Bownas, Samuel, 1676-1753

<p>b. 1676, Wes tm,oreland, Eng. His father, who made shoes, died when he was but a month old.
At school till ten or eleven years old.
ca. 1689, apprenticed to a blacksmith who used him harshly. Westmoreland apprentice under a kind master but having little consideration about religion. Came to meetings at Brigflatts, but slept. Aroused by Ann Wilson, and like Saul, smitten to the ground. Henceforth, his mind and countenance were altered. First spoke as a minister in 1696. In 1698 he travelled with Isaac Alexander to Scotland. He bought a horse and travelled much in England, doing harvest in summer to earn money. 1701, Scotland, with Isaac Thompson. 1702, left England for America. Engaged to marry before going over seas. Encountered George Keith. Met with followers of Jean de Labadi. Was imprisoned near a year in New England. 1702, wrote an answer to George Keith. 1706, returned to England. 1708, visit to Ireland. Imprisoned, and his goods distrained for tithes. 1726, second visit to America. 1728, returned to England. 1741, clerk of London Yearly Meeting. <p>
He was of a grave deportment and of a tall, comly aspect. His public preaching was attended with such a divine authority and majestic innocence as commanded the attention of his hearers. In his last years, his hands shook and his eyesight much failed. He authored "A description of the qualifications necessary to a gospel minister" in 1750.

Sailed from England 3rd month 24th (1702). Landed in Maryland 5th month 29th (1702). Returning, arrived in England 10 month 1706. Died 4th month 2nd, 1753 aged 77.

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