Leigh Samuel

edmondsallan - Goodmorning - I thought we might have a go at bringing some of the more ' Unknown ' generally ,and some others who have assisted our Northland to grow . This journal is about " Samuel Leigh " from Whangaroa early days in the settling of NZ . Samuel Leigh was born on 1 September 1785 at Milton, Staffordshire, England, the son of Matthew Leigh, an engineer; his mother's name is unknown. Samuel initially belonged to the Congregational church, but later joined the Wesleyans.In 1814, Leigh was ordained, but as war seemed imminent in North America he was diverted to Australia. Arriving there in 1815 as the first Wesleyan missionary, he travelled extensively, laying the foundations of Methodism at Sydney, Castlereagh, Windsor, Liverpool and Richmond. While in England, he married Catherine Clowes at Hanley, Staffordshire, on 14 December 1820. The couple sailed for Sydney, and from there to the Bay of Islands. Arriving on 22 January 1822, they were given hospitality by William and Dinah Hall of the CMS, and lived with them for 16 months. After the arrival of William White in May 1823, he and Leigh established the Wesleydale mission at Kaeo, near Whangaroa Harbour.He left Kaeo on 19 August 1823 .Catherine Leigh died in May that year, and Leigh returned to England,& devoting himself to circuit ministry. On 16 August 1842 at Gillingham, Dorset, he married Elizabeth Kaye, a widow; they adopted two children. Leigh retired to Reading in 1845, where he died on 2 May 1852 from the results of a stroke suffered while advocating the missionary cause. " Samuel " never had good health all his life and suffered many illnesses.
From all accounts his life was wrapped up in Missionary work , where ever he went and he shifted around quite a bit . I think that is why he is not well known as a missionary in the early days of Northland .
Till we meet again - Regards - edmondsallan