Curson, Robert (1867-1950)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1921

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1921

Early years

Robert was born in 1867 at Stiffkey, nr Wells, Norfolk, to parents William and Pleasance. At the time of Robert’s birth, William worked the land. The 1881 census describes him as a labourer (railway station).

When Robert was aged three, the family moved to Bacup, Lancashire. His father was a local preacher for nearly fifty years and was also a class leader and circuit steward.

Robert began to preach when he was aged twenty, and was so effective in the work that a year later he was recommended for the ministry.

Ministry

On retirement Robert became supernumerary in charge of the Leamington Spa (Ex PM) circuit for seven years, and was largely responsible for the happy union between that circuit and the Leamington (ex-Wesleyan) circuit.

Robert’s obituary records that he was a keen student of the Scriptures. His powerful evangelical preaching was a source of constant inspiration, and he had the joy of winning many souls for the Kingdom. His genial, courteous and sympathetic nature endeared him to all.

Family

Robert married Laura Beatrice Hales (1874-1948) in the summer of 1895 at Oswestry, Shropshire. Records identify seven of eight children.

• Mabel (1899-1984) – married Alfred H George in 1935
• Pleasance Mary (1901-1976) – married Harry Roberts in 1925
• Laura Beatrice (1905-1982) – married Stanley White Holdich in 1932
• Dorothy (b1906)
• Gertrude (b1908)
• Robert Edgar (1910-1958)
• Joyce (b1911) – married Haworth O Roberts in 1935

Robert died on 14 October 1950 at Warwick, Warwickshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1891 Oswestry
• 1893 Lichfield
• 1894 Coventry
• 1895 Bristol VI
• 1897 Church Gresley
• 1900 Shrewsbury
• 1903 Newcastle under Lyme
• 1906 Kidderminster
• 1909 Retford
• 1913 Chester III
• 1919 Oakengates
• 1921 Blackheath
• 1924 Oldbury
• 1927 Gloucester
• 1930 Chester III
• 1935 Congleton

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1921/76

Methodist Minutes 1951/126

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers