William TOM

TOM, WILLIAM (b. Blissland, Cornwall, England, 25 May 1791; d. Byng, NSW, 28 Sept 1883). Wesleyan Methodist local preacher.

After careful training by a godly mother, William Tom experienced conversion. He led his elder brother to God, and thereafter sought to win others. He arrived in NSW in Nov 1823. After living at Macquarie Plains for three years he moved to 'Springfield', Byng, where he established regular Sunday services and preached. In 1832 the Rev Joseph Orton (q.v.) visited his home, preached and formed a class with William as leader. When the Bathurst circuit was formed in 1836 he took an active part in all its affairs. For many years William travelled over an extensive area proclaiming the gospel, and this earned him the sobriquet 'Parson'. He possessed a cheerful spirit, a childlike trust in God, and faced various difficulties and troubles with indomitable courage.

Methodist, 24 Nov 1911; RH Doust, After One Hundred Years (Bathurst, 1935)

ERIC G CLANCY