Smith Wigglesworth was born in a small village near Menston, Yorkshire in England on June 8, 1859.
Smith’s Wigglesworth’s early years were marked by a hunger for God, even though his parents were not Christians at the time. His grandmother was an old-time Wesleyan, and she always made sure that Smith attended meetings with her when she could. When he was 8yrs, he joined in with the singing at one of these meetings, and as he began, “a clear knowledge of the new birth” came to him. He realized in that moment just what the death and resurrection of Jesus meant for him, and he embraced it with his whole heart. From that day forth, he never doubted that he was saved.
When Smith Wigglesworth was thirteen, his family moved from Menston to Bradford, where he became deeply involved with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Even though he couldn’t read, it was at this time that Smith began the habit of always having a copy of the New Testament with him wherever he went.
Smith Wigglesworth’s first convert was his mother!
Smith Wigglesworth also visited hospitals and ships, praying and fasting all day on Sunday, asking God for converts. As a result, he never saw fewer than 50 people saved each time he ministered.
Smith Wigglesworth was also frequently invited by the Salvation Army to speak at their meetings, but though he saw great results, he was never eloquent. He often broke down and cried before the people because of his burden for souls, and it was this brokenness that brought people to the altar by the hundreds.
Smith Wigglesworth’s wife was named Mary Jane Featherstone, but everyone called her “Polly.”
Polly (Wigglesworth’s wife) eventually faced the difficult decision of choosing either to continue with the Salvation Army or her love for Smith. Even though Smith never officially joined the Salvation Army, he was considered a private in their ranks, and Polly was an officer. There were strict regulations against officers and lower ranks having romantic relationships, so even though they always remained true friends of the Salvationists, Polly retired from their ranks and took up mission work with the Blue Ribbon Army.
In 1882, Smith returned to Bradford and Polly wed. Polly was 22 years old and Smith was 23. In their 30 years of marriage, the Wigglesworths had five children: Alice, Seth, Harold, Ernest and George. Before each child was born, Smith and Polly prayed over them that they would faithfully serve God throughout their lives.
Smith Wigglesworth received word that his beloved wife, Polly, had collapsed at the Bowland Street Mission from a heart attack. He rushed to her bedside only to discover her spirit had already departed. But Smith rebuked death, and she came back. Smith had just a short time to visit with her and then he was impressed that it was time for her to go home to be with her Lord and Saviour, so he released her again. Polly passed away on January 1, 1913.
On March 12, 1947, while attending the funeral of a fellow minister, Smith Wigglesworth bowed his head in the midst of a conversation and went home to be with the Lord without any pain or struggle at the age of 87.