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Celebrating Hampshire HistoriansJefferson, Joseph28.10.1766 - 12.06.1824Jefferson was born in Wigton, in the county of Cumberland and, educated at a grammar school in the town. Of a ‘studious disposition’ and wishing for a ‘contemplative life’ he planned to enter the ministry. After teaching for a number of years, for various reasons he became estranged from the Established Church and in 1789 joined the Independent Church in Cockermouth. Between October of that year and 1791 he studied at Homerton College ‘and passed with ability and honour through his academical course’. He was then invited ‘to supply the Independent Church at Basingstoke, then vacant by the decease of the Rev. J. Ridgway’. Ordained in 1792 he remained at Basingstoke until 1819, when some unspecified issues led to his resignation and removal to Thirsk Independent Church where he served as pastor until his death in 1824. It was mentioned in a brief report which appeared in the Durham County Advertiser (10.07.1824) that Jefferson was ‘distinguished as a scholar, and was particularly devoted to the study of the Hebrew and its cognate oriental dialects.’ While one of his successors at Basingstoke, the Revd Capes Tarbolton, referred to Jefferson, ‘as a poetical and antiquarian writer, as well as an earnest and successful Minister” (Hants and Berks Gazette, 20.10.1900). Sources
PortraitA view of the ruins of the Holy Ghost Chapel, Basingstoke Contribution to county’s historyAs the titles of his published works indicate, Jefferson’s very specific contributions related to north-east Hampshire and they served to stimulate interest on the part of later historians, such as Baigent and Millard. Relevant published works
Critical CommentsOther CommentsJefferson was an early example of a Nonconformist clergyman with an interest in local history. ContributorRoger Ottewill (8 Sept 2023) Key WordsIndependent Church, Basingstoke, Any queries or further suggestions for this part of the list should be addressed to celebrating@hantsfieldclub.org.uk.
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