Smith, Richard (1840-1917)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1897

Early years

Richard was born on 8 March 1840 at Wistantow, Shropshire. He was orphaned early. His father died soon after his birth and his mother a few years later.

In 1851 Richard was in the Union Workhouse at Church Stretton, Shropshire. In 1861 he was working as a tanner.

Richard was converted aged 17 at Edgton Chapel in the Bishops Castle circuit. He joined the PM church at Hordesley and was soon a local preacher.

Ministry

As a preacher, Richard was soundly evangelical, and always practical. He was clear, earnest, definite in his aim of edification of believers and the salvation of the ungodly.

As a pastor he was diligent, systematic, sympathetic. As a businessman he was methodical, punctual, careful as to details.

Richard superintended the erection of nine chapels and one minister’s house.

He was Secretary to the Bristol District Committee for several years.

Family

Richard married Annie (abt 1836-1922) circa 1866. Census returns identify four of six children.

  • Louisa Anne (1867-1946) – a mantle fitter (drapery) (1911)
  • Elizabeth Mary (1869-1960)
  • Alice Martha (b1872) a draper’s assistant (1901)
  • John Ross (b1878) – a railway clerk (1911)

Richard died on 14 October 1917 at Derby, Derbyshire.

Circuits

  • 1863 Bishops Castle
  • 1864 Kidderminster
  • 1866 Brierley Hill
  • 1867 Nantwich & Crewe
  • 1868 Winsford
  • 1871 Leominster
  • 1874 Presteign
  • 1876 Dawley
  • 1879 Knighton
  • 1881 Llanymynech
  • 1884 Longton
  • 1886 Bristol III
  • 1888 Bristol II
  • 1892 Winsford
  • 1894 Derby II
  • 1896 Bristol V
  • 1899 Cirencester
  • 1904 Derby (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1897/323

PM Minutes 1918/278

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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