Born in Lancaster, aged about fourteen was apprenticed to his father, a cabinet maker, and became a local preacher. He visited London when he was about twenty to increase his business knowledge, preaching at Moorfields. Subsequently he moved to Colne before labouring in the Middleham Wesleyan Methodist circuit (1822/3) during the illness of the Rev. John W. Barrit. As he was prevented from candidating for the ministry because of his own health problems, he established his business in Bacup but soon after, in 1827, moved to Leeds Leeds, where he became established as an upholsterer. He joined the Oxford Place society and had two of his Oxford Place sermons published as tracts. He was Treasurer for the Leeds District Disabled Ministers and Widows Fund, was a trustee and served on the committee of Woodhouse Grove School. His brother entered the Wesleyan ministry. A Liberal in politics, he was a councillor for the Mill Hill Ward, 1840 to 1843, and then the West Ward, 1844 to 1847.In 18147 he was elevated to the aldermanic bench so continuing until his death in 1860; he was appointed mayor in 1854. He died from dysentery on Wednesday, 12 September 1860 and was interred in Leeds General Cemetery, Woodhouse. He left £900 to religious and benevolent institutions.

Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
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