William Booth

Date of Birth: April 10, 1829

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: August 20, 1912

Biography

William Booth was born on April 10, 1829, in Sneinton, Nottingham, England. He was a British Methodist preacher who founded The Salvation Army and became its first General (1878–1912). Booth was a prominent figure in the 19th-century evangelical movement and dedicated his life to social reform and spreading the Christian gospel. His work focused on aiding the poor and destitute, and he is remembered for his innovative approach to social welfare, which combined spiritual and practical help. Booth’s early years were marked by poverty, and he started working at the age of 13 after his father died. Despite his difficult circumstances, Booth was determined to spread Christianity. In 1855, he married Catherine Mumford, who was also deeply involved in the Methodist movement and played a significant role in The Salvation Army’s formation. The Salvation Army began as the Christian Mission in London’s East End in 1865. Booth and his followers preached in the streets, offering assistance to the needy. The organization grew rapidly, adopting a quasi-military structure in 1878, when it was renamed The Salvation Army. Booth’s methods included brass bands, uniforms, and a focus on both spiritual and material support. William Booth passed away on August 20, 1912, in London, England. His legacy continues through The Salvation Army, which operates in over 130 countries, providing humanitarian aid and spiritual guidance.

5 Interesting Facts about William Booth

1. William Booth initially trained as a pawnbroker’s apprentice before becoming a full-time preacher.

2. The Salvation Army’s first meeting was held in a tent on an unused Quaker burial ground.

3. Booth authored several books, including his most famous work, “In Darkest England and the Way Out.”

4. He was known for his slogan, “Soup, Soap, and Salvation,” emphasizing the need to address both physical and spiritual needs.

5. Booth’s innovative use of music in religious services led to the formation of the Salvation Army Band, which remains a key feature of the organization.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Booth

1. “While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight.”

2. “While little children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight.”

3. “While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight.”

4. “While there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, where there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight—I’ll fight to the very end!”

5. “The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Booth did not accumulate personal wealth; his life’s work was dedicated to social reform and the welfare of others. The Salvation Army itself, as a charitable organization, has significant assets, but Booth’s personal net worth was modest.

Children

William Booth and his wife Catherine had eight children: 1. Bramwell Booth (1856–1929) – succeeded his father as General of The Salvation Army. 2. Ballington Booth (1857–1940) – co-founded Volunteers of America. 3. Kate Booth (1858–1955) – known as “La Maréchale,” she led The Salvation Army in France and Switzerland. 4. Emma Booth-Tucker (1860–1903) – played a significant role in The Salvation Army’s work in the United States. 5. Herbert Booth (1862–1926) – worked in the Salvation Army’s music ministry. 6. Marie Booth (1864–1937) – less involved in public aspects of the ministry. 7. Evangeline Booth (1865–1950) – became the fourth General of The Salvation Army. 8. Lucy Booth (1868–1953) – married Commissioner Emmanuel Daniel Hellberg of The Salvation Army.