Joseph Harbottle

Harbottle, Joseph, was born at Tottlebank, near Ulverston, Sept. 25, 1798. In 1819 he joined the Baptist Church at Tottlebank (of which his father was the pastor), and shortly afterwards began to preach. In 1822 he went to reside with Dr. Steadman, President of the Baptist College at Horton, near Bradford, and for a time was teacher of classics in that institution. He subsequently became Pastor at Accrington, and in 1841 one of the Tutors of a small Baptist College in that town. At Accrington and Oswaldtwistle, in the neighbourhood, he continued to minister until his death, Jan. 19, 1864. Mr. Harbottle wrote several hymns. One appeared in the Comprehensive Rippon (1844), "See how the fruitless figtree stands" (Invitation). Another, “Farewell, my friends beloved" (Departure of Friends), is much sung at valedictory meetings among the Baptists in Great Britain and America. His other hymns are inferior in quality, and have not been included in any popular Collection. [Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A.]

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology