Frend, William (1780-1808)

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VENN
Adm. pens. (age 18) at CHRIST'S, Dec. 18, 1775 [on the recommendation of Archbishop Moore]. 2nd s. of George, tradesman [and twice Mayor], of Canterbury. B. there Nov. 22, 1757. School, [King's], Canterbury (Mr Beauvoir). ' Matric. Michs. 1776; Scholar, 1776; B.A. (2nd Wrangler and second Smith's Prize) 1780; migrated to Jesus; M.A. 1783. Fellow of Jesus, 1781-1808. Tutor (amongst his pupils were E. D. Clarke, the traveller, Copley, and Matthews, the political economist). Completed his education at St Omer, 1780, from whence he went to Quebec and served in the American war for a few weeks. On his return ord. deacon (Ely) June 28, 1780; priest, Dec. 21, 1783; C. of Knapwell, Cambs., 1780. V. of Longstanton All Saints (and Madingley) (D.N.B.) 1783-7. Declined the post of tutor to the Archduke Alexander (Czar Alexander I). Became a Unitarian, 1787. Removed from the tutorship in consequence of his denunciation of Church abuses and condemnation of the liturgy, Sept. 1788. Travelled with Richard Tylden (1773) on the Continent. Returned to Cambridge and devoted himself to Hebrew studies. His treatise denouncing the war with France was condemned, and he was ordered by the Vice-Chancellor's Court to retract it; on his refusal was banished from the University. Founder and actuary of the Rock Life Assurance Co., 1806-26. Married, 1808, a dau. of the Rev. Francis Blackburne, V. of Brignall, Yorks., and had issue. Author, An Account of the Proceedings in the University of Cambridge against William Frend, 1793, and a Sequel, 1795; The Principles of Algebra, 1796; second part, 1799 (which was pilloried in the Budget by De Morgan because he wrote against use of negative quantity in Algebra); Evening Amusements, a series of Astronomical lessons in 19 volumes, annually 1804-22; Memoirs of a Goldfish, a poem with notes and illustrations on natural history and natural philosophy; Scarcity of Bread, 1795, 2 editions, in which he urged subscription by the rich for the relief of the poor; Principles of Taxation, 1799, advocating a graduated system of income tax; A Letter on the Slave Trade; A Plea for Universal Education; The National Debt in its true colours. Edited, 1803, The Gentleman's Monthly Miscellany. Attacked by paralysis in 1840, and died Feb. 21, [p.578] 1841, at Tavistock Square, London. (D.N.B.; Gunning, I. 280-311; De Morgan, I. 196, 206, 208-19; G. Mag., 1841, I. 541-3; Crabb Robinson's Diary, I. 373, II. 143, 192, 401.)

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