Born June 28, 1703, at Epworth, Lincolnshire, England. 15th of 19 siblings. Father: Anglican minister. Raised Anglican. Schooled through Oxford University. Childhood distinctions: righteous, bookish. Both parents lived into adulthood.

Timeline:

• 1709 almost died in rectory fire.
• 1714 entered Charterhouse school in London.
• 1720 entered Oxford.
• 1724 graduated Oxford.
• 1725 ordained deacon.
• 1726 Fellow at Oxford.
• 1727 ordained priest.
• 1729 joined brother Charles' Holy Club (derisively called 'Methodists').
• 1735 began 55-year journal.
• 1736 in America (with Charles) to serve Georgia colony, published (with Charles) hymnal.
• 1737 fled America.
• 1738 'infilling of the Holy Spirit' experience (London), visited Moravians in Germany.
• 1739 in Bristol first field preached, formed Methodist societies.
• 1740 opened Foundry chapel at (London)
• 1741 broke with George Whitefield over predestination, approved lay preaching for Methodists.
• 1744 first Methodist conference, scathing speech at Oxford.
• 1747 published medical book.
• 1749 feuded with Charles over Grace Murray.
• 1751 married Molly Vazeille (with whom he had no children).
• 1753 nearly died from illness.
• 1771 separated from wife.
• 1777 started Arminian magazine.
• 1778 opened City Road chapel (London)
• 1784 ordained Methodist ministers for America.
• 1786 affirmed Methodists in England would remain Anglican.

Died March 2, 1791. Buried City Road chapel in London.

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