John Thomas
John Thomas [1]
Thomas, John (1), LL.D.
an English prelate, was born at Carlisle, Oct. 14, 1712; was educated at the grammar-school at Carlisle, and Queen's College, Oxford. . After his graduation he became an assistant at a classical academy, Soho Square, London; then private tutor to the younger son of Sir William Clayton. He was ordained deacon March 27, 1737, and priest Sept. 25. In the same year he was presented by George II to the rectory of Blechingly, and was instituted Jan. 27, 1738. On Jan. 18,1748, he was appointed chaplain in ordinary to the king; April 23, 1754, he was made prebendary of Westminster; and Dec. 12, 1760, was appointed chaplain to George Il. In 1762 he was appointed sub almoner to the archbishop of York; and in 1766 was instituted to the vicarage of St. Bride's, London. He succeeded Dr. Pearce as dean of Westminster, 1768; and in November, 1774, became bishop of Rochester. He died Aug. 22, 1793. A valuable collection of his Sermons and Charges was published by Rev. G. A. Thomas (1796, 2 vols. 8vo).
