Rev. Henry Abraham was Little Bay’s forth Methodist minister following the Reverends’ Cramm, Vickers, and Hooper.

He was born to Henry and Fanny (Foster) Abraham in Gosport, Hampshire, England in 1860. I don’t yet know when he immigrated to Newfoundland but he is present by 1884 when found at Betts Cove. He appears to have moved to Little Bay in the summer of 1886.

As we have seen with other church leaders Rev. Abraham participates in the community’s efforts beyond his own ministry. He appeared before Magistrate Blandford petitioning against the sale of alcohol in December of 1886 alongside the town’s other leaders including Rev. O’Flynn of the Catholic Church, Rev. Clift of the Church of England, and Mine Manager Whyte. Their Temperance efforts are later credited for ceasing its sale at the town’s saloon. The success of Magistrate Blandford’s Jubliee celebrations in the summer of 1887 is likely largely due to the multi-denominational and shared leadership in Little Bay’s community efforts while under the tenure of these men.

In September of 1888 Little Bay was visited by Canadian senator John MacDonald. While there he was a guest of the Abrahams.

The last local event I’ve found highlighting Rev. Abraham’s role takes place in May of 1889 when he officiated at the anniversary of Little Bay Islands. He opened his speech by quoting the biblical passage “I pray that they all may be one” which served as theme and thesis to a sermon on unity.

As I’ve addressed elsewhere Little Bay was known for it’s unusual culture, one highlighting a rather cosmopolitan and inclusive attitude toward mixed-denominational community building. The town’s church leaders were vital in that effort and it’s a cooperative spirit certainly reflected by Rev. Abraham.

Rev. Henry Abraham departed Little Bay in June of 1889 at the age of 29. In his departure letter this Methodist minister made a point of thanking the town’s remaining Presbyterians.

He died in Illinois in 1933.

Sought Sources
A picture of Rev. Henry Abraham and his family.

Information on his life between his birth and his arrival in Little Bay.

Information on his life between his departure from Little Bay and his death in Illinois including his obituary and headstone.

Any original writings he made during his stay in the form of letters or journals. These I’d seek by contacting the church archives and any living descendants.

More information about his wife Julia Burpee Milligan. She was the daughter of Rev. G. S. Milligan who married the couple in St. John’s in the summer of ’87. This line of inquiry could also lead to original material addressing their time in Little Bay.

More information about Canadian politician John McDonald’s visit to Newfoundland would be welcome. His journals and letters from that period might reference the trip. There could also be Canadian media coverage regarding its purpose.

Sources Found
Henry Abraham’s birth and death details come from a MyHeritage search and could use confirmation with original sources.

1884, April – H. Abraham was stationed at Betts Cove when he took part in a missionary tour of the circuit (TS)

1886, July – Rev. Abraham took the Plover to Little Bay (DC)

1886, Dec – Meeting concerning alcohol prohibition (Wells, P. 160)

1887, Jan – Took a stand with the other clergy against alcohol (TS) 

1887, March – Missionary meetings (TS)

1887, July – Rev. Henry Abraham stationed at Little Bay (TS)

1887, July – Returned to town with his new bride (TS)

1887, Aug – Rev. Abraham took part in the Queen’s Jubliee (TS/ET)

1887, Dec – Performed a Locke/Jeans wedding in Little Bay (TS/ET)

1888, Jan – Whyte and Morris weddings (TS)

1888, Feb – Performed Thompson and Phoran weddings (TS)

1888, March – Combs and Penny weddings (TS)

1888, March – Noble wedding (TS)

1888, April – Signed Temperance petition (HGS/TS)

1888, July – Stationed at Little Bay (ET)

1888, Sept – Gave a magic lantern exhibition (TS)

1888, Sept – Hosted visiting Canadian politician John McDonald (HGS)

1888, Sept – Had a daughter (TS)

1889, May – Officiated Little Bay Islands’ anniversary (TS)

1889, June – Departure letter to Little Bay (TS)