how many in 1914

It has been thought that building up to 1914 there must have been a lot of anointed. But in reality, there was not. Russell tended to count readers and sitters together with Bible Students. Also prior to 1914 there are account of many who knew they were not going to heaven; some even prepared their basement or attic for hiding in. So that is far from new today. So here are some figures from the "Diving Purpose" book page 50.
"By 1914 there were 1,200 in various parts of the world. As to other figures regarding growth, reports of those attending the Memorial were incomplete; however, in 1915, the partial number reported was 15,430, while the records revealed the Watch Tower circulation had risen to 55,000." 
In 1914 1,200 persons were baptized IBSA
1915, 15,430 attended the memorial, and we know even today memorial attendance is not all baptized persons. Then in 1915 there were 55,000 subscribers to the Watch Tower. So, the actual number to count....1,200. Granted as today, some came and went at that time. But the numbers were not as what some think.
Did the totals climb much or quickly after 1914? Let's see what the "Divine Purpose" book says on page 121.
"in 1924 there were, on an average, only 1,064 Witnesses doing weekly preaching with books and booklets from house to house throughout the United States. Of course, the Memorial attendance report showed there were 65,105 persons world-wide"
To some extent Brother Rutherford was still doing what Brother Russell was doing, counting every person that attended a meeting or convention. If we use the same measure we do today, actively preaching, in 1924 there were only 1,064. It is easy to see the attendance at a convention or the memorial attendance and think that is how many there were at that time, but as I said if we did that today there would 20 million plus counted and we know that is not the case. If we look back and use the same measuring that we do today, those having a share in the preaching the counts go way down.
It is important to note about that count of those having a share in the preaching in 1924, this was 2 years after the 1922 "The Kingdom" convention and when it was stressed that all who are to be considered a servant of the Lord must have an active share in the preaching.