Newton, Rev. John (1725–1807)

A native of London and a slave-trader, Newton had a conversion experience on board his ship in March 1748. About 1756 he abandoned his former trade and became active in the Evangelical revival. He turned to supporting himself as a tax collector in the port of Liverpool, while seeking ordination. He was finally ordained in 1764 and became vicar at Olney. He is best known for his hymns and his writings against the slave trade. Newton married Mary Catlett in 1750. See DEB, 824–25; ODNB; and Vickers, Dictionary, 253.