Memoir of John Talwin Shewell. CHAPTER I. His early life and first religious impressions-his letter to his brotherhis self-denial and reward. THE subject of this memoir was born 26th of 1st mo., 1782, in Old London Street, Tower Hill, within the compass of the parish of Old Hallows, Staining, in the city of London. His father was Thomas Shewell, of the Stock Exchange, eldest son of Edward and Sarah Shewell, of Camberwell; his mother was Ann, youngest daughter of John and Elizabeth Talwin, of Royston. About four years subsequent to the birth of his eldest son, his father withdrew from business, and by the advice of his relations retired to the Rectory House of Ickleford, in Hertfordshire, the birth-place of his sister, Sarah Shewell. In the seclusion of this quiet village the elder children passed their infancy. Their parents' residence was a commodious brick house adjoining the churchyard, which in after years I saw, and obtained permission to peep within the garden: but, alas! ""Tis now a history little known,— That once we called the pastoral house our own." B Thomas Shewell continued to reside at Ickleford till the early part of the year 1790, when, for the greater convenience of training his children, he removed to a house in Hitchen, situated at the upper end of Tile House Street. John Talwin Shewell commenced his education at the neighbouring Grammar School, at that time superintended by a Welshman, named Evans, a very severe master, and one who spared not the rod. Here a nucleus of useful learning was formed, which by continual accretion became a mine of intellectual wealth to himself and his acquaintance. It mattered little that the air of Hitchen was salubrious and the surrounding country agreeable, for the bustle and excitement of London still possessed charms for the mind of Thomas Shewell. Accordingly, in the year 1793, he returned with his wife and family, to the neighbourhood of the metropolis, and settled at Mile End. Here he enjoyed a large circle of acquaintance: and I must break the thread of my narrative, while I offer a tribute of respect to the memory of one of them. The late Edward Wilkinson, of Bow, was a man well versed in the learning of the schools, a sincere friend, and ever a welcome guest at the table of his father: endowed by nature with a genius for making charades, he often amused his parties with these productions, and was also the author of various poetical effusions, amongst others, his “Infancy," and his poem on “Wisdom” may be read with pleasure. Dr. Wilkinson had two daughters, Priscilla and Fanny, who were married to the brothers Ricardo, gentlemen of the Jewish persuasion. It was considered by many as a singular event, and highly displeasing to the fathers on both sides, by reason of their religious scruples. Change of residence rendered it needful to select another seminary for my uncle. It so happened while Elizabeth Talwin, his mother's aunt, was visiting at their house, John Perry being present, described with much earnestness the efforts that were making at Ipswich, by William Candler, to establish a real good Friend's school, to be under the oversight of a committee; all this seemed to make a great impression upon aunt Talwin, who being "a religiously minded person, and one who desired the best things," she generously offered to bear all the expense should her great-nephew be entered as a scholar: but there he resolutely refused to go, for he dreaded the surveillance of the worthy elders. There had long been a school in Wandsworth, attended by the sons of "Friends," conducted by John Latimer Moreton, a descendant of good Bishop Latimer; and after his decease, several gentlemen of fortune agreed to support Henry Wilkinson, his usher, as the new master. This individual was not a member of the Society of Friends, and "had but too little religion." This place was chosen by my uncle's parent's in lieu of Ipswich, and here he obtained a competent knowledge of Latin, French, and Italian. Though a mere child he had a great love for polite literature, and evinced an excellent judgment in the choice of books, by selecting from Lackington's catalogue Dodsley's Collection of Poems, for which he paid the sum of one guinea; but after so large an outlay it was long ere another purchase was effected. Four years later, J. T. Shewell wrote the following lines in the much prized work, Dodsley's collection of Poems. J. T. Shewell. Ejus Liber, A.D. 1799. THOUGHTS. True fame is his whose candid mind, The boast of pride, the pomp of power. Such be my lot: from vices free, If blest, no latent fear I dread. I court no plume from flattery's wing My laureate trophies to entwine; Be joys from genuine worth that spring, And self-approving conscience, mine. The silver medal awarded to him as Optimus Compositionis is still in possession of his affectionate wife. We are now arrived at an era fraught with events of the greatest consequence to the Shewell family; and after the lapse of years, checkered by alternations of joy and sorrow, we may still advert to it with satisfaction, and remember it with gratitude. Through the kindness of the late Dykes Alexander, of Ipswich, John Talwin Shewell was introduced to the notice of Isaac and Mary Liversidge, worthy Friends, who were in a respectable position. Here my uncle was placed in the year 1796; but the accomplished and intelligent youth, fresh from a fashionable academy, evinced little liking for his master's business. This his new patrons for a while excused; for they discovered in him such a combination of talents as soon begot in their minds a great regard for their young friend. It would appear, from his own account, that his love of books led him at seasons into what may be termed literary excesses; but in consequence of some religious counsel, extended by a judicious friend, he determined to exclude exceptionable works from his course of study, reserving only Addison's "Cato," which for a time he retained, but, eventually yielding to impressions of duty, relinquished this also. My uncle occasionally would write verses; but in this employment he received little encouragement |