Tudsbury, John Fowe (1836-1859)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Charles Proctor

JOHN TUDSBURY, late Primitive Methodist itinerant minister, was born 11th May, 1836, at Edwinstow, Notts., and was brought up by Mr. Longbottom, of East Retford. At the age of six he was admitted into our Sabbath-school at Retford. By close application he made great proficiency in reading, and was deeply impressed with Divine things; he was subsequently appointed to be a teacher. At the age of sixteen he was converted to God, and united with our people at Retford. He was apprenticed to be a rope-maker, with Mr. Haxby, of Worksop, by whom he was much respected. From his intelligence and piety, the official brethren deemed him eligible for the office of a local preacher, and his name soon appeared on the circuit’s plan. He was well received, and was successful in the conversion of sinners.

Doncaster Circuit being in want of a preacher, they applied to the authorities of Retford Circuit for the young man, designing to call him into the itinerancy. Consequently, Brother Tudsbury was duly examined according to rule, and recommended as a suitable person for the ministry. He travelled more than a year in Doncaster Circuit, with credit and success. His next station was Grimsby, in Lincolnshire, in which circuit he gave proof of growing intelligence, increasing piety, and unwearied zeal; he was well received, and successful in the conversion of sinners. From Grimsby he removed to Tadcaster Branch of Scarborough Circuit. He entered this part of the Lord’s vineyard with the hand of death upon him. The disease from which he suffered baffled the skill of the physician, and defied the power of medicine; but he grew strong in his heart. He preached with the prospect of a speedy dissolution, won the affections of the people, and did not give up the contest until he had fought a good fight.

He left this branch on the 13th of October, 1859, for Doncaster hoping to recruit his wasted energies at Mr. Stenton’s, with whom he had formerly resided, who was to him a friend and a brother, and at whose house he fell asleep in Jesus, three days after he left the field of toil. He had great peace of mind, and died in the full triumph of faith. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”

Family

John was born on 11 May 1836 at Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, to parents Marmaduke Tudsbury, a cooper, and Martha Fowe. He was baptised on 19 June 1836 at Edwinstowe.

John died on 16 October 1859 at Doncaster, Yorkshire.