originally a thrasher in a barn, was born about the beginning of the 18th century. By his poetical talents, he first attracted the notice of some gentlemen at Oxford; and being recommended to Queen Caroline, he, under her patronage, took orders, and was preferred to the living of Byfleet in Surrey. His abilities were, however, much more conspicuous in his primitive station than in his advancement; though, it is said, he was not disliked as a preacher. Falling at length into a low-spirited melancholy way, probably owing to his change of life and cessation from his usual labour, he in a fit of lunacy flung himself into the Thames, in 1756.