Wilson, John (1886-1942)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

JOHN WILSON (B): born in Co. Durham in 1886. When very young his parents removed to Wrexham and he was brought up in the Poyser Street Church. After training at Hartley College he commenced his ministry in 1914 at Portsmouth, and concluded, it at Congleton on March 20, 1942.

For twenty-eight years he joyously performed the duties of a Methodist minister, adapting himself to the varied conditions of town and country circuits. He prepared carefully for the pulpit, was methodical in routine administration, and faithful in the pastoral office. 

While visiting one of his members he collapsed and never recovered consciousness. He worked hard and died on active service on March 20, 1942. During the last months of his life, as Hon. Chaplain to H.M. Forces, he was counsellor, guide, and companion to a number of young men. They, and many in the circuits where he laboured, hold him in loving remembrance.

Family

John was born on 7 January 1886 at Chester le Street, Co. Durham, to parents Edward Wilson, an assurance superintendent (1911) and Hannah Harrison Pearson.

The 1901 census return records John working as a clerk for Wrexham Borough Council.

He married Rosamund Alice Salter (1884-1956) in the spring of 1919 in the Portsmouth Registration District, Hampshire. Birth records identify two children.

• Harold Salter (1920-2006) – apprentice locomotive engineering (1939)
• Frank Edward (1924-2009)

John died on 20 March 1942 at Congleton, Cheshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1914 Portsmouth I
• 1918 Winchester
• 1920 Widnes
• 1924 Burslem
• 1928 Chippenham
• 1933 Derby
• 1938 Congleton

References

Methodist Minutes 1942/150

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers