (b1866)
- Amelia (b abt1869)
- Edith Mary (b1870)
Aaron married Esther Leaver (1840-1906) in the summer of 1880 at Alderbury, Wiltshire. Census returns identify one child.
- Alice Elsie (1881-1977) – married Richard Burrow
Aaron died on 10 January 1915 at the Norwich City Asylum, Hellesden, Norfolk.
Circuits
- 1861 Salisbury
- 1862 Andover
- 1864 Sturminster
- 1866 Newbury
- 1869 Highworth
- 1871 Chinor
- 1874 Chipping Norton
- 1878 Andover
- 1883 Southampton
- 1885 Halifax
- 1888 Ramsgate
- 1889 Redruth
- 1893 Canterbury
- 1895 Buriton
- 1899 Norwich (S)
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1896/243; 1915/407
PM Minutes 1915/41
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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