The Record of the Reverend R. Jermain Thomas, as found in the archives of the London Missionary Society

Extracts from Candidates' Papers, committee minutes and correspondence held in the London Missionary Society archive relating to Rev Robert Jermain Thomas, dating from 1865 to 1867.

Robert Jermain Thomas was born on 7 Sep 1840, at Rhayader, Radnorshire. He studied at New College, London. He was appointed to Shanghai with the London Missionary Society. He was ordained on 4 Jun 1863, and married Caroline Godfrey in the same year. They sailed on 21 Jul 1863, arriving at Shanghai in Dec. Mrs Thomas died on 24 Mar 1864. He resigned his connection with the Society in dec 1864, and accepted a secular engagement at Chefu [Chefoo]. In 1865, he visited Corea [Korea]. Seekling reconnection with the Society he was re-accepted in Jan 1866. He then took charge of the Chinese Government Anglo-Chinese School at Peking. Later in 1866, he offered to join a French expedition to Corea [Korea], and proceeded to Chefu for the purpose, sailing in an American vessel, the General Sherman. The vessel was captured by the Coreans, and the passengers and crew are supposed to have been put to death.

Open

Compiled by Irene Fletcher, London Missionary Society Librarian & Archivist, Aug 1958.