Wigley, William (1805-1851)

Ministry

A transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.W. and J.B is attached. They quote from Brother Bendle as follows.

“I first knew brother Wigley in August, 1842) when I was called into the ministry by the Andover circuit. We laboured nearly two years in peace and harmony, and had the satisfaction of seeing the circuit improve both in members and finances. This was peculiarly gratifying, as we had to meet with a powerful tide of opposition. His letters during the three years we were separated breathed the same devotional and pious spirit he manifested while we were together. When the conference of 1847 stationed me to the Wallingford circuit, I had again the privilege of labouring with my friend and brother. In this station our trials were very severe,—arising from deep poverty and other causes; but my colleague was cheerful, patient, and resigned. I never heard him murmur, or complain. God smiled upon our efforts, and the circuit prospered. The conference of 1848 appointed us both to the Aylesbury circuit, where he laboured hard for the salvation of sinners. During his superintendency of this his last circuit, scores of sinners were converted, several chapels built, one rebuilt, several Sabbath-schools were established, and the circuit rapidly advanced in temporal and spiritual prosperity.”

Family

William was born in 1805 at Sutton’s Hill, Shropshire.

He married Lucy Ann Stratton (1814-1905) in the spring of 1839 in the Cricklade Registration District, Wiltshire. Census returns identify seven children.

• Theophilus James (1840-1898) – a bricklayer
• Anne “Tryphena” (1841-1904) – married Charles Jeffers, sprinter, in 1864
• Tryphosa Jane (1843-1904)
• Philoulogus William (1844-1888) – a grocer’s assistant (1881)
• Lapidoth Stratton (1846-1925) – married Robert William Mussett, a grainer, in 1872
• Philetus John (1848-1885)
• Keturah Clauda (1851-1851)

William died on 15 March 1851 at Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Circuits

• 1833 Brinkworth
• 1836 St Austell
• 1838 St Ives
• 1840 Moreton
• 1842 Andover
• 1844 Radstock
• 1846 Wallingford
• 1848 Aylesbury

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1851/449

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers