Author: Newton, John
Biography:
NEWTON, John (1725-1807: ODNB)
He was born at Wapping, London, to John Newton, a mariner, and his wife, Elizabeth (Seatliffe?). His early years were mixed, particularly after the death of his mother in 1732: he was press-ganged in about 1743, worked in the African slave trade, and was nearly drowned at sea in 1748. This last marked the beginning of his turn to religious faith and, despite continuing to work for some years in the slave trade, he was increasingly drawn to the church. After overcoming numerous obstacles and objections, he was appointed curate-in-charge at Olney, Buckinghamshire, in 1764. His preaching and pastoral care of the poor in the parish made him popular but also controversial and raised the ire of some nonconformists. It was at Olney that he met William Cowper (q.v.) and began collaborating with him to publish their hymns; some of Newton’s contributions to this collection remain enduringly popular. Although Newton has been blamed for aggravating Cowper’s religious melancholy, it is more accurate to view him as a loyal friend and spiritual support. While living at Olney, Newton also became known as a religious writer—of sermons but also of letters. From 1780 he held the benefice of St Mary Woolnoth, London, and he became a significant figure in the emerging evangelical movement. Newton had married Mary Catlett in 1750 and he was deeply grieved by her death from cancer in 1790. They had no children but had adopted two orphan nieces on Mary’s side. One of these, Elizabeth, helped to take care of Newton in his final years before his death at London. He and Mary were buried at St Mary Woolnoth but were later reinterred at Olney. (ODNB 14 May 2020)
Other Names:
- J. Newton