Stones, Thomas (1868-1952)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1920
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1920

Early years

Thomas was born in 1868 at Wrockwardine Wood, Shropshire, to parents William and Mary. William worked as a engine fitter and was a local preacher.

The family moved to Wolverhampton, where under the ministry of Rev T Lowe, Thomas definitely decided for Christ. He soon began to preach.

In his youth, Thomas showed distinct prowess as a footballer and played for the original Wolverhampton Wanders FC.

Ministry

Thomas went as a missionary to West Africa and opened the mission at Jamestown. Rev J Enang Gill, then a little boy, stayed with Thomas and his wife for two years.

He spent a second successful term in Africa at San Carlos Bay. At the time of his third trip to Africa, where he worked on the banks of the Zambesi River, his wife, and two daughters, remained in England.

His obituary records that wherever he laboured, at home or abroad, he served with great zeal and effect, ably supported by his devoted wife. He was a man of radiant faith, a forcefull and impressive preacher, an excellent pastor, and a real friend.

Family

Thomas married Eliza Bottley (1870-1954) in the Wellington Registration District, Shropshire. Census returns identify three of four children.

  • Doris Lyndall (1899-1983) – married James H Benzies in 1952
  • Eva (1902-1939)
  • Thomas Clifford (1907-1997) – a bank clerk (1952)

Thomas died on 9 January 1952 at Lillington, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1890 Market Rasen
  • 1892 Crowle
  • 1893 Horncastle
  • 1894 Lydbrook
  • 1895 W Africa
  • 1896 Archibongville
  • 1897 Southend
  • 1899 Prees Green
  • 1900 Fernando Po
  • 1903 Laxey
  • 1904 Livingstone (Africa)
  • 1906 Chalfont St Giles
  • 1909 Guildford
  • 1913 Colnbrook
  • 1916 Oxford
  • 1919 Fernando Po
  • 1921 Leamington Spa
  • 1928 Hasbury
  • 1932 Leamington (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1920/264

Methodist Minutes 1952/137

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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Comments about this page

  • This page was modified on 6 February 2016 to add a transcription of an article from the Christian Messenger 1918

    By Geoff Dickinson (06/02/2016)

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