Newman, Penelope (Mrs Coussins)
fl.1775-1805

A bookseller in Cheltenham, she was converted on one of John Wesley's visits some time after 1766 and banished plays and novels from her shelves. Soon after becoming a Methodist she started to take part in prayer meetings, travelling to Tewkesbury and elsewhere to publish 'the glad tidings of saving grace'. Occasionally she exhorted and preached. She became one of Wesley's correspondents and he encouraged her efforts. She was instrumental in the conversion of Jonathan Coussins; they were married in 1782 and had a daughter Philadelphia.

Sources
  • John Wesley, Letters, vols 5-7
  • Zechariah Taft, Biographical Sketches of the Lives and Public Ministry of Various Holy Women, vol. 1 (1825) pp.290-95
  • WHS Proceedings 25, pp.86ff

Occupations

See also

Entry written by: EDG
Category: Person
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