Thompson, Richard (1808-1882)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference by Samuel Lloyd

RICHARD THOMPSON was born at Skipton-in-Craven. While young he gave himself to Christ, and identified himself with the Primitive Methodist Connexion. He was called into the ministry in 1836, and was sent by the Halifax station to mission Settle, After travelling on the Settle Mission for twelve months, he was stationed at Scotter, subsequently labouring in the Lincoln, Louth, Leeds, Bradford, Malton, Wakefield, Barnsley, Thirsk, Middleham, St. Albans, Northampton, and Silchester Stations. 

His health had been failing for several years before he sought and obtained superannuation at the Conference of 1859. Upon his superannuation, he settled down at Skipton, preaching occasionally when his health permitted, and taking great interest in the administration of the station. For some time before his death he was unable to take any active part in Church work. His illness was long and painful, but was borne with much patience and fortitude. To the last he spoke in hopeful tones of his departure, and frequently said, ‘It is all right, my Saviour is near me. I shall soon be with him for ever.’ The weaker he felt himself to be the more his faith took hold of the facts that God loved him and had given his Son to die for him. He passed quietly away from earth on September 30th, 1882, at the age of 74, leaving a widow and one daughter to mourn his removal from them.

Family

Richard was born on 19 October 1808 at Skipton, Yorkshire, to parents Samuel and Mary. He was baptised on 13 November 1808 at Skipton.

After superannuating Richard worked as a bookbinder (1861)

He married Mary Taylor (abt1810-1882)  in early 1843 at Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify two children.

• Emma Jane (1848-1870)
• Alice Mary (b abt1851) – teacher in a private ladies school (1881)   

Richard died on 30 September 1882 at Skipton, Yorkshire.

Circuits

• 1837 Scotter
• 1838 Lincoln
• 1840 Leeds
• 1841 Louth
• 1843 Bradford
• 1845 Malton
• 1847 Wakefield
• 1849 Barnsley
• 1850 Thirsk
• 1851 Middleham
• 1853 St Albans
• 1855 Northampton
• 1857 Reading
• 1858 Silchester
• 1859 Silchester (S)
• 1860 Silsden
• 1877 Skipton

References

PM Minutes 1883/8

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers