Person:Matthew Sugden (3)

WILLIAM CUDWORTH'S "ROUND ABOUT BRADFORD", p.45 LOW MOOR... Betty Firth of Gt Horton, who was one of little company who held prayer meeting at dungeon door in Ivegate when John Nelson was imprisoned there in May 1744, came following year to be housekeeper to her uncle Matthew Sugden. Although he was not a Methodist, he so far acceded to wishes of his niece as to allow John Nelson to preach every other week under his roof, and at her request Mr Wesley was invited to Low Moor. Mr W preached on 27 April 1747 under trees on the "Green" on NE side of Mr Sugden's house, the trees only a few years ago being removed. The shade of these elms and the level green then formed an inviting place of outdoor resort. The house now occupied by Misses Carter and near to Low Moor wood yard, forming part of Royds Hall estate, is one in which Matthew Sugden then lived. Squire Leeds was owner of property and hearing of Nelson's preaching in house of his tenant, threatened Sugden with summary ejectment should he venture to transgress a second time. S, in defending himself, threw all blame upon his niece, but requested the Squire to hear Nelson for himself. He did so and though not a religious man, was so struck with N's preaching he befriended the mission-preacher ever afterwards...Betty F afterwards married Thomas Worsnop, one of earliest leaders at Low Moor, and sire of an ancient family, of whom many descendants remain. Betty was, at time of Nelson's imprison- ment, member of Presbyterian Church at Bradford, and although hers was honour of introducing Methodism into Low Moor, she was never in sentiment truly Wesleyan. Her husband Thomas died in 1781. [Matthew Sugden was contemporary and possibly brother of Wm Sugden]