FAMILY OF TIMOTHY CROWTHER, BROTHER TO JONATHAN CROWTHER

A Brother of Jonathan Crowther and a preacher for more than 31 years. His obituary in the  Wesleyan Methodist Magazine of 1829 reads as follows:

He was born near Halifax in the year 1757. At the age of twenty-two, he was awakened to a sense of his guilt and danger as a sinner, under the ministry of a Clergyman of the Church of England; and soon afterwards obtained peace with God through Jesus Christ. He entered upon his itinerant labours in 1784, and had the satisfaction of seeing fruit of his ministry. By growing bodily infirmities he was compelled, in the 1815, to retire from the itinerant work, in which he greatly delighted, and to become a Supernumerary. Though somewhat eccentric in his habits, he was a man of deep piety; and possessed a strong understanding, stored with a great variety of useful information. He was generally happy in God during the long and severe affliction which terminated his earthly existence. He died in great peace, on the 24th of March, 1829 aged, seventy-two years.

April 10th, 1829- A notice of death at Frodsham, in Cheshire, the Rev. Timothy Crowther, Methodist Minister; having survived his pious wife only thirteen days. They both died in peace; and have left to their family the consolation of believing that their spirits being "absent from the body, are present with the Lord.

This link will take you to comments about Timothy and his brother Jonathan in a book written by William Thoresby in his book, A Narrative of God's Love, written in 1801 while living in Newfoundland, where he had a ministry for years in this primitive location.

 The following comments by researcher Terry Barcock. Timothy died on 24 Mar 1829, just 13 days after his wife's death, so (unless she left a will that said otherwise) the entire estate was divided equally among the children. The estate within the Diocese of Chester was certified to be under £600 (perhaps a duty limit), but included several houses in Runcorn.

It is possible that something in his estate was not on the best of financial footings because some years after his death both of his two sons appeared in the bankruptcy court, within weeks of each other (Jonathan & George Hackelton Crowther). Each was described as a bookseller (though clearly not in partnership), which adds more weight to the idea that the book trade had been the Crowther's customary livelihood for generations and that the Northowram Crowther's were indeed connected with the bookseller Crowther's of Skipton.

The signature on his Will made 5 March 1827 at Frodsham is very unsteady, perhaps indicating his condition in his final years. Probate 20 April 1829, confirms that the date of death was 24 Mar 1829 and not 10th April as the obituary in Methodist Magazine has it. The obituary also says that he was "eccentric in his habits" - we have yet to discover what prompted that observation. 

Spouse: Hannah DIXON
Death: 7 Mar 1829, Halifax, Yorks
Marr: 14 Aug 1788, Bradford, Yorks

End of Terry Barcock's comments.

plp 31-9-7  A letter written prior to 1824 when  his brother Jonathan died.

From Timothy Crowther to his Brother Jonathan

Fordsham Wednesday evening

My Dear Brother;

I am just crept out of bed to write you a line or two. For several days I have been very poorly. Feel myself altering fast- whether to better life or death I know not, but am inclined to think the latter. The will of the Lord be done. I have not great fear of my Brethren's being less considerate and kind to me this year than they were the last unless from mistake. The Doctor & etc. now goes with no small share of my income. I tried to preach in your place at Frodsham on Sunday but found it hard work. Son Jonathan went to Barnton and George took his place in the afternoon at Preston Brook-how he acquitted himself, I have not heard; but am inclined to think he will do at least pretty well. Next Sunday week Jonathan is to preach  their charity Sermon at Rochdale, I bless God. I feel satisfied that tho I cannot do much, yet others are rising up even out of my own family, who can more than supply my place. I have heard next to no news from Conference. When the Stations are out You will let me have one. When you get any money for me I wish you to pay a pounds to Mr.. Blanchard for me. We have this day 2 boarders from Dewsbury and 2 from Bingley, I hope to see you on your return.

I am your very affectionate Brother,

I must now lie down, I can at present , but with much difficulty, either sit walk or ride.

