John Curwen 

John Curwen (1746-97) was a Baptist minister from Weldon in Northamptonshire. He died on 10 March 1797. In a letter by John Hammond in Fenstanton to William Frend, London, 20 February 1800, Hammond relates some of the history of Curwen. He writes that “Hammond says he became a hearer of James Hervey, embraced Methodism, was dismissed by his father for so doing, then became a preacher in a Methodist connection and converted his father, the became “a writing master in Ryland’s academy at Northampton, where his acquaintance commenced with Mr Birley, who was usher there at the same time.  It was there I believe that he became a baptist.  From Northampton he was brought to Fenstanton by the family of the Eaton’s who preceded me in the house in which I now live.  Some further particulars might be collected together with accurate dates; but this is the general outline of the life of our friend, which taken in all its circumstances and especially as connected with the very extraordinary affair of the grave stone would form a curious piece of biography, and much more worthy of attention than many things of that kind which we see daily presented to the public.” Hammond had informed Frend about a scandal involving the burial stone for Curwen.  Apparently the original inscription was removed from the stone the previous August 1806, without Mrs. Curwen’s approval.  She said she would go to jail before she approved of the changes in the gravestone.  The church officials succeeded anyway, which is to be expected, says Hammond. “they had recourse therefore to the usual practice of priests in all ages, by which they have never failed to accomplish their selfish and sinister views, namely intrigue, cunning and address.” The new grave stone says of Curwen: “In him a disconsolate widow & 4 children lost a kind husband & a tender father; the village a useful schoolmaster, the christians of his denomination a pious & exemplary Teacher; & his friends a man whom they esteemed & loved for his resignation under very trying circumstances to the will of God for his chearful disposition, for his goodness to every person in need of his advice & assistance.” The above letter can be found in the William Frend Collection, Cambridge University Library, ADD MS 7886 and 7887, f. 97.