Booth William

Booth, William, founder and so-called General (i.e. "General Superintendent") of the Salvation Army (q.v.). Born in 1829 at Nottingham, he was a minister of the Methodist New Connexion, but is now chiefly known as the originator of the Army, which was first established on a religious basis, but now includes a great social scheme. Mr. Booth gave his own views upon the subject in the Contemporary Review (Aug., 1882). His organisation resembles an army in this - perfect obedience to the commander is required. The social scheme is still in its infancy; upwards of £100,000 was collected for it at the end of 1890, after the publication of In Darkest England. Mrs. Booth, his wife, the "Mother of the Army," influenced to a large extent her husband's work, and her death in 1890 was felt as a great loss to all the members of the organisation.