Boucher, John (1819-1878) (DNB00)
From Wikisource
| ←Boucher, John (1777-1818) | Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900 Boucher, John (1819-1878) |
Boucher, Jonathan→ |
| Author:Jennett Humphreys |
[edit] Original version
BOUCHER, JOHN (1819-1878), divine, born in 1819, was the son of a tenant-farmer in Moneyrea, North Ireland. Intended for the Unitarian ministry (in accordance with the theological views of his parents), he was carefully educated, and in 1837 was sent to the Belfast Academy, then under Drs. Montgomery and J. Scott Porter. Leaving the academy in 1842, Boucher became minister at Southport; next at Glasgow; and finally, in 1848, at the New Gravel Pit Chapel, Hackney, where for five years his fervour and eloquence drew full congregations from all parts of the metropolis. In 1850 Boucher published a sermon on 'The Present Religious Crisis,' and the 'Inquirer' speaks of another of the same year on 'Papal Aggression.' About this time Boucher adopted rationalistic views; but he soon afterwards changed his opinions again, resigned his pulpit in 1853, and entered himself at St. John's, Cambridge, to read for Anglican orders. He proceeded B.A. in 1857 (Luard, Grad. Cant. p. 46), and it was hoped that he would have a brilliant career in the establishment; but his health failed; he left Cambridge, and leading the life of a thorough invalid in the neighbourhood, at Chesterton, for many years, he died 12 March 1878, aged 59. He was one of the trustees of Dr. Williams's library, till his conversion caused him to resign; and he was a member of the presbyterian board, visiting Carmarthen College. He married Louise, a daughter of Ebenezer Johnston, of Stamford Hill, London, who survived him a year. He left no issue.
[The Inquirer, 23 March 1878, p. 190; Luard's Grad. Cant. p. 46; private information.]
[edit] Reprint version
BOUCHER, JOHN (1819-1878), divine, born in 1819, was the son of a tenant-farmer in Moneyrea, North Ireland. Intended for the Unitarian ministry, he was in 1837 was sent to the Belfast Academy, and in 1842, became minister at Southport; next at Glasgow; and finally in 1848 at the New Gravel Pit Chapel, Hackney, where for five years his fervour and eloquence drew great congregations. He resigned his pulpit in 1853, owing to rationalistic doubt, but soon entered himself at St. John's, Cambridge, to read for Anglican orders. He proceeded B.A. in 1857 when his health broke, and he died, an invalid, at Chesterton 12 March 1878, aged 59. His wife, Louise, daughter of Ebenezer Johnston, of Stamford Hill, London, survived him a year. He left a son and daughter.
[The Inquirer, 23 March 1878, p. 190; Luard's Grad. Cant. p. 46; private information.]