Timothy Crowther

Jonathan Crowther- son of Timothy and nephew of Timothy's brother, Jonathan Crowther

Timothy's wife's name was Hannah and they had a son named Jonathan, who was born at Cornwall on Jul 31,1794. There is a Baptism recorded for a Jonathan Crowther son of Timothy and Hannah on Jan 14,1795 at the Taunton Octagon Chapel and the Temple Wesleyan in Somerset County. Their son, Jonathan, was educated at Kingswood School and became an itinerant preacher in 1814 and headmaster of Kingswood School in 1823 and afterwards of Wood house Grove. After serving in several churches, he was in 1837 appointed to superintend the Wesleyan Missions in India where he was eminently successful in establishing the missions, especially at Madras. In 1843 he returned to England, was appointed classical instructor at the Theological School ad Didsbury where he remained until his death Jan 16,1856.

The following comments about this particular man are from Terry Barcock of England. His wife is  descended from the Crowther family, albeit from this particular Jonathan's uncle, the Jonathan Crowther who was the head of the Methodist Conference in 1819.

Educated at Kingswood school (which Wesley founded in 17487), later returning as headmaster. Ordained 1814 and appointed Headmaster at the new school established by the Wesleyan Conference of 1811 and opened in 1812 at Woodhouse Grove. He was head there from 1814 to 1816. The school continues today. He was Headmaster of its sister-school at Kingswood from 1823 to 1825.

As Superintendent of Methodist Missions in India, he suffered shipwreck, privation and tropical exhaustion advancing Christian Mission in Madras. Returning to England in 1843, he became a classical tutor at the Northern Branch of the Theological Institution in 1848 or 1849. A scholar of Latin, Greek, Hebrew and modern languages, he was also acquainted with mathematics and the sciences and conducted examinations at both his former schools as well as Wesley College.

The tag "eccentric in his habits" might perhaps be more easily believed of Jonathan than of his father. He was certainly something of a polemicist within the Methodist Connexion.  At the height of one debate, conducted in the same way as the politics of those days by the opposing factions publishing pamphlets, it seems that there was a deliberate attempt by an opponent to ensure the miss-delivery of papers summoning him to an important meeting so that he could not attend. The perpetrator tried to contrive a very public handshake with Crowther to mislead Conference further into believing that they were essentially agreed. Crowther politely declined the handshake, which led to an official enquiry! 

He was Loyal to conference and a supporter of Jabez Bunting - himself a very controversial figure who polarised Methodist to the extent that 70 preachers once resigned in a single day, but supported women preachers in Birmingham (1829-31)

There is an as yet unseen article in The Times (5 Mar 1845, p. 4f)
to which his friends found it necessary to reply in an Advertisement of 17 Jul 1845. It seems that Mr. Crowther had been found collapsed in the street in London and that a policeman finding him with two prostitutes took him as drunk, although apparently saying in court that he could not say for sure that he was drunk and under cross examination admitted that he did not smell drink. His doctor, Gilchrist Wilson MD, certified that he had suffered from seizures once at the age of 19 and again on the passage to India. The article says he had been in Wesleyan service for over 30 years and gives some details of his duties and movements while attending the conference in London. 

One wonders with modern hindsight whether he had not contracted Malaria on the way to India and suffered a number of dramatic relapses later. This may be what led to his being treated for "congestion of the brain" on 31 Dec 1855. After an initial improvement, symptoms returned severely on 11 Jan 1856 and he was unconscious for much of his last five days. 


Spouse: Possibly: Mary( Possibly): BOOTH, 

There are several Halifax marriages to Jonathan CROWTHER, but this single one from Runcorn where this lady's father-in-law Timothy Crowther (d. 1829) owned some houses looks more promising.

Jonathan was an author of several books, like his Uncle Jonathan. These listed as part of Methodist publications.

A Sermon on Occasion of the Death of H.R.H. the Princess Charlotte. Runcorn,1817 8vo. pp36.

