Joseph Bradford (c.1748 – 28 May 1808) was a British preacher and travelling companion of John Wesley.[2]
The Reverend Joseph Bradford | |
---|---|
President of the Methodist Conference | |
In office 1795–1796 | |
Preceded by | Thomas Hanby |
Succeeded by | Thomas Taylor |
In office 1803–1804 | |
Preceded by | Joseph Taylor SEN |
Succeeded by | Henry Moore |
Personal details | |
Born | c. 1748 [note 1] Blandford, Dorsetshire?, England |
Died | 28 May 1808[1] Hull, England | (aged 67)
Resting place | Holy Trinity Church, Hull. |
Spouse(s) | 1-Mary Angell 2-Elizabeth Turner(née Edwards) |
Occupation | Preacher |
Known for | Companion of John Wesley Methodist movement |
Bradford was John Wesley's travelling companion 1774–1780 and again 1787–1790.[3] Wesley entrusted Bradford with transcribing his Journal and in 1785 also entrusted him with a letter to be read to the Conference after Wesley's death.[3] When Wesley was on his deathbed his friend Joseph Bradford was at his side.[4]
Bradford was twice President of the Methodist Conference in 1795 and 1803.[5] Bradford served as the first governor of Kingswood School from 1795 to 1802.[6]
Bradford suffered a severe paralysing stroke some months before his death in 1808.[7]