Ministry
A transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by R. Smith is attached. He quotes the following from the Kent Argus of January 24, 1880, which said, ‘We are sorry to have to inform our readers of the death of the Rev. J. W. Smith, who was recently one of the Primitive Methodist ministers in connection with the Ramagate circuit. It appears that a short time ago, he caught a severe cold, which produced erysipelas and caused his death. He was very energetic in all departments of church work. He was also an ardent temperance worker, and took great and special interest in the welfare of the Bands of Hope. He was exceedingly fond of singing and spent many hours of his time in teaching the children to sing; indeed he never seemed so happy as when surrounded by smiling children, whom he was teaching to sing for some Band of Hope festival or school anniversary. Mr. Smith visited Ramsgate at Christmas, preached at two chapels, and delivered an address at Minster on Boxing night. Some of the people there remarked “how well he looked.” As a minister he was greatly beloved in the town and neighbourhood, and doubtless many will mourn his loss.’
Family
Jonathan was born on 6 October 1850 at Otley, Yorkshire, to parents Robert Smith, a PM minister, and Priscilla Gaukrodger.
Before entering the ministry Jonathan worked as chemist (1871).
Jonathan died on 22 January 1880 at Meadvale, Reigate, Surrey.
Circuits
- 1875 Deal
- 1876 Ramsgate
- 1879 Redhill
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1880/694
PM Minutes 1880/12
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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