A Family Legacy
Mary Booth was Samuel’s second wife. His first wife, Sarah Lockitt, had died of unspecified causes on January 13, 1819, at the age of fifty-three.
Samuel and Sarah had at least one son together, William Adcock (or Hadcock). Sadly, he died of consumption (tuberculosis) at the age of twenty-four.
A New Chapter
Samuel met Mary Moss during the summer of his son’s death. After a short courtship, they married on November 2, 1824.
At the time, Samuel was still an aspiring businessman and was nearing fifty. Mary, meanwhile, was thirty-three. Given the circumstances, the short courtship was likely due to the fact that this was a marriage of convenience.
A Comfortable Childhood
Together, Samuel and Mary had five children: Henry, born January 6, 1826 (died January 6, 1828); Ann, whose birth date remains unknown but who was baptized on April 1, 1827; William, born April 10, 1829; Emma, born January 21, 1831, who would remain an invalid for her entire life; and Mary, born September 16, 1832.
For William and his sisters, however, life was much more comfortable than it was for most.
READ ALSO: WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 1)
A Young Leader
At the age of six, William began attending the Academy of Nottingham. He quickly stood out among his peers because of his strength of will, leadership abilities, and impulsive chicanery.
As a result, these traits earned him the nicknames “Willful Will” and “Wellington.” The latter came from the Duke of Wellington, who was famous for his military victories, most notably his defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo.
A Master at Sport
William earned the latter title because he was a master at sport. Similarly, as with the young Charles Finney, anyone who wanted to win made sure Booth was on their team—and, if possible, their captain.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Tale Tuesday 077
Date: 12th March, 2024
Title: : William & Catherine Booth “Through Blood and Fire” (Part 2)
Source: God’s generals- The Revivalists
Author: Roberts Liardon
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