John Thomas (abt. 1797 - abt. 1881)

Born about 7 Nov 1797 in Clent, Worcestershire, England

Ancestors

Husband of Sarah (Hartshorne) Thomas — married 27 Jan 1825 in Parish Church, Hagley and Frankley, Worcestershire, England

Died about 29 Jan 1881 at about age 83 in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England

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Biography

Wesleyan Methodist Missionary who founded the church in Tonga on 27th July 1826.
For a short spell the family moved to Chadsley (Chaddersley) returning to Clent (1 Stool Style) in 1800. In 1800 his father acquired The Forge, Hagley Crossroads, when John, who had attended the village school and showed promise, was taken fran school to be apprenticed to his father.
1819 - Methodist Church below Fountain Inn, Clent
28 Apr 1825 Sailed from Gravesend arr Port Jackson (Sydney) 14 Oct 1825.
31 May 1826 To Tonga arr 28 June 1826 with John Hutchinson and his 17 year-old bride.
Almost left Tonga in November 1827 when an experienced and energetic missionary, a Nathanial Turner, arrived with colleague.
In 1986 leaflet he is described as "Shy, retiring and sensitive by nature, yet overbearing in manner and stern in authority. Courageous in all dangers he faced, he was driven by "a love of souls". A colleague ascribed to him "the patience of Job, the meekness of Moses, the zeal and perseverance of Paul".
1869 Clent Memorial Chapel opened.

Occupation & Education: Father Jobbing Blacksmith Hagley 1800 Forge at Hagley crossroads.
Left school at 11 to help father.
5 Generations of Blacksmiths:-

• 1st Benjamin Thomas 1672-1741
• 2nd Joseph 1702-40 & Benjamin 1705-67
• 3rd Joseph 1740-1808
• 4th Benjamin 1767- ; William 1775-1842; James 1781- ; & Richard 1788-
• 5th John 1797-1881; Benjamin 1808-70; & Nathaniel 1826-

1806 - Choir Clent Parish Church until 22 yrs.
1819 Methodist class met just below Fountain Inn.
Tonga Missionary 1826-50 & 1855-59.
Village Blacksmith Hagley Worcestershire.
Supernumerary Minister Stourbridge 1859.

Born: Clent, Worcestershire, England. Baptised 26.11.1797 Clent.

Marriage: Parish Church Hagley with Frankley to Sarah Hartshorne.
Rev J Turner, Rector [Rev J Turner who was Rector of Hagley with Frankley in 1843]
In attendance Mr G Hartshorn, Mr RT F? (Richard Timmins Forrest - probably), Mrs H Rabbone (actually Rabone his future wife)
CofE database John Turner: Foster: son of John of Clent, Staffs., arm., ORIEL matric. 30 Jan 1793 aged 17; BA 1796; MA 1801; R of Hagley with Frankley, Worcs., 1804; incumbent of St Kenelm, Halesowen 1836 until his death 13 Jan 1847; father of Henry (1839) and William F J.

Died: 29 JAN 1881. Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England. Will probate 11.02.1881 at Worcester - Executors George Hartshorne of Netherton (Chain & Cable Manufacturer) & Ebenezer Grove of Stourbridge (Gentleman).

Baptism: 26 NOV 1797 Clent, Worcestershire, England.
1806 Confirmed.
20 Mar 1825 Ordained.

Burial: In Sarah's grave Brierley Hill Methodist Church

Residence: Clent No1 Stool Style.
1800 Hagley.
Chadsley.
1860 Stourbridge.
1861 163 Upper Swinford.

Sources

• Book "Thomas of Tonga" by Janet Luckcock 1998 Foundery Press
• Book John Thomas Pioneer Missionary to Tonga 1797-1881 Rev Francis Luckcock 1981 Published on the Centenary of his death
• Methodist Missionary Archives, London, SOAS Library - Diaries & Sermon notes.
• Clent Local History Group information from Dr Peter Bloor
• https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/46702219/person/6589085239/facts
• Dr Bloor's privately published book "John Thomas - his Midland Connections".