Anne James; David Robinson
AO (Foster); SI; ODNB
Born 1601/2 to a Devon clergyman, he matriculated from Exeter College in December 1619; BA, 1621; MA, 1624. Curate of Bishops Hull, Somerset, 1628 until his appointment as vicar of St Mary Magdalene in nearby Taunton in 1631. Complied with royal order to read the Book of Sports in 1633, but followed it by reading the ten commandments, admonishing his parishioners to follow their latter over the former. Around this time married a woman named Anne (d. 1644), with whom he had five sons and two daughters. Taunton was contested by royalists and parliamentarians during the civil war, during which time lived at St Albans and preached at the abbey church there. One of his sermons there was published in 1646 as Mans Wrath and Gods Praise. Ejected from St Mary Magdalene in 1662 for nonconformity. Licensed as a Presbyterian in 1672, preaching at Paul's Meeting, Paul Street. Died 12 June 1681.