James Horwill (1833-1917)
Dates
Birth: 21 March 1833 Morchard Bishop, Devon, UK
Father: John Horwill c1806-1867
Mother: Elizabeth Way 1800-1873
Christening: 14 April 1833 Morchard Bishop, Devon, UK
Marriage: January-March 1861 St Thomas, Devon, UK
Wife: Sarah Joyce c1835-1905
Death: January-March 1917 Bideford, Devon, UK
Children
Herbert William Horwill 1864-1952
James Hughes Horwill 1869
Notes
Christening of James Horwill in the IGI on 14 April 1833 in Morchard Bishop, Devon, parents John and Elizabeth Horwill. The same information is in Ancestry England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975.
In the 1841 census as James Horwill aged 8, born in Devon, and living with his parents (John and Elizabeth), brother (William) and sister (Ann) in the Middle of the Green, Morchard Bishop, Devon.
In the 1851 census as James Horwill aged 18, born in Morchard Bishop, Devon, single, a thatcher and living with his parents (John and Elizabeth), and sister (Ann) in the Middle of the Green, Morchard Bishop, Devon.
Marriage of James Horwill and Sarah Joyce in FreeBMD in January-March 1861 in St Thomas (5b 114).
In the 1861 census as James Harwill (sic in the index, correct on the original) aged 28, born in England, a Bible Christian minister at the chapel in Great Union Road and living with his wife (Sarah), and a cousin (Matilda Maplesder aged 13 and born in England) at 42 Chevlier Road, Jersey, Channel Islands.
His first son was born in Sandown, Isle of Wight in 1864 and second in Southsea in 1969.
In the 1871 census as James Horwitt (sic - in the index, correct on the original) aged 28, born in Morchard Bishop, Devon, a Bible Christian Minister of Sion Chapel, and living with his wife (Sarah), two sons (Herbert W and James H), widowed mother (Elizabeth Horswill), a servant (Matilda Maplesden aged 23, born in Tenterden, Kent and single) at Sion Cottage, Tor Hill Road?, Torquay, Devon.
In the 1881 census as James Horwill aged 48, born in Morchord Bishop, Devon, a Bible Christian minister of Silver St Chapel and living with his wife (Sarah) at 16 Richmond Terrace, Higher Meddon Street, Bideford, Devon.
In the 1891 census as James Horwill aged 88, born in Morchord Bishop, Devon, a Bible Christian minister and living with his wife (Sarah) at the Bible Christian minister's house, Wolborough, Devon.
In the 1901 census as James Harwell aged 68, born in Morchard Bishop, Devon, a retired minister Bible Christian, and living with his wife (Sarah) and a servant (Ethel Rose Dunn aged 16 and born in Littleham, Devon) at St Helier, Bideford, Devon.
His wife died in Bideford in 1905.
In the 1911 census as James Howill aged 78, born in Morchard Bishop, Devon, widowed, a retired Unitited Methodist minister and living in 2 rooms at 2 Victoria Terrace, Bideford, Devon.
Death of James Horwill in FreeBMD in January-March 1917 aged 83 in Bideford (5b 832).
Entry in Bible Christian Magazine Volume 1 pages 57 - 60
Rev. James Horwill (President of Conference, 1880)
Early in life the subject of this sketch was brought into close association with the Bible Christians, having enjoyed the privilege of attending cottage meetings, and coming into contact with ministers who slept at his father's house. Thoughts of God and of personal religion were created by such close connections; and although the method of his initiation into the Kingdom of God was not according to his own personal desire, having had no experience of that deep, overwhelming conviction of sin, resulting at conversion in exultant, exuberant joy, the change, however, was equally real and abiding. The entrance of the truth not only gave light, but brought peace. The new impulse quickly found an outlet, and earnestly he sought the welfare of others. After serving as a local preacher, he felt impressed to give his life to the work of the ministry. The months preceding the decisive hour, however, were months of anxiety and perplexity. An unmistakable call, a clear path, a deep conviction were anxiously desired, and not until these were experienced did he venture upon the work. His education was limited to that given at the National School and at a private institution, but, although meagre, the instruction was helpful, especially that relating to the Sacred Scriptures.
Born at Morchard Bishop, March 21st, 1803 {sic - this should be 1833], in 1853 he was sent by Conference to the Chatham Circuit, and set down as "Another." He was ordained in 1859, at Mount Street Chapel, Devonport, and within a year after his ordination he was appointed to the pastorate of Jersey, where he and his young bride received a cordial welcome. The right note was struck at the commencement, and the music of spiritual and financial progress was heard throughout the whole term of his residence on the Island. Prejudices were removed, interest was excited, souls dead in trespasses were quickened into life, and both church and congregation were brought into a most flourishing condition. In every department of church activity a wonderful improvement was effected. After an interval of twelve years he was appointed to Jersey for a second term, and again witnessed considerable prosperity. In the Shanklin Circuit his energies were directed to chapel building, whilst in other spheres he has rendered useful, effective service. From the following list it will be seen that he has travelled in some of the most important circuits in the Connexion: - Chatham, London, Jersey (twice), Shanklin, Portsmouth (twice), Torquay, Newport (I. of W.), Bideford, Brighton, Ringsash, Newton Abbot, and Swansea.
In 1874 he was appointed Secretary of Conference, and at the Conference at Bristol, in 1880, he was honoured with the Presidency. Doubtless this honour would have been conferred earlier had he not accepted the pastorate of the Jersey Circuit for a second term. His ministerial life has been productive of some of the best results - spiritual quickening of the churches, and the restoration of wandering souls to the Great Father. The difficulties and discouragements common to the life of ministers were the accompaniments of his ministry, but he met them determinedly in the strength of his Master, and conquered. In the earlier years, when friction in societies was more prevalent than in this more tolerant, enlightened age, and when passion more than principle was the guiding, controlling force in the lives of not a few, Mr. Horwill was ever the person to play the part of mediator, to bridge the gulf between members estranged, or to effect a reconciliation. In the midst of strife and division he was always disposed to play the part of healer and peacemaker, and on more than one occasion has he been known to prevent what seemed inevitable social disaster. His ministry has been a healing, uniting, consolidating ministry functions which by nature and temperament he was preeminently adapted to fulfil. Although I have never had the privilege of listening to a single sermon from Mr. Horwill, his reputation warrants the assertion that he has proved himself a workman needing not to be ashamed. In 1897 he was superannuated, but he still carries on his beneficent ministry among the churches. In 1905 he sustained an irreparable loss in the death of Mrs. Horwill, who was ever an encourager to her husband in the days of darkness and difficulty, and to whom he owed many of the best things in life.
Relationship
James Horwill was the father of Herbert William Horwill, husband of Kate Florence Bourne, the daughter of Frederick William Bourne, husband of Adelaide Chalcraft, my fifth cousin three times removed.
Photograph
James Horswill probably taken during his time as a supernumary in Bideford, Devon in 1900, held at University of Manchester Library
Return to Horwill Gendex.
Return to Croucher Gendex.
Return to Croucher Home Page.