John Ewer facts for kids

John Ewer was an English bishop who lived in the 1700s. He is mostly known today for some strong words he said about the American colonists. He was upset because they didn't seem to care much about having bishops in their churches. He served as the bishop of Llandaff and later as the bishop of Bangor.

Early Life and Education

John Ewer was born in Belchamp St Paul, Essex, England. His father was Edward Ewer. John went to school at Eton College, which is a famous school.

In 1724, he started studying at King's College, Cambridge. He became a Fellow there in 1727. He earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1728, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1733, and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1756.

Career as a Clergyman

After finishing college, John Ewer worked as an assistant teacher at Eton. He then became a tutor for John Manners, Marquess of Granby. This was an important job. In 1735, Lord Granby helped Ewer get a good position as a rector in Bottesford, Leicestershire. Ewer even traveled with Lord Granby on a long trip through Europe from 1739 to 1740.

In 1738, Ewer was given a special role as a canon of Windsor. This meant he had a position at Windsor Castle. He also held other church jobs, including being a rector in West Ilsley, Berkshire, and Dengie, Essex. In 1751, he became a prebendary at Hereford Cathedral.

Bishop and American Colonists

John Ewer became the bishop of Llandaff on September 13, 1761. This was a very important role in the church.

In 1767, Bishop Ewer gave a sermon, which is a speech, to a group called the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. During this sermon, he strongly criticized the American colonists. He was upset because they did not seem to want bishops or church leaders who were ordained by bishops.

He even called them "infidels and barbarians" and said they lived in "dissolute wickedness." This meant he thought they were not religious and behaved badly.

His strong words caused a lot of debate. Two people wrote replies to him:

• Charles Chauncy from Boston wrote A Letter to a Friend in December 1767.
• William Livingston, who was the governor of New Jersey, wrote a Letter directly to Ewer in 1768.

Later Life and Death

On December 20, 1768, Bishop Ewer was moved to become the bishop of Bangor. He continued in this role until his death.

John Ewer passed away on October 28, 1774, at his home near Worcester. He had married Elizabeth Barnardiston in 1743. She outlived him, and they had a daughter named Margaret Frances Ewer.