Parrott, John
1809-1871

Primitive Methodist local preacher and printer, who from the 1850s to the 1860s was the Connexion’s best-known publisher. Born in Hull, with a Unitarian father, there John and some friends began attending the Primitive Methodist services. Following his marriage to Ellen Obee (1808-87) in April 1833 he moved to Halifax and first appeared there on the plan in March 1836. He was also a class leader and Sunday school teacher.

By 1839 he had moved to Leeds where initially much of his income was derived from jobbing work. Between 1847 and 1856 his business grew from printing sermons and other works, as well as working closely with the Book Room; he became its leading provincial printer. A reduction in business from the late 1860s may have been linked to declining health. Parrott died in August 1871; his estate was valued at £200.

Sources
  • Robert Glen, ‘John Parrott of Leeds: Primitive Methodist printer, publisher and local preacher’, Wesley Historical Society (Yorkshire), no:28 (Autumn 2025), pp13-25.

Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
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