Social Reformer. Salvation Army General. William Bramwell Booth was involved in The Salvation Army from its origins as the Christian Mission, established in by his father in 1865. At 14, he started to help in the management of the group, then became a full-time member in 1874, an officer when the Christian Mission became The Salvation Army in 1878, and in 1881, he was the Chief of the Staff. In 1882 he married Florence Eleanor Soper, who had joined the group in 1880. Their seven children also became active workers in the army. Upon his father’s death in 1912, he was appointed as his successor. His early years in command were complicated by World War I, as the organization had members on both sides of the war. His response to members who didn’t strictly follow his commands was to retire or banish them. He was known for appointing his children to posts for which others were better qualified. He increasingly gave control of The Salvation Army to his wife, particularly when he traveled. In 1928 his health began to deteriorate, and in 1929 the High Council asked the him to resign due to his ill health, then when he refused, they voted him out of office. He was succeeded by Edward Higgins. He died at his home, near Barnet, Hertfordshire. His body lay in state at The Salvation Army's Congress Hall, and thousands of people came to bid him farewell.
Social Reformer. Salvation Army General. William Bramwell Booth was involved in The Salvation Army from its origins as the Christian Mission, established in by his father in 1865. At 14, he started to help in the management of the group, then became a full-time member in 1874, an officer when the Christian Mission became The Salvation Army in 1878, and in 1881, he was the Chief of the Staff. In 1882 he married Florence Eleanor Soper, who had joined the group in 1880. Their seven children also became active workers in the army. Upon his father’s death in 1912, he was appointed as his successor. His early years in command were complicated by World War I, as the organization had members on both sides of the war. His response to members who didn’t strictly follow his commands was to retire or banish them. He was known for appointing his children to posts for which others were better qualified. He increasingly gave control of The Salvation Army to his wife, particularly when he traveled. In 1928 his health began to deteriorate, and in 1929 the High Council asked the him to resign due to his ill health, then when he refused, they voted him out of office. He was succeeded by Edward Higgins. He died at his home, near Barnet, Hertfordshire. His body lay in state at The Salvation Army's Congress Hall, and thousands of people came to bid him farewell.
Bio by: Pete Mohney
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