Joseph START, was born in Leicestershire on the 17th July 1835. The godly influence of the Methodist home in which he was brought up led him to seek the Lord at an early age. As he grew in years he took an active part in Church work.

His success as a Local Preacher caused him to realise God’s call to the work of the ministry. On his acceptance as a Candidate he entered Richmond College, where the missionary atmosphere that prevailed induced him to offer himself for the Foreign Field, and he was appointed to the Port Elizabeth Circuit in the year 1862. He was subsequently appointed to Healdtown, Cradock, Annshaw, Peddie and Seymour Circuits. When he was in the prime and full vigour of life he took up an appointment at Bensonvale, where he did much good work for the extension of God’s Kingdom amongst the Native people. He founded the Bensonvale Institution, which is now one of our most successful Normal Training Institutions. At Tsomo and Mount Arthur he  rendered effective service notwithstanding advancing years. The long and toilsome journeys in the latter Circuit brought on the trouble which resulted in his death.

He moved to Kamastone, where he enjoyed a useful but quieter life, and lastly to Mount Coke. For over forty years he laboured without a single break.

He was a good man, unbelievable in character, of a very retiring disposition, sympathetic and courteous in manner, devoted and faithful in the performance of his duty. He lived for God and His work, and found great enjoyment in preaching Christ and Him crucified. He loved the Methodist Church and laboured abundantly for its welfare and success. His sermons were evangelical, fervent and convincing and he was eminently blessed in his ministrations amongst the Native people of South Africa. He bore with much Christian fortitude the pain which often became excruciating, and passed into rest on the 21st June, 1903.

From: Minutes of Wesleyan Methodist Conference 1904 Page 7