Crosby, Sarah (1729–1804)

Sarah (maiden name unknown) was born in Leeds, Yorkshire. She inclined toward Calvinism as a young woman but joined the Methodists after hearing JW preach. She moved to London in 1757 after her husband deserted her, and boarded with Mary (Gardiner) Clarke. Here she met Mary Bosanquet, which was the beginning of a long friendship and shared ministry, in Leytonstone, Essex, and then in Morley, Yorkshire. Both women became prominent female preachers among JW's followers, with Crosby pioneering the way. See Frank Baker, 'John Wesley and Sarah Crosby', WHS 27 (1949): 76–82; DEB, 273; ODNB; Taft, Holy Women, 2:23–115; and Vickers, Dictionary, 83.