Martin, William (1846-1916)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1907
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1917

Early years

William was born in 1846 at Chatham, Kent to parents John and Louisa. He was baptised on 28 February 1847 at Chatham. His parents were so poor that they could not afford to send him to school and he started work when nine years old. His only mental training came through Sunday School.

William was converted when aged fifteen and immediately became on of the Sunday School teachers and secretary of the school. The Quarterly Meeting requested him to become a local preacher, and though he felt that he lacked the educational training that was desirable, he responded to the call. Within three or four years the General Missionary Committee called him to enter the ministry of the Church.

Ministry

Between 1873 and 1909, circuit records identify that every circuit had an increase in membership during William’s appointment. The largest increase was recorded at Downham, where over three years, membership increased from 583 to 692.

If not an orator, William was an attractive and interesting speaker, his discourses being evangelical and illuminating. In his earlier years his singing messages were a welcome feature. He was called “the singing Martin”.

As an administrator, William was careful and methodical, and on good terms with his officials. The temperance cause had in him a faithful adherent and strong advocate.

Family

William married Ellen (Elizabeth) Selina Moody (1851-1881) in the spring of 1875 at Devonport. Census returns identify three children.

  • Ada (b1875)
  • Jessie (b1876)
  • William Henry (1881-1881)

William married Margaret Ann Chastney (1855-1925) on 19 July 1882 at Fakenham, Norfolk. Census returns identify five children.

  • Lily (b1883) – a post office clerk (1911)
  • Albert John (b1885) – a clerk (1911)
  • Herbert William (b1886) – an ironmonger’s assistant (1911)
  • Edith (b1888) – an assistant teacher (1911)
  • Urban (1890-1909)

William died on 4 August 1916 at Dunmow, Essex.

Circuits

  • 1869 Plymouth
  • 1870 Liskeard
  • 1872 Abergavenny
  • 1873 Exeter
  • 1874 Downham
  • 1877 Ely
  • 1879 Thetford
  • 1881 Docking
  • 1884 Fakenham
  • 1888 Swaffham
  • 1890 Gloucester
  • 1894 Radstock
  • 1895 Ramsgate
  • 1897 Wangford
  • 1900 Maidenhead
  • 1903 Gravesend
  • 1905 Sittingbourne
  • 1906 Hitchen
  • 1909 Braintree (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1907/129; 1917/287

PM Minutes 1917/256

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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