Sir James Stonhouse, 11th Baronet facts for kids

Sir James Stonhouse, 11th Baronet (1716–1795) was an English doctor and church leader. He is remembered for helping to start a hospital and for writing many religious books. A "Baronet" is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.

Sir James Stonhouse's Life Story

James Stonhouse was born on July 20, 1716, in Tubney, near Abingdon, Berkshire. He went to Merchant Taylors' School and then Winchester College. Later, he studied at St John's College, Oxford, and earned degrees to become a doctor. He also studied medicine in big cities like Paris and Lyon.

After his studies, Stonhouse worked as a doctor in Coventry for a year. In 1743, he moved to Northampton and practiced medicine there for 20 years. He quickly helped to create the county hospital in Northampton, which was a big achievement.

While in Northampton, he became good friends with Philip Doddridge and James Hervey. These friendships led him to become very religious. He decided he wanted to serve God and became a priest in the Church of England in 1749. Even after becoming a priest, he continued to work as a doctor for several years.

In 1764, Sir James became the leader (rector) of a church in Little Cheverell, Wiltshire. Later, he also took on the church in Great Cheverell. He spent a lot of time in Bristol because of its famous waters, which people believed were good for health. He preached in churches there without getting paid. He continued to preach until he passed away.

Sir James inherited his family's special title, becoming the 11th Baronet in 1792. He died in Bristol on December 8, 1795, and was buried there with his second wife.

His Writings

Sir James Stonhouse wrote many short books and pamphlets, mostly about religion. He had written one book against Christianity when he was younger, but he later said he no longer believed in it.

Many of his writings were put together in a collection by his son. Some of his well-known works include:

• Friendly Advice to a Patient (1748) – offering help to sick people.
• Spiritual Instructions (1748) – guiding people in their faith.
• Considerations on some particular Sins (1758) – discussing certain wrongdoings.
• Short Explanation of the Lord's Supper (1773) – explaining a church ceremony.
• Prayers for private Persons (1773) – prayers for individuals to use.
• Religious Instruction of Children recommended (1774) – encouraging religious teaching for kids.
• Most important Truths of Christianity stated (1778) – explaining key Christian beliefs.
• Materials for Talking familiarly with Children and others on Religion (1795) – ideas for talking about religion with children.

Many of these books were printed many times and were used by the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge to spread religious ideas. He also wrote Every Man's Assistant and the Sick Man's Friend (1788), which was very popular.

His Family

Sir James Stonhouse was married twice. His first wife was Anne Neale. They married in 1742. Anne passed away in 1747, leaving two children.

His second wife was Sarah Ekins. They married in 1754. Sarah passed away in 1788 from a serious illness. They had two sons and a daughter.

His eldest son from his first marriage, Thomas, became the 12th Baronet. When Thomas died without children, the title passed to his half-brother's son, Sir John Brook Stonhouse, who became the 13th Baronet.