Background
BOOTH, William was born on April 10, 1829 in Nottingham. Son of a builder.
BOOTH, William was born on April 10, 1829 in Nottingham. Son of a builder.
Nottingham, by a private theological tutor of the Methodist New Connection Church, London. Converted at 15; commenced immediately to preach in the open air in Nottingham. Doctor of Civil Law.
Entered ministry 1852. After being travelling evangelist, appointed by the Conference of Methodist New Connection Church, was required to settle to their ordinary Circuit work. To this he submitted for some years, but eventually, in 1861, resigned in order to again give himself to evangelistic labour.
While travelling through the country he came to London and was struck by the destitute condition of the eastern portion of its population, and commenced, on the 5th of July 1865, special efforts on their behalf. This effort was at tirst styled the Christian Mission, but developed in 1S7S into the Salvation Army, which has grown until it has corps, circles, and societies,established in 56 countries and colonies, with about 21,000 officers and employees, id est (that is) men and women maintained for the work. In connection with this he has organised a great system for the benefit of the submerged, starving, vicious, and criminal classes, wffiich has now over 900 social institutions.
Bedfordshire supplied during twelve months, over 6.0. 000.
Meals during same period, over 11.0. 000. He is the author of Orders and Regulations for Officers and Soldiers.
Letters to my Soldiers. Religion for Every Day. Salvation Soldiery Visions.
In Darkest England and the Way Out (propounding General Booth’s scheme for the abolition of the pauper and dangerous classes of England). And numerous other books and pamphlets. Oxfordshire; General and Commander-in-Chief of Salvation Army, and director of its social institutions for destitute, vicious, and criminal classes; formerly Minister of the New Connection Church.
None, unless he be said to find recreation travelling, although he works as hard at sea as he does in other forms when on land. He lias five times visited United States and Canada, three times Australasia and South Africa, twice India, once Japan, and several times almost every country in Europe.
Spouse 1855, Catherine Mumford