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VENN
Adm. sizar at ST JOHN'S, Dec. 1, 1821. [Eldest] s. of William, Master of the Grammar School at Langport, Somerset. [B. Oct. 3, 1802.] School, Langport [Grammar]. ' Matric. Lent, 1822; B.A. 1826; M.A. 1831. Ord. deacon (Bath and Wells) Oct. 9, 1825; priest, Nov. 5, 1826; C. of South Cadbury, Somerset, 1825-30. C. of St George's-in-the-East, London, 1830-41. Inc. of Christ Church, Watney Street, which was established through his efforts, 1841-54. R. of Warrington, Lancs., 1854-88. He was Charles Dickens's model curate; and his philanthropical works are described in What a London Curate can do if he Tries (Household Words), Nov. 16, 1850. Mentioned also in Thackeray's Letters. With Sidney Herbert founded the Female Emigration Society, 1849. The first clergyman who started Penny Readings, Dorcas and Mothers' Meeting Societies
and emigration to the Colonies. Author, My Sayings and Doings (an Autobiography). Married, July 2, 1851, Mary Bennett, widow of the Rev. E. V. Williams, Chaplain, H.E.I.C. Died Mar. 30, 1888, at Warrington. Brother of the above. (Boase, II. 1688; Eagle, XV. 168; Crockford; D.N.B.; The Standard, Apr. 6, 1888.)