Travis, William (1843-1919)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1903
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1919

Early years

William was born on 9 April 1843 at Liverpool, Lancashire to parents Thomas and Agnes. His parents were Primitive Methodists, members of the Maquire Street Society. Thomas worked as a boot closer. William followed his father’s trade before entering the ministry.

Following his conversion at the age of fifteen, William worked in the Sunday School, led prayer meetings and cottage services. In association with Mr John Caton, he undertook in open-air mission work in various parts of Liverpool. After one quarter ‘on note’, at the age of sixteen, William was placed on full plan as a result of his exceptional gifts and aptitude for public speaking and his diligence in cultivating his intellectual powers and spiritual life being recognised.

Ministry

William held the position of chaplain to the Mayor of Morley, Alderman S Stockdale, during his two years of office.

William’s obituary records that his genial and buoyant temperament, bright and breezy manner, and his face beaming with good nature, made him a striking and attractive personality. For many years he was an outstanding figure as a preacher and lecturer, especially in Lancashire and Yorkshire. He possessed a fine, flexible voice, and a fluent and forcible delivery.

The temperance cause, Christian Endeavour, and all other movements in the interests of the young, had his warm sympathy and vigorous support.

Family

William married Amelia Nicholson (1847-1875) on 6 July 1870 at Bradford, Yorkshire. Census returns identify two children.

  • Sarah Helena (b1871)
  • John William (b1872) – a shopkeeper (gents outfitter) (1901)

William married Sarah Ann Scott (1844-1920) in early 1876 at Bradford, Yorkshire. Census returns identify two children.

  • Walter Scott (1879-1931) – a hatter and hosiery dealer (1911)
  • James Brayshaw (1883-1934) – a dentist

William died on 16 August 1919 in Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Circuits

  • 1866 Colne
  • 1867 Bradford I
  • 1869 Huddersfield
  • 1871 Shipley
  • 1873 Horbury
  • 1876 Clayton West
  • 1878 Pickering
  • 1880 Sowerby Bridge
  • 1883 Barrowford
  • 1886 Leeds V
  • 1887 Bolton I
  • 1890 Morley
  • 1894 Castleford
  • 1896 Barrow in Furness
  • 1899 Sheffield I
  • 1902 Sheffield VI
  • 1906 Sheffield (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1876/692 (Amelia); 1903/339; 1919/804

PM Minutes 1920/273

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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