Peatfield, Thomas (1858-1919)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916

Early years

Thomas was born on 1 August 1858 at Glossop, Derbyshire, to parents James and Catherine. His father was a local preacher, class leader and circuit steward. James, worked earned his living as a grocer, was also involved in politics and in 1898 was elected Mayor of East Retford, Nottinghamshire.

Thomas dedicated himself to God aged twelve. By the age of fourteen Thomas was Sunday School secretary and organist and he became a local preacher at seventeen. He had chosen the teaching profession as his life calling and received an appointment as schoolmaster at Grantham. On of the circuit ministers fell ill and Thomas consented to supply the appointments. A glorious revival ensued, which proved a turning point in his career, and decided him to become a minister.

Ministry

Thomas spent the majority of his active ministry in the London II District. For sixteen years he served as District Building Committee Secretary and four years as Missionary Secretary.

On behalf of a body of trustees in one of his stations Thomas fought and won a case in the High Court of Chancery, and was highly complimented by the judge for the insight and ability, which his conduct of the case had disclosed.

His obituary records that Thomas was an able minister of the New Testament. He found great joy in expounding the Scriptures and proclaiming the evangel of the grace of God. Thomas was also a powerful advocate of social and temperance reform.

Family

Thomas married Ann Dixon (1850-1905) in the spring of 1885 at Leeds, Yorkshire. Ann was the daughter of Rev Edward Dixon. Census returns identify three children.

• Lilian May (b1888) – married George William Timberlake, a picture frame maker (1911); married George Marshall in 1919
• James Edward B (1890-1897)
• Albert Ernest (1892-1917) – a hairdresser (1911); killed in action in WW1

Thomas married Jane Ann Wilson (1864-1942) in early 1906 at Worthing, Sussex. The 1911 census identifies that Jane had two sons by a previous marriage.

Thomas died on 20 September 1919 at Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire.

Circuits

• Sunderland
• 1881 Leeds V
• 1882 Walworth
• 1885 Brighton II
• 1889 Woolwich
• 1892 Walworth
• 1897 Rotherham
• 1900 High Wycombe
• 1905 Worthing
• 1909 Tooting
• 1911 Balham
• 1914 Kingstone
• 1915 Northampton
• 1919 Berkhampstead

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/378; 1920/289

PM Minutes 1920/263

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers