John Clare
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [1]
an English Baptist minister, was born at Ashton, Berkshire, in 1776. He was educated among the Independents, but joined the Baptists when between eighteen and nineteen years of age; and having already written short sermons as " an amusement and an exercise," he now frequently "exercised his gifts" in some of the leading Baptist churches in the vicinity. At length he became pastor in the village of Downton, where he remained for more than thirty-seven-years, securing in eminent degree the affections of his flock, and making "full proof of his ministry." He died near the close of 1840. -See (Lond.) Baptist Magazine, 1842, p. 165-170. (J. C. S.)
The Nuttall Encyclopedia [2]
The peasant poet of Northamptonshire, born near Peterborough; wrote "Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery," which attracted attention, and even admiration, and at length with others brought him a small annuity, which he wasted in speculation; fell into despondency, and died in a lunatic asylum (1793-1864).
