Walls, John (1830-1863)

Ministry

A transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by C. Smith is attached. he writes as follows.

“In the twenty-third year of his age he was called to the regular ministry, a work in which his soul delighted, and for which he was eminently adapted; he travelled nearly three years in the Scarborough, Scotter, and Doncaster circuits with great acceptability and usefulness. He had a heart quick to feel both the joys and sorrows of others, and as a minister, “he studied to be a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” His mind was distinguished by clearness of perception, soundness of judgment, and a correct taste; so that his sermons were carefully and methodically arranged, and delivered with such simplicity and perspicuity as to be enjoyable by all who heard him. Christ, in all the riches of his grace and glory, was his constant theme.”

A breakdown in health caused John to retire from the ministry. He reverted to Local Preacher status in the York circuit.

Family

John was born on 12 November 1830 at Sutton, nr Thirsk, Yorkshire, to parents John, who worked the land, and Ann. He was baptised on 25 November 1830 at Sutton under Whitestone Cliff in the Independent chapel.

Before entering the ministry John was butler (1851). After leaving the ministry he set up a business as a provision dealer (1861).

He married Mary Ezard (b abt1830) in the summer of 1860 at York, Yorkshire. Birth records identify one child.

• John (b1861)

John died on 21 July 1863 at York, Yorkshire.

Circuits

• 1854 Gainsborough
• 1855 Doncaster

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1864/171

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers