Born near Gisburn in the West Riding, he was converted quite early in life. By 1752 he was at least a local preacher, but the date he joined the itinerancy is uncertain. He itinerated mainly in the North, A gifted and penetrating preacher, he was instrumental in the conversion of Duncan Wright at Limerick in 1755 and of John Pawson at Otley in 1758. He formed the first society at Blackburn in 1759. He defied John Wesley by persisting in trade despite the ruling of 1768 and was removed from the itinerancy. He settled in Yarm and, after his second marriage, in Keighley, where he continued to preach and lead a class until 1788. In 1784 he petitioned on behalf of the itinerants who had not been included in the Deed of Declaration, and supported the administration of the sacraments by the itinerants. His unhappy second marriage ended in bankruptcy in 1787; he left the society, but preached for John Atlay at Dewsbury. He died in 1790.

Entry written by: JHL and MB
Category: Person
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