Tanfield, Richard (1823-1915)

Primitive methodist Magazine 1872

Early years

Richard was born on 14 October 1823 at Thirsk, Yorkshire. His father was for many years a Methodist class leader, choirmaster and Sunday School Superintendent.

Richard was converted aged 13 under the ministry of Joseph Spoor and joined a PM society.

During apprenticeship to a bookseller, Richard gave himself, with great indulgence, to the study of English Literature, Latin, Greek and Hebrew.  He became a local preacher when he was 20 years old.

Ministry

Richard’s sound business training and extensive reading led him to occupying many important posts. He sat on the Conference Committee that instituted the PM Sunday School Union. He spent 20 years on the Ministerial Candidates Examining Committee. On superannuation in 1888, Richard became Treasurer of the Conference Fund.

His obituary records; ‘For the pulpit he made most conscientious and thorough preparations and was distinctly evangelical and always thoughtful and persuasive. Much originality and breadth of thought and a rich view of humour marked his pulpit and platform utterances.’

Richard’s musical gifts were also a great service.

Family

Richard married Isabella Simpson (1825-1906) on 5 July 1848 at Ripon, Yorkshire. Census returns identify four children.

  • Thomas (1849-1922) – a PM Minister
  • Elizabeth (b1851) – married George Dring, a city missionary
  • Mary Ann (1852-1864)
  • Samuel Richard (1867-1941) – a language teacher and local preacher

Richard died on 16 November 1915 at York.

Circuits

  • 1844 Stockton (6 mths)
  • 1844 Barnard Castle (18 mths)
  • 1845 Berwick
  • 1847 Middleham
  • 1848 Halifax
  • 1850 Barnsley
  • 1852 Keighley
  • 1854 Pickering
  • 1856 Malton
  • 1858 York
  • 1860 Ripon
  • 1863 Leeds ll
  • 1866 Clayton west
  • 1867 Burnley
  • 1870 Leeds lV
  • 1872 Bradford ll
  • 1875 York
  • 1878 Pontefract
  • 1879 Halifax i
  • 1881 Rochdale
  • 1884 Whitby
  • 1886 Macclesfield
  • 1888 Earlstown (S)
  • 1891 York ll

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1872 (portrait); 1907/239 (Isabella)

PM Minutes 1916/286

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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