Shephard, Joseph (1835-1911)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1887
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912

Early years

Joseph was born on 13 February 1835 at Dawley Green, Shropshire to parents John Shephard and Frances Ball. He was baptised on 8 March 1935 at Dawley Magna, Shropshire. John was a coal miner.

Joseph was born into a large family. The children were sent to Madeley Parish Church services, but received little formal education. Joseph was sent to work in a coalmine when he was young.

Joseph attended night school to improve his education. He was converted at a Primitive Methodist service held in Madeley before the chapel was built in the village. He soon became a local preacher.

Ministry

Joseph’s obituary records that he was ever in labours more abundant; no part of his duty was neglected or lightly treated, every preaching appointment he regarded as a sacred engagement, and neither foul weather not long distance prevented him from going, even though the place was insignificant and the congregation small.

His sermons were most carefully prepared, and were mostly delivered with a pathos and power altogether his own.

Family

Joseph married Harriet Chilton (1837-1918) in the summer of 1863 at Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Joseph died on 13 November 1911 in Shropshire.

Circuits

  • 1858 Hereford
  • 1860 St Austell
  • 1863 St Day
  • 1864 Swansea
  • 1868 Penzance
  • 1871 Frome
  • 1874 St Ives
  • 1877 Chippenham
  • 1878 Brynmawr
  • 1882 Talke
  • 1885 Tipton
  • 1888 Barnsley l
  • 1894 Bristol Vl
  • 1895 Sileby
  • 1896 year’s rest
  • 1897 Madeley
  • 1898 Madeley (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1887 (portrait); 1912/158; 1918/511 (Harriet)

PM Minutes 1912/29

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

Downloads

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.