Born at Scotter, Lincs on 19 January 1739, he was a keen wrestler in his youth and loved football and dancing. In 1758 he joined the militia and while stationed at Gainsborough heard a Methodist preacher at the Old Hall. This led to his conversion and he became an itinerant. At the Conference of 1772 in Leeds he responded to Capt. Thomas Webb's plea for preachers to go to America. As he embarked with Thomas Rankin the following spring, John Wesley wrote to him: 'I let you loose, George, on the great continent of America... Do all the good you can.' An attractive personality, he established a close friendship with Francis Asbury. He was closely involved in the revival in Viginia in 1775-76. Returning to England in 1778, he gave a further thirteen years to the itinerancy. He was one of those named by Wesley in the Deed of Declaration. He died at Congleton on 11 March 1816.

Entry written by: WL
Category: Person
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