Booth, 'General' William

Booth, 'General' William (1829-1912), preacher, b. Nottingham, England.

William Booth was at first a Methodist minister.

He left this job to preach to the poor people in London, and founded the Salvation Army.

Members of the army, men and women, wore uniform. They held meetings in the streets and open spaces. Their small bands played rousing music and marched through the streets carrying banners.

Booth was very much concerned about the way poor people had to live. His wife and his children helped him in his work, and the Salvation Army spread all over the world.

Today the Salvation Army provides food, clothing and shelter for people in need and takes religion to people who do not go to church.

See Edward Bishop Blood and Fire