A Critical Dissertation on Acts xvii 30. 1822 8vo.pp42.

A Sermon on the Death of Rec. D. M'Allum. York 1827 8vo. pp24.

A Defence of the Wesleyan Theological Institution. 1834 8vo. pp47.

A Reply to Sundry Misrepresentations & etc. 1835 8vo. pp16.

A Banner for the Truth. A Sermon before the Wesleyan Missionary Society 1837. 8vo.pp32

Sermons. London 1837 8vo.pp307

Exclusive Claims to Apostolical Succession brought to the Test. Madras 1842 16mo.pp80.

An Essay on Scriptural Education. London. 1851 8vo.pp44.

the following obituary was in the Wesleyan Methodist Magazine in the year 1856 on pages 846 and 847.

He was the son of the Rev. Timothy Crowther and nephew the Rev. Jonathan and Robert Crowther, who all belonged to the earlier race of Methodist Preachers, having been received as "Helpers" by the venerable Wesley. He was born At St. Austle, Cornwall July 31,1794. In early life the careful instructions and fervent prayers of an excellent mother were by the Divine blessing, the principal means of conversion to God, which was as clear and decided, as it was enduring in its effects. He was educated at Kingswood School, where he gave early promise of future eminence as a scholar. Under a deep conviction that he was "called of God" to preach the Gospel, he began about the age of twenty, to publish the glad tidings of salvation and peace, Some of his first services to the Connexion were rendered in the education of its Ministers sons. In 1823 he was appointed Headmaster of Kingswood School, having already held the same honourable office at Woodhouse Grove. Subsequently, Mr.. Crowther was stationed in several important Circuits, in which his ministry truly edifying and useful; securing as well the affection of the people at large, as that if an extensive circle of attached and admiring friends. At a time when the constitution and discipline of Methodism were assailed with reckless violence, he maintained the fidelity to its principles, and defended them by a judicious use of the press. In the maturity of his life and mental vigour, he was requested by the General Missionary Committee to undertake the superintendence of the Society's Missions in India. His prompt compliance with this call was a fine example of submission to the claims of duty, and of zealous devotedness to the cause of Christ, in a department which imposed upon his abundant labors, and exposed him to formidable perils. Relinquishing a sphere of service at home, in which he was beloved and honoured by the people of his charge, he encountered shipwreck, privation, suffering, and all the exhausting influences of a tropical climate. Mr. Crowther's discharge of his arduous duties fully justified the confidence which the Committee has reposed in his judgment, learning, and experience. He conciliated the affection and esteem of the brethren under his charge, and conferred important benefits, do the direct and collateral, on the cause of Christian Mission in the Presidency of Madras. In 1843 he returned to England, and resumed his labors in the home-ministry. In 1848 he was appointed a Classical tutor of the Northern Branch of the Theological Institution. Mr. Crowther's character exhibited a combination of the varied excellencies. Persona religion, sincere, deep, constant, and controlling, was the basis of the whole. It softened the severity of temper, inspired humility, and love, conferred the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, and prompted to the untiring performance of every duty. He was gentle, kind-hearted, and generous; while his modesty was as remarkable as his endowments were eminent. All his qualities were sterling, and forbade alike pretension and display. His mind was vigorous, acute, well-balanced, and comprehensive in its grasp He was distinguished by great penetration, manly sense, remarkable soundness of judgment, and by uniform caution and prudence. His pulpit-discourses were highly instructive and edifying. His texts, which were judiciously chosen , received from treasures of biblical and critical learning an accurate and luminous exposition. His sermons were natural in arrangement, and logical in argument; his style, free from everything like pedantry, we perspicuous, terse, and forcible; his applications were earnest and practical; and his manner, though generally calm and deliberate, not infrequently rose into warmth and energy. His literary attainments entitled him to a high rank among the scholars of his day. He had a critical knowledge of Latin and Greek and was also well acquainted with Hebrew, and some of the modern languages. He was well versed in different branches of mathematical and physical science and extensively read both in Christian Theology and general literature. For several years he conducted, with great ability, the examinations of the pupils at the Kingswood School and Woodhouse-Grove Schools, and also at Wesley College, Sheffield,. His hours of leisure were filled up by labors greatly diversified. "He handled the pen of the writer,"- the Conference, the Missions-House, the Educational establishments and periodical literature of the Body, all sharing the benefit of willing and efficient services. In the fulfillment of his duties as Classical Tutor in one Branch of Theological Institution, Mr.. Crowther conferred the most important advantages upon those candidates for our ministry placed under his care. His ability and learning commanded their reverence; his efforts to promote their advancement in knowledge, his kindness of manner and his sympathy in their efforts and successes, won their high esteem and love. He incited, whilst he said, their endeavours. They regarded him filial fondness, and his memory is embalmed in their grateful hearts. for some months before his decrease, his friends observed signs of failing health, but nothing to excite serious apprehension, or materially to interrupt his work. He availed himself of a short recess at Christmas to secure a change of air and scene, in order to recruit his strength for future service. On the 31st of December, soon after his arrival at the house of his friend, the Rev. William Willan, of Leeds, he was suddenly attacked by congestion of the brain. by the blessing of God, however, upon prompt medical skill, he obtained relief; and in a few day so marked was the improvement in his health, that earnest hopes were entertained by his friends of his being able, ere long, to resume his labors. But on Friday, January the 11th, the most alarming symptoms appeared, and he rapidly sunk into a state of unconsciousness. Throughout his affliction he manifested the maturity of his Christian character, and all that he uttered in the moments of consciousness showed the devout exercises of his mind. Shortly after his relapse, he said, "The day of my redemption draweth nigh." When the text was quoted, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" he repeated the remainder of the passage; and added, with emphasis,-

When all Thy mercies, O my God,My rising soul surveys, Transported with the view, I'm lost In wonder, love and praise."

Soon after, he cited the words, " He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters: His last word were, " I am thankful." Early in the morning of Wednesday January 16th 1856, his conflict ceased, and he entered into his heavenly rest. He was in the sixty-second year of his age, and the thirty-third of his ministry.

The photo is of Jonathan Crowther, son of Timothy Crowther

Timothy had a grandson by his son Jonathan, who was also named Jonathan. This excerpt from the Manchester Grammar School Register about the grandson.

-18 Dec. 1832 Jonathan, son of Jonathan Crowther, Methodist Minister of Manchester. Age at entry 9 years. This Jonathan Crowther, the son, went to sea and rose to a position of respect and was lately captain of a ship trading from Madras to other parts of India. His father who is spoken of as a fair scholar, at the time of his death was classical tutor at the Wesleyan College, Didsbury, near Manchester and a man of considerable influence among the Wesleyan's.

Terry Barcock of England submitted this information about a second son of Jonathan.

Another son in this family was George Hackelton Crowther, born in 1797.
Christened: 18 Dec 1797, Wesleyan Chapel, Colne, Lancs
Occupation: Inspector of Weights and Measures, Warrington (1840-41)

Bankruptcy proceedings in 1827 appear to have forced him out of the book trade and he is next found aged 44 as a Weights and Measures Inspector working for the local authority. He may also have been connected with the Surveying firm G & GH CROWTHER, responsible for waterworks in Huddersfield from about 1860 to 1901. 

Spouse: Martha ANTWIS, 3258
Marr: 13 Jun 1822, Frodsham, Cheshire9

There are probably other children in the family. I know that the Crowther girls in their letters to their Brother Jonathan referred to Cousin Thomas. Also I have letter from an Isaac Crowther written in 1843 written to an official of the Church wherein he is stating that he is going to give a sizable sum to be used for the support of Widows and children of preachers who have died. I suspect he is a brother also of Timothy's son Jonathan.

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